
The much-anticipated Telugu epic Kannappa, released on June 27, 2025, arrived with towering expectations. With its ₹200 crore budget, an emotional mythological premise, and a cast that includes Vishnu Manchu, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, and Prabhas, the film was expected to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. But within a week of release, it’s clear that Kannappa is struggling—both critically and commercially.
Plot Overview
At its core, Kannappa is about Thinnadu, a tribal hunter from the Chenchu tribe, who begins life as an atheist, shaped by childhood trauma involving brutal religious practices. One day, he discovers a Shiva lingam in the forest. With no formal knowledge of prayer, he offers what he can—raw meat, water from his mouth, and his unwavering faith.
His sincerity culminates in a powerful act of devotion: when the lingam begins to bleed, Thinnadu sacrifices one of his eyes to stop it—and readies the second before Lord Shiva appears, halting him and granting liberation. It’s a story rooted deeply in South Indian Shaivism, particularly associated with the Srikalahasteeswara Temple.
🎥 Performances & Direction: A Mixed Bag
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and written by Vishnu Manchu, Kannappa tries to strike a balance between mythological grandeur and emotional storytelling.
- Vishnu Manchu gives a sincere performance, especially in the final act, which is emotionally resonant.
- Akshay Kumar, as Lord Shiva, adds gravitas in a short but impactful appearance.
- Prabhas and Mohanlal, who appear in extended cameos, lend the film star power but are underutilized.
The film’s cinematography (by Sheldon Chau) captures the forest settings beautifully, and Stephen Devassy’s music does its best to elevate key moments. However, visual effects are uneven, and editing often drags the pace down.
📉 Box Office Report: High Hopes, Harsh Reality
Despite its mythological appeal and star-studded cast, Kannappa has turned into one of 2025’s biggest commercial flops.
📊 India Net Collections (All Languages)
Day | Collection (₹ Cr) |
---|---|
Day 1 (Fri) | 9.35 |
Day 2 (Sat) | 7.15 |
Day 3 (Sun) | 6.90 |
Day 4 (Mon) | 2.30 |
Day 5 (Tue) | 1.66–1.75 |
Day 6 (Wed) | 0.07 (est.) |
- Total India Net (Day 1–5): ₹27.36–₹27.45 crore
- Worldwide Gross (Day 1–5): ₹36.58 crore
- Recovery: Just 13.68% of the reported ₹200 crore budget
- Box Office Status: Disaster
🔟 2025 Tollywood Ranking (India Net)
Rank | Film | India Net (₹ Cr) |
---|---|---|
9 | Kannappa | 27.36 |
While it managed to enter the Top 10 Telugu films of 2025 (so far), that’s cold comfort for a film that needed at least ₹150 crore to break even.
❌ Why Did Kannappa Fail?
1. Steep Drop in Collections
After a decent opening (₹9.35 crore), the film crashed—losing more than 73% by Monday. By Day 6, it had almost no traction left.
2. Mixed-to-Negative Reviews
Critics called it a missed opportunity. While the climax was praised, much of the film suffered from slow pacing, inconsistent storytelling, and weak visual effects.
3. Negative Buzz from YouTube Reviewers
Many YouTube reviewers said Kannappa felt like watching two different movies—an underwhelming first half and a powerful climax. This inconsistent tone led to poor word-of-mouth, especially among younger audiences.
4. Limited Appeal Beyond Telugu States
Kannappa failed to connect with non-Telugu audiences. Hindi and Tamil versions barely made a dent, hurting its pan-India hopes.
5. Piracy and Online Leaks
The film was reportedly leaked on piracy sites shortly after release, which further hurt ticket sales.
🎭 Audience Response: Patience Tested
Viewers praised the final 30 minutes, where emotion finally hits home. But many found the earlier portions dull, dragging, and lacking the spark expected from such a big-budget mythological drama. In simple terms: the heart was in the right place, but the execution fell flat.
🕉️ Cultural Value vs. Commercial Viability
It’s important to note that Kannappa does shine a light on an ancient legend rarely seen on the big screen. The story of Kannappa Nayanar is spiritually significant, and the film’s intent to celebrate unorthodox devotion is admirable.
However, intent alone isn’t enough. In today’s competitive film market, even devotional epics need sharp storytelling and strong execution to stay afloat.
✍️ Final Verdict
Kannappa (2025) is a visually grand, emotionally sincere film that ultimately fails to connect with audiences on a wider scale. It’s a reminder that mythology needs more than reverence—it needs strong cinema.
🎬 Rating: 2.0/5
💔 Box Office Verdict: Disaster
📣 Recommended for: Those who wants to timepass with friends by watching a movie can give this movie a try.
The tickets for this movie is available on BookmyShow and District.
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The box office collection data of the movie is taken from various sources available on internet.