Bollywood Star Akshay Kumar joins Manchu Vishnu’s Kannappa to take it to another level

Actor-writer Vishnu Manchu is embarking on an ambitious journey with the grand-scale Indian epic “Kannappa.” The narrative delves into the folklore of Kannappa, an erstwhile atheist hunter who metamorphosed into a devout follower of the Hindu deity Shiva, demonstrating his unwavering faith by offering his own eyes. This legendary tale has been previously depicted in various cinematic renditions, such as “Bedara Kannappa” and “Kalahasti Mahatyam” in Kannada and Telugu respectively (1954), “Shiv Bhakta” in Hindi (1955), and “Bhakta Kannappa” in Telugu (1976), among others.

Manchu Vishnu is sparing no effort to ensure that “Kannappa” receives the cinematic treatment it deserves. With a constellation of stars including Mohan Babu, Mohanlal, Shivarajkumar, and Prabhas portraying pivotal characters, the film promises a spectacle of performances. Recent reports even suggest that Bollywood luminary Akshay Kumar has been enlisted for a significant role, further elevating the project’s stature.

As production progresses, Akshay Kumar is poised to join the ensemble, lending his charisma to the film’s tapestry. Manchu himself assumes the titular role in this contemporary retelling, which he has penned, while the directorial reins are helmed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, renowned for his adaptations of Indian epics for television.

The production has traversed picturesque locales in New Zealand, including Auckland, Rotorua, Glenorchy, Wanaka, Pukaki, and Christchurch, meticulously selected to evoke the ambiance of a bygone era. This choice stems from Manchu’s quest for authenticity, having explored several global destinations before settling on New Zealand’s pristine landscapes.

“Kannappa,” a collaborative venture between 24 Frames Factory and AVA Entertainment, is slated for a global release in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, in the third quarter of 2024. The creative ensemble behind the screenplay, featuring luminaries such as Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, Eshwar Reddy, Nageshwar Reddy, and Thota Prasad, promises a narrative tapestry rich in depth and emotion. Complementing the storytelling is a musical score by Stephen Devassy and Mani Sharma, poised to enrapture audiences and immerse them in the saga of Kannappa.