"Kannappa," the mythological devotional film directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and starring Vishnu Manchu in the titular role, has finally arrived in theaters on June 27, 2025. The film, a passion project for Vishnu Manchu, who also penned the screenplay, boasts a star-studded cast including Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, and cameos by Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal. The film is based on the legend of Kannappa, a tribal hunter named Thinnadu from the Chenchu tribe in Andhra Pradesh, who transforms from an atheist into a devoted follower of Lord Shiva.

The story follows Thinnadu (Vishnu Manchu), a fierce tribal hunter who initially rejects the concept of divinity. His life takes a turn when he discovers a Shiva lingam in the forest. Unfamiliar with traditional rituals, Thinnadu worships the lingam in his unique way, offering water from his mouth and meat from his hunts. His devotion is tested when he selflessly sacrifices his eyes to stop the bleeding of the Shiva Lingam, proving his ultimate dedication.

While some reviews praise Vishnu Manchu's performance as his career-best, particularly during the emotional climax, others find the first half of the film slow-paced. Some critics pointed out uneven VFX and pacing issues in the initial segments, but the second half's emotional depth and strong performances have garnered widespread acclaim. Some viewers felt that the core plot gains momentum only after the interval, with key emotional elements, such as Thinnadu's relationships with his father and wife, being underexplored.

Prabhas' cameo as Rudra is a significant highlight, with many noting that his entry elevates the film. His scenes with Vishnu Manchu and Mohan Babu add depth to the spiritual narrative. Akshay Kumar's portrayal of Lord Shiva and Mohanlal's role as Kirata, though brief, have also been appreciated. Kajal Aggarwal appears as Goddess Parvati. Mohan Babu plays Mahadeva Shasthri, while R. Sarathkumar portrays Nathanathudu.

Technically, the film has received mixed reviews. Some praise Sheldon Chau's cinematography and Stephen Devassy's music, particularly the background score. However, others feel that the VFX does not always match the scale of the story. The editing, handled by Anthony Gonsalvez, has been described as clean, though some suggest that trimming the first half could have improved the film's rhythm.

Despite these drawbacks, many viewers have found the climax to be emotionally overpowering and spine-chilling, praising the film's devotional intensity. Some have noted that the last 40 minutes, featuring Vishnu Manchu, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, and Prabhas, make the film worth watching.

"Kannappa" was made on a budget of approximately ₹200 crore. As of June 27, 2025, early box office predictions suggest that the film earned around ₹12-13 crore on its opening day, falling short of Nani's "HIT 3".