by Sam Trailerman
The last time I willingly surrendered over three hours of my life to a cinema seat was back in December 2022, spellbound by the aquatic marvels of Avatar: The Way of Water. That was 3 hours and 12 minutes. It was with two of my favourite tuition centre students, Aina Nadirah (her mom sponsored the tickets) and Santhiya.
This year, a different kind of epic beckoned — one steeped in mythology, devotion, and celestial grandeur.
Kannappa, clocking in at 3 hours and 3 minutes, promised a retelling of one of Hinduism’s most moving legends: the story of a tribal hunter who became Lord Shiva’s fiercest devotee.
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and penned by Vishnu Manchu — who also plays the titular role — Kannappa isn’t shy about its ambition.
Produced by Mohan Babu and filmed across the majestic landscapes of New Zealand, this Telugu dialect film boasts a constellation of stars: Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, and more. With music composed by Stephen Devassy, the film’s scale is massive, its devotion loud, its intent admirable.
The story begins with Kannappa as an atheist, indifferent to idol worship. But destiny leads him to Shiva — and to a transformation so profound that it culminates in one of the most heartbreaking sacrifices in Indian folklore: offering his own eyes to the Shiva Linga.
But here’s the thing — for much of the film’s runtime, that powerful core is buried under layers of generic fantasy, romance, and battles that feel reminiscent of Baahubali.
With Kannappa and Nemali echoing Prabhas and Tamannaah’s dynamic, and the villain channelling Kaalikey vibes, the film walks a familiar path. While Prabhas dazzles in his role as Rudra, his appearance only sparks life after two long hours.
It isn’t until the final 30 minutes that Kannappa truly awakens. It’s here that the legend breathes — with emotion, faith, and spiritual intensity that tugs at the heart.
Whether you’re a seeker, a believer, or just along for the ride, have a tissue box ready. The sacrifice is depicted with raw beauty, and those scenes alone justify the pilgrimage to the cinema.
A note for comfort-watchers: Kannappa is still in theatres, but OTT whispers hint at a September 2025 release. With a 6.6 IMDb rating and over 20K viewers casting their vote, it might be worth holding out for a cozy sofa-viewing.
Kannappa shoots for the divine — and while it misses the mark at times with distractions and detours, it ultimately lands in a place of spiritual resonance. It’s not just a movie. It’s an ode to faith, devotion, and a legend that continues to inspire across generations.