Kannappa (film)

Last updated

Kannappa
Kannappa film poster.jpg
Teaser poster
Directed byMukesh Kumar Singh
Screenplay by Vishnu Manchu
Story by
Produced by Mohan Babu
Starring
CinematographySheldon Chau
Edited by Anthony
Music by
Production
companies
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu [1]
Budget₹100–200 crore [2] [3]

Kannappa is an upcoming Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Mohan Babu. It is based on the legend of Kannappa, a devotee of Hindu god Shiva. The film stars Vishnu Manchu in the titular role. [4] Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Arpit Ranka, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Madhav, Devaraj, Mukesh Rishi, Brahmanandam, [5] Raghu Babu, Preity Mukhundhan and Madhoo play supporting roles, alongside Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar (his Telugu film debut) and Kajal Aggarwal in cameo appearances. [6]

Contents

The film was formally launched on 18 August 2023. Principal photography began on 25 September 2023 in New Zealand. Stephen Devassy composed the original score and songs.

Cast

Cameo appearances

Production

Development

The film, based on the mythological story of Kannappa, a devotee of the god Shiva, took nearly a decade to materialize. In December 2013, actor, screenwriter and director Tanikella Bharani told the media that he was working on the pre-production of a period drama film set in the 14th century, titled Bhaktha Kannappa. He had cast Sunil in the role of Kannappa. [7] In June 2015, actor-producer Vishnu Manchu announced that his production company, 24 Frames Factory, would collaborate with an American company to produce a film titled Kannappa Katha, to be directed by Bharani. [8] Reports indicated that Bharani sold his original screenplay for Bhaktha Kannappa to Vishnu after waiting for several years to convince a producer. Manchu hired writers to work on the film and make necessary changes. [9]

Kannappa was officially launched with a pooja ceremony on 18 August 2023 at Srikalahasteeswara temple in Srikalahasti. Mukesh Kumar Singh was attached as the director, who had earlier directed several mythological television series. The film is being produced by Vishnu's father, Mohan Babu, under 24 Frames Factory and AVA Entertainments. [10] [11] [12] At that time, it was reported that the story was developed by Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, Thota Prasad, Sainath Thotapalli, and Sai Madhav Burra. [13] Additionally, the support of V. Vijayendra Prasad, G. Nageswara Reddy, and G. Eshwar Reddy were also "instrumental in developing a script", according to a public statement made by Vishnu. [14] In the film, Vishnu is credited as the "writer" and the "story development" credits are given to Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, Eshwar Reddy, G. Nageswara Reddy, and Thota Prasad. [15]

Casting

Vishnu Manchu plays the title role of Kannappa, a devote of god Shiva. [16] In July 2019, it was reported that Kajal Aggarwal has been cast in the leading female role. [17] In 2023, after the film's official launch, the makers announced that prominent actors from various film industries would be joining the cast. [18] Nupur Sanon was confirmed in the leading female role, however, she opted out from the film in September 2023 due to scheduling conflicts. [19] In September, Prabhas was confirmed to be playing the role of Shiva in a special appearance. [20] [21] [22] In the same month, Mohanlal was also confirmed in an undisclosed cameo role. [14] In the same month, Nayanthara was in talks to play the role of Parvathi, but the talks did not materialize. [23] Hindi actor Akshay Kumar made his Telugu debut with Kannappa; and appears in a cameo role. [24] [25] [26]

Mohan Babu and R. Sarathkumar also appear in the film. [27] Preity Mukundhan has been officially announced as the female lead by the movie production team marking her second venture in Telugu cinema after Om Bheem Bush . [28]

