Vishnu Manchu is expressing his gratitude towards Prabhas and Mohanlal for their cameo appearances in his upcoming film, Kannappa, particularly because they did not charge him for their roles. Kannappa, a mythological action drama directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, is based on the legend of Kannappa, a devout follower of Lord Shiva. The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on June 27, 2025, as a pan-Indian release in multiple languages.

In a recent interview, Vishnu Manchu shared insights into how he managed to bring together such a star-studded cast, including Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, and Prabhas. He revealed that relationships and trust were key in uniting these actors for cameo roles. According to Manchu, approaching industry heavyweights for cameo roles wasn't difficult due to longstanding relationships and mutual respect. He specifically mentioned that Mohanlal and Prabhas are like family to him and didn't hesitate to be a part of the film.

While Akshay Kumar's inclusion was based on goodwill and admiration for Vishnu's father, veteran actor Mohan Babu, the involvement of Mohanlal and Prabhas was deeply personal. They didn't ask for any fee, but Vishnu Manchu feels it's his responsibility to compensate them after the movie's release and success, acknowledging their time, commitment, and legacy. He emphasized that it's the right thing to do, regardless of their financial needs.

Kannappa features Vishnu Manchu in the title role, portraying the journey of a fearless warrior who transforms into Lord Shiva's ultimate devotee. Akshay Kumar plays Lord Shiva, making his Telugu debut, while Prabhas appears as Rudra, a powerful avatar of Shiva. Mohanlal will be seen as Kirata, with Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati.

The film's trailer offers a glimpse into the visual extravaganza and highlights India's spiritual heritage. It depicts Kannappa's transformation, challenged by divine encounters, into a devout follower.

The film has been in the making for nearly a decade. Principal photography commenced in New Zealand in September 2023, with filming locations including Auckland, Rotorua, and Christchurch. About 80 percent of the film was shot in New Zealand.

Recently, Kannappa faced a controversy when an executive producer filed a complaint about the theft of a hard disk containing the movie's VFX visuals. The makers expressed concern about potential leaks of unreleased footage.