Story & Synopsis
- Kannappa follows the journey of Thinnadu (Vishnu Manchu), a tribal hunter who stumbles upon a silent Shiva lingam. From defiance to devotion, his transformation into a true devotee forms the heart of the story.
- With no ritual knowledge, Thinnadu’s pure, instinctive worship leads to an ultimate test by Lord Shiva (Akshay Kumar), culminating in a powerful act of sacrifice—earning divine recognition.
Highlights 👍
- Vishnu Manchu shines in a sincere, emotionally charged performance—especially a single‑take monologue that reveals his depth and commitment.
- Prabhas as Rudra delivers a scene‑stealing entry in the second half, blending humour, wisdom, and spiritual insight that elevates the film.
- Supporting Cast – Mohan Babu offers a sturdy presence, Mohanlal leaves an impact despite limited screentime, and Kajal Aggarwal and Akshay Kumar make their appearances count.
- Technical Excellence – Mukesh Kumar Singh’s direction is earnest; Sheldon Chau’s cinematography beautifully captures the lush forest and devotional ambience.
Drawbacks 👎
- Pacing Issues: The first half drags and takes time to build momentum.
- Underexplored Relationships: Thinnadu’s bonds with his father and wife lack emotional exploration.
- Underutilized Characters: Some supporting roles and cameos (e.g., Madhubala, Brahmanandam) feel superficial.
- VFX Limitations & Song Placement: Visual effects don’t fully match the epic scale. A couple of romantic tracks disrupt the devotional flow.
Final Verdict
A 3/5 devotional drama that succeeds through emotional sincerity and strong performances by Vishnu Manchu and Prabhas. A meaningful watch for family audiences, though a sharper screenplay and deeper character arcs could’ve made it memorable.