Filming

Vishnu Manchu went for location scouting in New Zealand in April 2019. [29] Initially, the crew scouted in Ireland, Scotland, Minnesota, Australia, Switzerland, and Canada in a search for the 2nd century worldbuilding, with unpolluted sky and scenic forests. Principal photography began on 25 September 2023 in New Zealand. [30] Filming was temporarily halted in late October after Vishnu sustained an injury while performing a fight sequence, where the blades of a drone made contact with his arm. [31] In New Zealand, the film was shot in various locations across Auckland, Rotorua, Glenorchy, Wānaka, Pukaki, and Christchurch. Reportedly, about 80 percent of the film will be shot in New Zealand. Brahmanandam completed a significant 15-day shoot for 'Kannappa' in New Zealand. [32]

The first schedule of filming completed on 23 December 2023, in New Zealand. [33] [34] The production team made an official announcement on 28 February 28 2024, revealing that the second schedule of filming has commenced in New Zealand. The team then headed to Hyderabad after wrapping up the second schedule. [35] Akshay Kumar arrived in Hyderabad and wrapped up the shoot on 3 May 2024. [24] [25] [26] Subsequently, on 9th May 2024 Prabhas entered the film sets. [36] The last schedule of the film is currently taking place at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad with Prabhas, with this the entire shoot of the film will be wrapped. [37]

At Cannes 2024

At Cannes 2024, following their participation in the premiere of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 , Vishnu Manchu, accompanied by his wife Viranica Manchu and his father Mohan Babu, and Prabhu Deva along with the 'Kannappa' crew unveiled their film's teaser, which received an appreciative round of applause. [38]

Music

Stephen Devassy have composed the original score and songs for the film. [39] Suddala Ashok Teja, Ramajogayya Sastry, and Bhaskarabhatla are the lyricists for the songs of the film.

Release

The film is aiming for a theatrical release in December 2024, [40] and is expected to be dubbed in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and English.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mohan Babu</span> Indian actor

Manchu Bhakthavatsalam Naidu, credited and also known as Mohan Babu, is an Indian actor and film producer known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema. An alumnus of the Madras Film Institute, Mohan Babu has acted in more than 500 films in lead, supporting and a variety of roles.

<i>Political Rowdy</i> 2005 Indian film

Political Rowdy is a 2005 Indian Telugu-language film directed by Adi Narayana. The film stars Mohan Babu, Charmme Kaur, Prakash Raj, and Abbas. Mohan Babu, apart from starring in a lead role, also produced the film. The film is a remake of the Tamil movie Adi Thadi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kajal Aggarwal</span> Indian actress (born 1985)

Kajal A Kitchlu, known professionally as Kajal Aggarwal, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu and Tamil films, as well as some Hindi films. She is a recipient of three South Indian International Movie Awards along with four Filmfare Awards South nominations. Aggarwal is considered as one of the highest paid actresses in South Indian cinema, according to various media reports.

<i>Krishnarjuna</i> 2008 film directed by P. Vasu

Krishnarjuna is a 2008 Indian fantasy comedy film produced by M.Mohan Babu on his Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner and directed by P. Vasu, starring Nagarjuna Akkineni, Manchu Vishnu, and Mamta Mohandas. The music was composed by M. M. Keeravani. In the film, when Baba, an astrologer claims that Satya's first husband will be killed, her brother, Pedababu, plans to get her married to the ill-treated orphan, Arjun. However, Lord Krishna comes to Arjun's assistance and rescue. The film was loosely based on Bruce Almighty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vishnu Manchu</span> Indian actor (born 1981)

Manchu Vishnu Vardhan Babu is an Indian actor and film producer known for his works in Telugu cinema and television. Manchu had a brief stint as a child artist with the 1985 film Ragile Gundelu. Years later, he starred in the 2003 Telugu action film Vishnu, for which he won the Filmfare Best Male Debut. He is currently serving as the president of the Movie Artists Association since 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kannappa</span> Indian saint

Kannappa is a legendary figure in Tamil and Telugu Hindu folklore, widely celebrated for his devotion to the Hindu god Shiva. His story is closely connected with the Srikalahasteeswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh. Kannappa, originally a hunter, became renowned for offering his eyes to a Siva Lingam as an act of ultimate devotion. Before he could sacrifice both eyes, Shiva appeared and stopped him.

