Kannappa, the much-hyped Telugu mythological fantasy film, has already been buzzing with its star cast and larger-than-life script. Labeled by director Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by veteran actor Mohan Babu, this pan-Indian spectacle has Vishnu Manchu essaying the lead role of the iconic devotee of Lord Shiva, Kannappa. Even as the movie has a galaxy of stars such as Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Kajal Aggarwal in special appearances, the one surprise name missing from the list is that of the legendary Thalaivar — Rajinikanth.
While responding to a recent wisecrack that left everyone from fans to industry professionals in a state of awe, Vishnu Manchu explained why Rajinikanth was ultimately not in Kannappa, despite initial talks. The actor-turned-producer candidly divulged,
“Despite Kannappa already having a star cast, we still wanted Rajinikanth garu to play a prominent role. But after discussing with the writers, we understood the role did not possess depth and was not suitable for the story. So, we gave up on that idea.”
This is a statement of gung-ho integrity for a creative project. In an era in which the emphasis is on star power overpowering story, Kannappa’s team made a bold choice to prioritize narrative coherence over box office sensation — even at the expense of characterising a return from one of Indian cinema’s greatest stars.
A Glimpse into Kannappa’s Vision
The film, based on the mythological legend of Bhakta Kannappa — a tribal huntsman who offers his own eyes to Lord Shiva in unadulterated devotion — is one of the most poignant and inspiring stories of Hindu mythology. Vishnu Manchu is the hero, and the film has been close to his heart for years now. The script requires fine balance between spiritual awe, emotional storytelling, and big-screen spectacle.
The fact that pan-India stars like Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Bollywood’s Khiladi Akshay Kumar (making his Telugu film debut) are already making waves is a given. That some such A-listers are jumping on board with guest appearances for free without any remuneration is a big boost. Vishnu Manchu confirmed this with some pride, calling their move an act of love and faith in the narrative.
Principal shooting began in the picturesque locations of New Zealand in September 2023, giving a mythological and ethereal background to the movie. The fact that it was filmed abroad also says volumes about the size and scope of the project.
Why Rajinikanth Was Almost Part of the Film
Word of mouth early on for the film suggested that Rajinikanth might have an important role. Given his stature and the fact that he is closely related to the Telugu population, this was quite natural. Vishnu Manchu and the producers were also said to be keen on him for a role which would add more depth to the spiritual and emotional arc of the film.
But storytelling was prioritized. After a few rounds of talks with the writers, it was realized that the chosen character for Rajinikanth was not living up to the emotional or spiritual level of the film. Rather than coercing a legend into a place that wasn’t helpful to his grandeur, the makers chose to drop the plan in good spirit.
This choice, as much as it will annoy fans who would have loved having Rajinikanth in a mythological setting once more, is proof that Kannappa is something greater than a star parade. It’s a commercial film driven by a genuine love for its subject matter.
Balancing Devotion and Commercial Cinema
Fantasy mythological films are usually staking thin lines — maintaining devotional awe while keeping cinematic worth in mind. Kannappa is apparently navigating this tightrope carefully. The music by the highly talented Stephen Devassy, who is famous for merging spirituality and classical, will probably make the emotional essence of the movie fly.
The cast support has some big guns from the veteran lot — Mohan Babu, Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, and Madhoo — each of whom adds their seniority and weightage to the screen. This solid cast support ensures that even most intense scenes are made believable by strong performance.
Vishnu Manchu’s Dream Project Takes Shape
Vishnu Manchu has long cherished the dream to make Kannappa a screen reality. With the help of his father Mohan Babu’s production skills, and with the blessings of top stars from every industry, the film is becoming a generation-defining product of the Telugu film industry.
The absence of Rajinikanth may look like a missed opportunity on paper but is actually a display of a very rare artistic integrity in Indian cinema. The producers didn’t bend the story for a name. Instead, they let the story take its own course.
In a field that is usually ruled by hype and heroism, Kannappa is a movie inspired by devotion — devotion not only to Lord Shiva, but to storytelling itself.
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Conclusion
As the release date approaches, expectations are running high. With a gripping story, first-rate cast, breathtaking visuals, and divine guidance to boot, Kannappa can well be the new benchmark for devotion-based fantasy movies. And although Rajinikanth will not be part of the ride, his name will be mentioned through the decisions taken behind it.
Wait and see, for Kannappa promises not just a film, but a spiritual and cinematic journey.
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