Kannappa Movie Review: A Devotional Drama with a Stirring Climax, but Uneven Narrative

The much-anticipated mythological drama Kannappa, inspired by the legend of the Sri Kalahasti temple, has finally hit theatres. Starring Manchu Vishnu in the lead, the film attempts to blend spirituality, transformation, and cinematic grandeur — with mixed results.

Rating: 2.5/5

Storyline

Kannappa follows the journey of Thinnadu, a tribal youth and staunch atheist. Raised away from religious customs, his worldview is challenged after falling in love with a village girl (played by Preity Mukhundhan). As Thinnadu battles inner turmoil and societal expectations, he embarks on a transformative spiritual path, eventually becoming a devoted follower of Lord Shiva.

Performance & Analysis

The soul of Kannappa lies in its emotionally charged final 40 minutes, where the film finally finds its spiritual footing. The climax delivers a powerful emotional punch that is likely to resonate with a wide audience.

Prabhas plays Rudra, a mentor-like figure, bringing quiet strength and charisma to his limited screen time. Mohanlal appears in a striking cameo as Kiraata, while Mohan Babu and Sarath Kumar lend credibility to their respective roles as Mahadeva Sastry and Kannappa’s father. Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal, as Lord Shiva and Parvati, are visually well-cast.

However, the film falters in its first half, which feels stretched and lacks narrative momentum. The writing is shallow in places, with weak dialogues and a lack of emotional depth. Songs, while visually appealing, often feel out of place in a devotional setting.

Preity Mukhundhan fits her role well, and Manchu Vishnu, despite a few rough edges, shows sincerity in both his performance and production duties. His son plays young Thinnadu, though the dubbing (with a noticeable English accent) is a glaring issue.

Technical Aspects

The film’s VFX, particularly in the climax, is commendable and enhances the mythological elements. Shot against the scenic backdrops of New Zealand, the natural visuals offer a refreshing alternative to set-heavy productions. The production values are decent and suit the devotional tone of the film.

Highlights

• Manchu Vishnu’s dual effort as actor and producer
• Strong climax and emotional pre-climax
• Devotional soundtrack dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Notable appearances by Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Mohan Babu

Drawbacks

• A weak and filler-driven first half
• Poorly written dialogues
• Lack of narrative consistency
• Dubbing issues in young Thinnadu’s portrayal

Verdict

Kannappa is a film of two halves: the first half disappoints, but the second half redeems it to an extent with spiritual weight and emotional payoff. The star power of Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Mohan Babu adds some shine, but inconsistent writing holds the film back.

Worth a watch for its message and performances, but best approached with tempered expectations