<i>Saleem</i> (film) 2009 Indian film

Saleem is a 2009 Indian Telugu-language romantic action thriller film directed by YVS Chowdary. The film was released on 10 December 2009. Starring Vishnu Manchu, Ileana D'Cruz and Mohan Babu in the lead roles. This was an utter flop film at box office.

<i>Jhummandi Naadam</i> 2010 Indian film

Jhummandi Naadam is a 2010 Indian Telugu-language musical drama film produced by Lakshmi Manchu and directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. The film stars Manoj Manchu and debutant Taapsee Pannu in the lead roles and Mohan Babu in a supporting role. The film's music is composed by M. M. Keeravani with cinematography by S. Gopal Reddy and editing by Marthand K. Venkatesh. The film released on 1 July 2010

<i>Game</i> (2006 film) 2006 Indian film

Game is a 2006 Telugu-language slice-of-life drama film directed by Ramprasad G. It stars Mohan Babu and Vishnu Manchu in lead roles with Shobana, Parvati Melton, Sumalatha and Giri Babu in supporting roles. The film's background score and soundtrack were composed by music composer, Joshua Sridhar. The soundtrack for the movie was released on 27 July 2006. The movie is based on Hindi movie Taxi No. 9211 (2006), which itself is based on the Hollywood movie Changing Lanes. Game received negative reviews and failed at the box office. The film marked Shobana's return to Telugu films almost after a decade and eventually, this film ended up being her last Telugu film, until the release of Kalki 2898 AD in 2024.

<i>Denikaina Ready</i> 2012 Indian film

Denikaina Ready (transl. Ready for anything) is a 2012 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film directed by G. Nageswara Reddy and produced by Mohan Babu. The film features Vishnu Manchu and Hansika Motwani in the lead roles. The film is a remake of the Malayalam film Udayapuram Sulthan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nagineedu</span> Indian (Telugu) actor

Vellanki Nagineedu is an Indian actor who primarily works in Telugu and Tamil films. He was a general manager at Prasad Labs before S. S. Rajamouli offered him a role in his film Maryada Ramanna. He won Nandi Award for Best Villain for his role.

<i>Pandavulu Pandavulu Tummeda</i> 2014 Indian film

Pandavulu Pandavulu Tummeda is a 2014 Indian Telugu-language comedy drama film directed by Sriwass and featuring an ensemble cast composed of Mohan Babu, Manchu Vishnu, Manchu Manoj, Raveena Tandon, Hansika Motwani, Pranitha Subhash, Varun Sandesh, and Tanish. Manchu Vishnu and Manchu Manoj are jointly producing the film on their respective banners, 24 Frames Factory and Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures. Kona Venkat, Gopimohan and BVS Ravi wrote the film's screenplay with Palani Kumar handling cinematography.

<i>Erra Bus</i> 2014 film

Erra Bus is a 2014 Indian Telugu-language film directed and produced by Dasari Narayana Rao under his banner Tharaka Prabhu Films, it was his final film as director. The film stars Vishnu Manchu and Catherine Tresa. Dasari Narayana Rao plays a crucial role in the movie. Chakri has composed the music for the movie while Anji has taken care of the cinematography. The movie is a remake of N. Ragavan's Tamil film, Manjapai. The principal photography of Erra Bus started on 28 July 2014 in Hyderabad. The audio launch of the movie was held on 31 October 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mohan Babu filmography</span> Indian Telugu Actor

Mohan Babu is an Indian actor and producer who works predominantly in Telugu cinema. He also acted in Tamil cinema.

Vishnu is a 2003 Indian Telugu-language action romance film directed by Shaji Kailas and starring Manchu Vishnu in his debut role and Shilpa Anand. It was produced by Mohan Babu. The screenplay is by Paruchuri Brothers, and the music is composed by Ismail Darbar. The film was released on 3 October 2003.

