Gayatri S
The mythological genre in Indian cinema has always held a special place in the hearts of audiences, and Vishnu Manchu‘s Kannappa is the latest entrant aiming to leave a divine mark. Released on June 27, 2025, this pan-Indian epic is already making waves with its staggering advance bookings, which have surpassed ₹4.5 crore across India. With a star-studded cast, high production values, and a story rooted in devotion and sacrifice, Kannappa is poised to deliver one of the biggest openings of the year.
A Mythological Tale Reimagined for the Big Screen
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by veteran actor Mohan Babu, Kannappa is inspired by the legendary tale of a tribal hunter who becomes a devout follower of Lord Shiva. The film reimagines this spiritual journey with cinematic grandeur, blending action, emotion, and mythology into a visual spectacle.
Vishnu Manchu, who also penned the screenplay, steps into the titular role with conviction. The film’s narrative explores Kannappa’s transformation from a rugged hunter to a selfless devotee, culminating in the iconic act of offering his eyes to Lord Shiva—a moment that promises to be both heart-wrenching and awe-inspiring on screen.
Star Power That Transcends Industries
One of Kannappa‘s biggest draws is its ensemble cast, which includes cameo appearances by Indian cinema heavyweights like Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal. This strategic casting has amplified the film’s pan-India appeal, attracting audiences from Tollywood, Bollywood, and Mollywood alike.
Supporting roles are played by industry veterans such as R. Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, Brahmaji, and Preity Mukhundhan, adding further depth and diversity to the film’s character lineup.
Advance Bookings Cross ₹4.5 Crore: A Promising Start
According to industry tracker CineDisco, Kannappa recorded ₹4.53 crore in advance bookings across India by Thursday evening. Hyderabad alone contributed over ₹1.05 crore, with occupancy rates nearing 37%1. These numbers are especially impressive considering the film’s simultaneous release in six languages—Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and English.
Trade analysts predict a global Day 1 gross of approximately ₹13 crore, with some optimistic estimates placing the Indian net collection between ₹17–20 crore2. If these projections hold, Kannappa could surpass Nani‘s HIT 3 and secure the fourth-biggest Tollywood opening of 2025.
High Stakes and High Expectations
With a reported budget of ₹200 crore, Kannappa is one of the most expensive Telugu films in recent memory. The film’s success hinges not only on its opening day performance but also on sustained interest from family audiences and regional strongholds.
The overseas market, where the film had premiere shows on June 26, is expected to contribute significantly to the global tally. However, much will depend on how the film performs in multiplexes and Tier-2 city theaters throughout the weekend.
Technical Brilliance and Visual Grandeur
Shot primarily in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, Kannappa boasts top-tier production values. Cinematographer Sheldon Chau captures the natural beauty and mythological scale with finesse, while editor Anthony Gonsalvez ensures a tight narrative flow. The film’s music, composed by Stephen Devassy, blends traditional instrumentation with modern orchestration, enhancing the emotional and spiritual undertones.
The use of Dolby Atmos sound mixing and post-production at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad further elevates the cinematic experience.
Social Media Buzz and Audience Sentiment
While the trailer received mixed reactions for its familiar “Baahubali-style” presentation, the film has gained traction through aggressive promotional campaigns and interviews. The presence of Prabhas and Akshay Kumar in promotional material has particularly resonated with fans, boosting anticipation.
On social media, hashtags like #KannappaStorm and #VishnuManchu are trending, with fans sharing their excitement and early reviews from premiere shows.
Final Word: Will Devotion Translate to Box Office Dividends?
Kannappa is more than just a film—it’s a cultural event that taps into India’s rich mythological heritage while embracing modern cinematic techniques. With advance bookings already breaking records and a strong opening day forecast, the film is well-positioned to make a lasting impact.
Whether it can sustain this momentum and recover its massive budget remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa has arrived with divine intent—and the box office is listening.
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