Akshay Kumar’s Grand Telugu Debut as Lord Shiva in Kannappa Promises a Mythological Spectacle, writes Swapnodeep Sen

//Swapnodeep Sen//

Kannappa, the highly anticipated mythological epic, is creating waves across the country as Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar steps into the role of Lord Shiva for the first time in his career. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by veteran actor-producer Mohan Babu under 24 Frames Factory and AVA Entertainment, the film is inspired by the legendary story of Kannappa—the fearless hunter who became one of Lord Shiva’s most ardent devotees. The film features Telugu star Vishnu Manchu in the lead as Kannappa, with a stellar ensemble cast that includes pan-India icons like Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Kajal Aggarwal in significant cameo roles. With a staggering budget of ₹200 crore, Kannappa has already positioned itself as one of the most expensive and grandest mythological productions in Telugu cinema to date.

Shot extensively in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, Kannappa offers a visual treat to the audience, promising unmatched grandeur, rich set designs, and state-of-the-art VFX. The recently released trailer gave fans a sneak peek into the world of devotion, sacrifice, and divine power, but reactions have been mixed. While Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of Lord Shiva attracted immense attention, some viewers questioned the Telugu dubbing and the authenticity of his costume design. Nevertheless, the film’s star-studded lineup and mythological depth have kept excitement levels soaring. Apart from Akshay Kumar’s much-talked-about debut in Telugu cinema, the appearances of Prabhas as Rudra and Mohanlal as Kirata have further fueled expectations of a record-breaking box office run when Kannappa hits theatres worldwide on June 27, 2025.

Despite facing unexpected hurdles such as the reported theft of crucial VFX hard drives during post-production in Hyderabad, the filmmakers have confirmed that the release schedule remains unaffected and the film will reach theatres as planned. Kannappa’s ambitious pan-India release in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and English aims to break language barriers and appeal to audiences across the country. Industry experts believe that Kannappa has the potential to redefine mythological storytelling in modern Indian cinema with its powerful narrative, devotional intensity, and grand cinematic vision. As the countdown to release day begins, fans eagerly await to witness Akshay Kumar’s divine transformation and the untold saga of devotion that promises to leave an everlasting impact on Indian cinema.