<i>Gayatri</i> (2018 film) 2018 film by Madan

Gayatri is a 2018 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Madan and written by Diamond Ratna Babu. Produced by Mohan Babu, the film stars himself in a dual role as the hero and villain, along with Nikhila Vimal, Shriya Saran and Anasuya Bharadwaj. Mohan Babu's son Vishnu Manchu plays the younger version of one of his characters. The film also features Brahmanandam, Ali, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Tanikella Bharani and Posani Krishna Murali in supporting roles. The film is an official remake of Bangladeshi movie Aynabaji directed by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury. The music was composed by S. Thaman with cinematography by Sarvesh Murari. The film released on 9 February 2018.

<i>Luckunnodu</i> 2017 Indian film

Luckunnodu is a 2017 Telugu-language action comedy film directed by Raj Kiran. The film stars Vishnu Manchu and Hansika Motwani. It marks the acting debut of producer M. V. V. Satyanarayana as a villain.

<i>Mosagallu</i> 2021 film by Jeffrey Gee Chin

Mosagallu (transl. Deceivers) is a 2021 Indian Telugu-language techno thriller film directed by Jeffrey Gee Chin, and written and produced by Vishnu Manchu under the banner of AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory. The film is based on the true events of a large-scale technical support scam and features an ensemble cast that includes Vishnu Manchu, Kajal Aggarwal, Suniel Shetty, Ruhi Singh, Navdeep, and Naveen Chandra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Movie Artists Association</span> Cinema union in India

The Movie Artists Association (MAA) is a trade union that represents over 900 principal and background performers working in Telugu cinema. It was started on October 4, 1993, by Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Krishnam Raju, Krishna, Murali Mohan, Mohan Babu, and other senior artists. Chiranjeevi was the maiden president of the MAA.

