‘Kannappa’ Movie Review: A Big Visual Spectacle That Misses Heart
*Kannappa* tries to tell an inspiring devotional story but ends up feeling flat and disconnected. While there are a few bright moments, mainly thanks to Prabhas and Vishnu Manchu, the overall film doesn’t quite hit the mark emotionally.
What Works and What Doesn’t
The film opens with some fun moments, like Prabhas making a cheeky cameo as Lord Rudra, teasing his star image and even joking about his bachelor status. These bits are entertaining but don’t do enough to keep the story engaging.
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, *Kannappa* is based on a famous legend from Telugu folklore. It’s about Thinna, a hunter who loses faith after a childhood trauma but later becomes a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. His ultimate act of devotion—offering his own eyes to Shiva—is a powerful story of sacrifice. This story isn’t new; it was famously retold in the 1976 film Bhakta Kannappa.
Too Much, Too Big
This new version tries to be grand and pan-Indian, featuring big stars like Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Mohanlal, and Prabhas. But all this star power feels like window dressing — it doesn’t really add to the story.
The film follows Thinna as he questions blind rituals and slowly transforms into a true devotee. Some scenes briefly make you think, “Maybe there’s more to this story,” but the film soon shifts focus to just showing his change rather than exploring its meaning deeply.
Looks Good But Feels Fake
Most of the movie was shot in New Zealand, and it looks beautiful at times. But the settings often seem disconnected from the story’s cultural roots. The tribal fights, especially with the Kalamukha clan, look similar to characters from *Baahubali*—which feels like a leftover from another epic.
After *Baahubali*, audiences expect more than just big visuals. They want a story that’s tightly told, with emotional stakes and creative action. Sadly, *Kannappa*’s action scenes are clunky, and the visual effects sometimes feel distracting rather than impressive.
Some Bright Spots
There are moments that show promise. The bond between Thinna and his father (played well by Sarath Kumar), and his love for his late mother, add emotional depth. Also, his relationship with Nemali (Preethi Mukundhan), a warrior princess and Shiva devotee, has potential — but it’s there briefly and then forgotten.
The film tries to compare traditional, ornate worship with Thinna’s rough, hunting-based devotion. Unfortunately, this story point comes too late and is wrapped up quickly, missing a chance to add real depth.
A Big Cast, But Not Enough Depth
With a cast packed with veterans like Madhoo, Brahmanandam, Mukesh Rishi, and others, the film feels crowded. Only Sarath Kumar and Mohan Babu stand out and leave a mark. Vishnu Manchu does well in the emotional climax, but by then, the story has lost its way.
Final Thoughts
*Kannappa* had the chance to tell a touching story of faith and sacrifice rooted in culture. Instead, it focused on making everything look big and star-studded, forgetting to tell the story with heart and depth. It’s a visually impressive film, but it lacks the emotional connection needed to truly move viewers.
The film is now playing in theatres. If you love grand visuals and star cameos, you might enjoy it — but if you want a heartfelt story, you might feel it’s missing that core.
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