Kannappa, produced by AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory, was released in theatres today. Let’s find out how the movie is.
Story:
Thinnadu, who is traditionally considered to have lived sometime in the 2nd century, is a hunter from the Chenchu tribe. An atheist, he was skilled in archery. His tribe locks horns with an invasive tribe somewhere near today’s Sri Kalahasti in Andhra Pradesh. A series of mysterious incidents bring Thinnadu and his devout wife Nemali close to Lord Shiva. Rudra (Prabhas), a celestial being, has a role in catalyzing his transcendental transformation.
Analysis:
Writer Vishnu Manchu relies on sources like the Kalahastisvara Satakamu by Dhurjati and the Basava Puranam in writing the story. At the outset, a disclaimer in producer Mohan Babu’s voice says that liberties were taken with the noble intention of bringing the tale of Bhakta Kannappa to a new generation of audiences. Mohan Babu’s Mahadeva Sastry turns out to be one of the most important characters in the movie with a solid place in the final portions.
Director Mukesh Kumar Singh narrates with earnestness. The first half has elements inspired by the commercial cinema formula. On the other hand, the second half heightens the devotional emotion. Prabhas’ Rudra is a fabulously orchestrated entry. His screentime is justified by the mystical dialogues he gets to mouth in the presence of three important characters.
Mohanlal has an interesting cameo set in a separate Yuga. Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva shows grace; the film opens with his character having a discussion about destiny with his consort (Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati).
Preity Mukhundhan, who plays the titular character’s wife, has many scenes, including two songs. She is likely to go a long way in the Telugu film industry. Madhoo (aka Madhubala) is seen as a matriarch warrior who gets a strong female role.
Mohan Babu (as Mahadeva Shasthri) is superb in the climax. R Sarathkumar (as Nathanathudu) plays Thinnadu’s concerned dad. Arpit Ranka (as Kala Mukha) is a negative character. Brahmanandam (as Pilaka), Brahmaji (as Gavvaraju), Siva Balaji (as Kumaradeva Shastri), Kaushal Manda (as Maali), Devaraj (as Mundadu), Mukesh Rishi (as Kampadu), and Avram Baktha Manchu as Young Thinnadu have cameo performances.
Sheldon Chau’s cinematography is decent. The film was shot on a set in New Zealand. The set covered a sprawl of thousands of acres. Stephen Devassy‘s musical composition doesn’t follow the trodden path. He tries to elevate some scenes with his contemporary BGM. Shiva Shiva Shankara, Om Namah Shivaya and Sri-Kala-Hasti (the narrative song features Vishnu’s twin daughters) are well-composed songs.
Highlights:
1. Prabhas’ portions in the second half.
2. The climax scenes are enlivened by Vishnu’s excellent acting.
3. The noble goal behind making the movie as a high-stakes devotional drama.
4. The film sets a new benchmark in the genre.
Manchu Vishnu deserves a pat for his dogged determination in bringing to life this rare tale. In today’s generation, ultra-violent action movies have come to define the pan-Indian cinema. Even when they make mythological dramas, they try to mount them on a gargantuan scale. Vishnu, instead of going for an epic-based mythological movie for the sake of lavishness, chose a devotee’s tale. And he got it executed on a mammoth scale. That alone is a win for him and his filmography.
Verdict:
Kannappa is a sincere and ambitious devotional drama that successfully brings the revered tale of Bhakta Kannappa to the big screen for a new generation. While the first half leans into commercial tropes, the second half excels in its emotional depth, culminating in an impactful climax. Vishnu Manchu’s dedication to this unique story, combined with notable cameos from Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Akshay Kumar, and strong performances from the supporting cast, makes this film a benchmark in the devotional genre.