References

  1. "కన్నప్ప మొదలైంది". Eenadu . 19 August 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  2. "Kannappa - Teaser of Vishnu Manchu's magnum opus to be revealed at THIS prestigious event". ottplay.com. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  3. "Tollywood Update: రూ.100 కోట్లతో సినిమా తీస్తున్నాం - మోహన్ బాబు కీలక ప్రకటన". ABP News . 2 June 2023.
  4. "Vishnu Manchu's dream project Kannappa launched, Mohan Babu to produce". ottplay.com.
  5. Features, C. E. (30 September 2024). "Brahmanandam and Sapthagiri's character posters from Kannappa out". Cinema Express. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  6. "Kannappa - Official Telugu Teaser". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  7. "Sunil will do justice in 'Bhaktha Kannappa': Bharani". Business Standard . 16 December 2013. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  8. The Hans India (16 June 2015). "Vishnu Manchu to produce Bharani's Kannappa Katha". The Hans India . Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  9. The Hans India (7 February 2018). "70 Crore For Manchu Vishnu's Kannappa". The Hans India . Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  10. "Vishnu Manchu's dream project Kannappa gets a formal launch". 123telugu.com . 18 August 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  11. Vishnu Manchu - Kannappa Movie : కాళహస్తిలో 'కన్నప్ప'ను ప్రారంభించిన విష్ణు మంచు - హీరోయిన్, దర్శకుడు ఎవరంటే? [Vishnu Manchu – Kannappa Movie: Vishnu Manchu launches 'Kannappa' in Kalahasti – Who is the heroine and director?]. ABP News (in Telugu). 18 August 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  12. Manchu Vishnu - Kannappa: సీరియల్ డైరెక్టర్‌తో తన డ్రీమ్ ప్యాన్ ఇండియా ప్రాజెక్ట్‌ను ప్రకటించిన మంచు విష్ణు.. శ్రీకాళహస్తిలో ప్రారంభం [Manchu Vishnu - Kannappa: Manchu Vishnu announces his dream pan India project with serial director Starting in Srikalahasti.]. Network18 Group (in Telugu). 18 August 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  13. "VISHNU MANCHU ANNOUNCES HIS DREAM PROJEC "KANNAPPA - A TRUE EPIC INDIAN TALE"" (PDF). The Pioneer (India) . 19 August 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  14. 1 2 IANS (30 September 2023). "Vishnu Manchu confirms Mohanlal joining the cast of 'Kannappa'". Indo-Asian News Service . Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  15. Ramachandran, Naman (23 November 2023). "'Lord of the Rings' Vision Revealed by Vishnu Manchu for 'Kannappa,' Featuring Prabhas, Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety . Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  16. "Pics: Manchu Vishnu kicks off & Kannappa with grand pooja ceremony". The Times of India . 20 August 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  17. Times News Network (2 July 2019). "Kajal Aggarwal roped in for Vishnu Manchu's ambitious bilingual project Bhakta Kannappa?". The Times of India . Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  18. "Manchu Vishnu Goes Pan-Indian With 'Kannappa'". Tupaki.com. 18 August 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  19. Prakash, B. V. S. (22 September 2023). "Nupur Sanon walks out of Kannappa". Deccan Chronicle . Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  20. ""Kannappa" Exclusive: Prabha's Powerful Role Unveiled". Asia Times . 10 September 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  21. "Prabhas confirmed to star as Lord Shiva in Vishnu Manchu's film 'Kannappa'". Sakshi . 10 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  22. "Prabhas As Lord Shiva In Vishnus Kannappa". India Herald. 12 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  23. K., Janaki (26 September 2023). "Prabhas, Nayanthara to reunite for Vishnu Manchu's 'Kannappa': Reports". India Today . Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  24. 1 2 "OFFICIAL: After Akshay Kumar, Prabhas joins Kannappa shoot; Vishnu Manchu shares intriguing teaser poster". Pinkvilla . 9 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  25. 1 2 Prakash, BVS (18 August 2023). "Vishnu Manchu Begins His Dream Project Kannappa". Deccan Chronicle . Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  26. 1 2 "Prabhu Deva in Vishnu Manchu's Kannappa sets in New Zealand". Deccan Chronicle . 4 March 2024. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  27. Indo-Asian News Service (9 November 2023). "Sarath Kumar, Mohan Babu come together for 'Kannappa'". DT Next . Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  28. "Preity Mukhundhan joins the cast of Vishnu Manchu's Kannappa". The Times of India . 15 December 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  29. "Vishnu Manchu in New Zealand to scout locations for Kannappa". The Times of India . 20 April 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  30. ETimes.in (26 September 2023). "Manchu Vishnu's 'Kannappa' commences in New Zealand with a 600-member crew; Prabhas and Nayanthara expected to star in the film". The Times of India . Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  31. "Manchu Vishnu injured on the sets of Kannappa in New Zealand". Deccan Chronicle . 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  32. "Brahmanandam wraps up key 15-day schedule of 'Kannappa' in New Zealand". The Times of India . 2 December 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  33. "'Kannappa' Starring Vishnu Manchu, Mohan Babu Wraps Up 1st Schedule In New Zealand". Outlookindia. 24 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  34. "First schedule shooting of Vishnu Manchu's 'Kannappa' wrapped up in New Zealand". The Times of India . 24 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  35. "Second schedule of Vishnu Manchu's 'Kannappa' goes on floor in New Zealand- deets inside". The Times of India . 28 February 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  36. "Prabhas joins 'Kannappa' shoot, Vishnu Manchu announces with new poster". India Today . 9 May 2024.
  37. "Prabhas begins shooting for Vishnu Manchu's 'Kannappa'". The Hindu . 10 May 2024.
  38. "Kannappa teaser received overwhelmingly positive response at Cannes: Vishnu Manchu". The Indian Express . 21 May 2024.
  39. "Speculation mounts over Prabhas joining Vishnu Manchu's Kannappa in a pivotal role". The Times of India . 11 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  40. "Vishnu Manchu's mythological film 'Kannappa' to release in December 2024". India Today . Retrieved 18 July 2024.