Kannappa Movie Review

Kannappa’ Offers a Spiritual Spectacle—But First Half Humbs Before Climax Triumph

By
Zahid Saba
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Overview & Scale

Genre: Mythological action-drama
Director: Mukesh Kumar Singh
Lead: Vishnu Manchu as Kannappa
Cameos: Mohanlal (Kirata), Prabhas (Rudra), Akshay Kumar (Lord Shiva), Kajal Aggarwal (Parvati)

After nearly a decade of scripting and development, Kannappa is finally in theatres. With its grand visuals shot across New Zealand and a budget north of ₹100 crore, the film aspires to sit alongside the mythic grandeur of epics like Lord of the Rings—a stated goal acknowledged by Manchu himself m9.news+15hindustantimes.com+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15.

Plot & Mythological Foundation

Based on the folk legend of Kannappa, a Chenchu hunter whose unwavering love for Lord Shiva culminates in self-sacrifice, the film traverses his journey from atheism to spiritual devotion. It dramatizes how elemental devotion leads Kannappa to offer both meat and, finally, his eyesight to the deity.

The screenplay, penned by Vishnu Manchu, blends religious lore (Srikalahasti Mahatyam, Basava Purana) with cinematic license, setting the stage for its devotional climax austinchronicle.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+5indianexpress.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5.

⚙️ Execution: Visuals, VFX & Music

  • Visual ambition: Sweeping landscapes of New Zealand foreground the film’s epic scope. However, some VFX elements and costuming feel inconsistent, drawing criticism for appearing “Amazon-tribe-ish” rather than period-accurate indiatimes.com.
  • Music & score: Crafted by Stephen Devassy, the background score enhances reverence during the climax and tonal authenticity in devout sequences. Trade audiences highlighted standout audio moments in the film’s latter stages hindustantimes.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5timesofindia.indiatimes.com+5.

Pacing: Uneven First Half vs. Soaring Finale

First Half:
Meanders through setup—introducing tribal customs, Kannappa’s hunting, and his introduction to Shiva worship. Several critics found it slow, with an “uneven narrative” and too much emphasis on worldbuilding moneycontrol.com+15m9.news+15austinchronicle.com+15.

Climactic Second Half:
Delivers impact. Trade analyst Sumit Kadel likened the emotional crescendo to Kantara, calling the last 30–40 minutes “spine-chilling,” “goosebumps-inducing,” and deeply moving for Shiva devotees m.economictimes.com+7moneycontrol.com+7timesofindia.indiatimes.com+7.

Performances

Supporting cast, including Mohan Babu and Brahmanandam, deliver solid character work that underpins the main narrative.

Cultural Context & Reception

Final Verdict

Kannappa is a streaming mythic spectacle that occasionally stumbles early on but recovers with an emotionally ferocious climax. For devotees of Lord Shiva and fans of grand mythological cinema, the payoff justifies the wait. Vishnu Manchu’s star turn and the ensemble’s contributions anchor a devotional saga that soars when it matters.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5) – A pilgrimage worth embarking on, if you’re prepared for a slow start and a soul-stirring finale.

🎯 What You’ll Remember

  • A devotional crescendo that resonates deeply—some scenes may linger with you long after the credits.
  • Star cameos that punctuate the narrative without overpowering it.
  • Spectacle with caveats: Splendid landscapes vs. mixed VFX authenticity.

Climax Breakdown: Kannappa’s Ultimate Test of Devotion

Note: This breakdown includes major spoilers from the final 30–40 minutes of Kannappa.

Scene 1: Shiva Temple Under Siege

  • The local chieftains and Brahmins, enraged by Kannappa’s “unorthodox” worship style—offering meat and tribal rituals to the Shiva Lingam—demand he be punished.
  • The high priests challenge Kannappa’s devotion as heresy, threatening exile or death.
  • Tone: Heightened tension, establishing a battle between orthodoxy and pure devotion.

Scene 2: A Tearful Plea Before Shiva

  • Alone in the forest temple, Kannappa confronts Lord Shiva, asking if his love is truly impure.
  • The camera lingers on Kannappa’s emotional vulnerability, and Vishnu Manchu delivers one of his best monologues here.
  • Visual cue: Lord Shiva’s statue sheds a symbolic tear—subtle use of VFX that evokes divine connection.

Scene 3: The First Eye Offering

  • As a test of faith, blood begins to drip from one of Shiva’s eyes on the Lingam.
  • A divine voice (Prabhas as Rudra) challenges Kannappa to give what he values most.
  • Kannappa plucks out his own eye using a hunting arrow—gruesome and powerful.
  • Background score swells into a devotional crescendo by Stephen Devassy. Audience reportedly experienced “goosebumps.”

Scene 4: The Second Eye and the Toe Ritual

  • As blood begins to pour from the second eye of the deity, Kannappa prepares to offer his other eye.
  • To locate the exact spot despite being blinded in one eye, he places his toe on the Lingam’s eye to guide his arrow—referencing the ancient Srikalahasti legend.
  • This moment becomes the emotional peak of the film.

Scene 5: Divine Intervention

  • Just before Kannappa sacrifices his second eye, Lord Shiva appears in a celestial avatar (Akshay Kumar) surrounded by golden light and cosmic visuals.
  • The act of devotion melts the heavens—a thunderstorm, dancing fire, and dissolving temple walls add mythical flair.
  • Shiva heals Kannappa’s sight and blesses him with immortality through moksha (liberation).

Scene 6: Deification & Ascension

  • Local villagers and priests, witnessing the miracle, fall at Kannappa’s feet.
  • In a touching coda, Shiva declares Kannappa a living god among humans.
  • He walks into the forest light, dissolving into golden dust—symbolizing his spiritual elevation.
  • Closing visuals: A shot of the present-day Srikalahasti Temple, where he is still worshipped.

Sound & Score Highlights

  • Background chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” layered with tribal drums and orchestral swells.
  • Haunting flute during the eye-sacrifice scene mirrors the serenity of Kannappa’s inner faith.
  • No dialogues for nearly 5 minutes during the offering scene—pure sound design and facial acting.

Emotional Themes Concluded

  • Devotion vs. Ritual: Kannappa’s love for Shiva triumphs over rigid ritualism.
  • Self-sacrifice and faith: The film’s deepest emotional thread—one that resonates across cultures.
  • Divine equality: Message that God accepts sincerity over orthodoxy.

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