Kannappa is one of the most awaited films in Telugu as it has been a dream project for Vishnu Manchu in his entire life. The film has been made on a massive scale and has hit the screens today. Let’s see if the film lives up to all the hype created or not.
Story
Kannappa follows the incredible journey of Tinnadu (played by Manchu Vishnu), a firm non-believer who gradually evolves into a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. The film explores the life-changing moments and spiritual revelations that lead him from skepticism to unwavering faith. Guided by Shiva’s divine will and mysterious ways, Tinnadu transforms into Kannappa, a symbol of ultimate devotion and surrender.
What about on-screen performances?
Vishnu Manchu has given a memorable performance in Kannappa. All his efforts are visible on screen. Be it the action episodes or the way he emotes in the climax, Vishnu Manchu goes all out, and it is undoubtedly his best performance to date.
Mohanlal appears in just a small scene, and he is okay. Akshay Kumar plays lord Shiva in the film, and he brings a divine touch to the film with his screen presence.
Mohan Babu does not get much of a screen presence, but he makes the most of it in the climax of the film. His scenes with Prabhas are good.
Sarath Kumar is good as Vishnu’s father. Brahmaji and Brahmanandam are okay in their roles. Priety Mukundan plays the female lead, and She has a very important role and does quite well in the film.
Lastly, Prabhas shines in the role of Rudra. Though he comes late into the film, the moment he comes on screen, the theatre erupts and makes things interesting.
What about off-screen performances?
Vishnu Manchu has penned the script, and Mukesh Kumar Singh has directed the project, and he has done a decent job with the film.
The film starts on a very interesting note, but it slows down after a while due to unnecessary padded scenes. So, the first half feels a bit of a lag.
The production values of the film are decent, but the VFX could have been better.
The background score of the film is pretty decent and elevates the key aspects in the film. However, the CG is not up to the mark.
The camerawork is decent, but it could have been better in the second half, especially in the Prabhas-related scenes. The rest is decent.
One of the biggest highlights of the film is the emotional climax, which has been designed quite well. Vishnu’s performance in the film is pretty good.
Kannappa is more of an action drama in the first half, and then it becomes a devotee kind of film. This aspect is handled well in the second half.
The film needs to be trimmed by at least for close to 20 minutes, which will make things quite better for the audience.
The first half is slow and has few boring romantic scenes. If the aspect of devotion had been made interesting in the first half itself, things would have become quite good.
What’s Hot?
- Prabhas
- Vishnu Manchu performance
- Climax
- Production Values
- BGM
What’s Not?
- Slow start
- Dull first half
Verdict:
Overall, Kannappa is a passable fantasy drama that has a great performance by Manchu Vishnu. Though the film starts slow, has dull scenes, the moment Prabhas enters the scene, things change, and the film keeps you hooked till the end.
Telugu Bulletin Rating 2.75/5.