With its massive scope, divine narrative, and ensemble cast of superstars, Kannappa—one of the most anticipated Telugu-language mythological action dramas of 2025—is poised to captivate viewers. The film, which was directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by veteran actor Mohan Babu, tells the mythical tale of Bhakta Kannappa, a tribal hunter whose transformation from an atheist to one of Lord Shiva's most adored followers is recorded in Hindu mythology.
The title character, Kannappa, is played by Vishnu Manchu, who guides the story of the movie with great devotion and emotional change. However, the impressive lineup of top-tier stars making significant cameo appearances is what's really generating the buzz. Let's examine who performs what in this epic.
Rudra, played by Prabhas
Rudra Pasupati Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanar saints renowned for their unshakable devotion to Lord Shiva, is thought to have served as the inspiration for Prabhas' special appearance as Rudra. Prabhas has a personal connection to the story, so his appearance carries emotional weight. His uncle, the late Krishnam Raju, famously portrayed Kannappa in the 1976 cult classic Bhakta Kannappa, directed by Bapu. Prabhas' appearance in Kannappa is all the more significant because of the film's enormous success and the impact it had on the family.
Lord Shiva, played by Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar, who will play Lord Shiva, will lend the movie Bollywood star power. Known for his versatility, Akshay's divine role is anticipated to give the Kannappa mythology more grandeur and gravity. His appearance highlights the movie's appeal to a wide range of Indian audiences and its goal of reaching viewers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Goddess Parvati, played by Kajal Aggarwal
Kajal Aggarwal, who plays Goddess Parvati, shares screen time with Akshay. The actress, who most recently starred with Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna in Sikandar, gives Shiva's divine consort grace and nuance. Her inclusion completes the pair of celestial beings with spiritual significance in Kannappa's devotional arc.
Kirata, played by Mohanlal
Legendary Malayalam actor Mohanlal briefly appears as Kirata, a pivotal figure in the Bhakta Kannappa mythology. Despite being brief, Mohanlal is said to have a significant influence on the protagonist's spiritual development. His participation enhances the movie's pan-South appeal even more.
Kannappa is developing into a cinematic extravaganza with its blend of mythology, passion, visual spectacle, and a strong ensemble. The movie will be available in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada when it opens on June 27, 2025.
Kannappa promises to be a magnificent, unforgettable experience, regardless of whether you enjoy devotional stories or are simply excited to see some of the biggest names in Indian cinema come together on screen.
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