"A Divine Spectacle": Early Buzz Hails 'Kannappa' as Prabhas' Presence Shines and Shiva Devotees Prepare for Tears

The wait is finally over! Vishnu Manchu's ambitious mythological saga, Kannappa, has premiered, and early reactions are flooding in, painting a picture of a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. With a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, and a highly anticipated extended cameo from Prabhas, Kannappa has ignited conversations, particularly among devotees of Lord Shiva, promising a deeply moving cinematic experience.

The journey to the big screen for Kannappa has been anything but smooth. Plagued by controversies leading up to its release, the filmmakers navigated a challenging path with the censor board. Unlike many mythological dramas, Kannappa was granted a U/A 13+ certificate, necessitating significant edits due to what the censor board deemed "objectionable words and scenes." An 11-member revision committee meticulously reviewed the film, recommending the removal or modification of approximately 13 scenes and several dialogues. Words like "Pilaka," "Gilaka," "Chavata," and "Neecha Jati" were replaced with more suitable alternatives, reflecting the board's assessment that the film leaned more towards violence than devotion.

To preempt further contention, a clear disclaimer now appears at the film's outset. It states that the story is a cinematic adaptation based on Dhurjati's Srikalahasti Mahatyam and the Basava Puranam, acknowledging that creative liberties have been taken. Additionally, a disclaimer confirming permission from the chief priest of Srikalahasti is also shown, further underscoring the team's efforts to respect religious sentiments.

In a proactive move to combat potential online negativity, the Kannappa team issued a strong public caution notice via their official X (formerly Twitter) account. "Our film Kannappa releases globally on June 27, 2025, with full lawful clearances. Misuse, distortion, or defamatory acts against the film or its stakeholders will be legally challenged," the statement read. It urged audiences to watch the film with an open mind, appreciating its substance and intent before forming opinions, rather than succumbing to "premeditated biases or vendetta-fuelled commentary."

Audience Reactions Pour In: A Mixed Bag with Powerful Highs

Initial audience responses are a compelling mix, highlighting both triumphs and areas for improvement.

One enthusiastic fan lauded the film, stating, "'Kannappa' is a good film. The slow pace and modest production values are its weak points, but the last 40 minutes featuring Vishnu Manchu's memorable performance, along with Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva, and Prabhas as Rudra, make it worth watching."

The performances, in particular, are garnering significant praise. Another fan on X raved, "#VishnuManchu was born to play Kanappa. His performance is top-notch - he pours his soul into both the action and emotional scenes, and it shows on the big screen. His acting in the last 15 minutes could define his career, the audience will shower immense love on this role. #AkshayKumar embodies Lord Shiva with sheer perfection, radiating divine aura and purity that leaves a lasting impact. #KajalAggarwal as Maa Parvati is graceful and emotionally resonant, while #MohanBabu delivers a superlative performance."

Renowned trade analyst Sumit Kadel shared his personal experience, writing, "Just watched #Kanappa, and I still can’t shake off the last 30 minutes from my mind. The only time I’ve felt something this intense was during the climax of #Kantara. Audiences - especially devotees of Lord Shiva will be left in tears. The climax is spine-chilling, emotionally overpowering and goosebumps inducing." Kadel, however, noted the film's length and a slower first half, but emphasized that "the interval block, terrific #Mohanlal’s sequence, #Prabhas Fantastic cameo, and above all, the climax, take the film to another level altogether."

Prabhas himself took to Instagram stories to share his excitement, proclaiming, "#Kannappa arrives on the big screen. The epic tale of a man who gave more than his life, He gave his vision and his soul. Kannappa is now playing - witness divine surrender." This post fueled the anticipation among his massive fan base, with visuals of his cutouts at theaters like Sandhya 70MM in Hyderabad quickly going viral.

An early review from @Telugu_Cult on X called the film an "eye feast," highlighting the "Star Cast Eye Feast With Good VFX - 3/5." They specifically praised Vishnu Manchu's career-best performance, and called "#Prabhas Is the bigggestt asset of the film and as Rudra is pure Goosebumps."

Vishnu Manchu, clearly overwhelmed by the initial reception, expressed his gratitude on X: "This moment… I’ve waited for it my entire life. Hearing the overwhelming love pouring in from overseas premieres and early morning shows in India fills my heart with gratitude. #Kannappa is no longer just my film—it’s yours now. #HarHarMahadev."

Adding to the pre-release buzz, Vishnu Manchu embarked on a spiritual journey, visiting all twelve Jyotirlingas as part of the film's promotions. He shared heartfelt updates on social media, concluding his pilgrimage at the Sri Sailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. "My heart is full. My soul feels blessed. Life right now is filled with nothing but positivity, gratitude, and peace," he wrote, reflecting the devotion central to the film's theme.

As Kannappa continues its run in theaters, the conversations surrounding its powerful performances, breathtaking climax, and the enduring tale of devotion are only set to grow.