Vishnu Manchu’s much-awaited mythological epic Kannappa hit cinemas on Friday, June 27, and opened to good reviews and an impressive Day 1 collection.
According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the pan-India film raked in over Rs 9 crore across all languages in India, signalling a strong debut for the devotional drama.
Telugu version leads the charge
The film saw its strongest reception in the Telugu market, with an overall occupancy of 55.89%. Morning shows kicked off with a solid 50.55%, and the numbers climbed steadily, culminating in an impressive 69.87% occupancy for night shows — a clear indication of word-of-mouth traction.
In Tamil Nadu, Kannappa recorded a modest 16.45% occupancy, with a noticeable evening and night crowd. The Hindi version had a slow start, beginning at just 4.83% in the morning but picking up pace to reach 24.99% during night screenings.
Meanwhile, Karnataka reported a 13.81% occupancy for the Kannada version, with most footfall again seen at night (17%). Kerala’s response to the Malayalam dub was more subdued, at just 7.20%.
All about Kannappa and its cast
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, Kannappa tells the story of an atheist hunter who transforms into a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Vishnu Manchu takes on the titular role with intensity and conviction. The film boasts of a stellar ensemble:
- Prabhas as the fierce Rudra
- Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva
- Mohanlal as Kirata
- Kajal Aggarwal as Parvati Devi
- Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, and Preity Mukhundhan in significant roles.
Powerful climax, mixed reactions
While some viewers found fault with the film’s pacing, runtime and uneven VFX, most agreed that Kannappa strikes an emotional chord in its climax. The final 40 minutes, in particular, are being praised as “spectacular” and “a treat for Shiva bhakts.”
Vishnu Manchu’s performance, especially in the emotionally intense final act, is earning accolades, with fans and critics calling it his best work yet.
Despite the mixed critical reception, Kannappa is resonating with audiences looking for a grand, culturally rooted tale of faith, sacrifice and transformation. The film’s devotional core and star power are expected to keep the momentum going into its first weekend.