With a staggering Rs 200 crore budget and a cast that reads like a who’s who of Indian cinema, Kannappa has already captured the attention of fans ahead of its theatrical release on June 27. But it’s not just the film’s scale and story that are making headlines, it’s also the cast salary of Kannappa that has grabbed attention.
Actor-producer Vishnu Manchu, who plays the titular role in the pan-Indian mythological action drama, recently revealed that superstars Prabhas and Mohanlal took on their roles in the film without charging a single rupee.
In an interview with Zoom, Vishnu opened up about how the two actors graciously accepted their extended cameo roles – Prabhas as ‘Rudra’ and Mohanlal as ‘Kirata’, purely out of goodwill and friendship.
“Not all of them, but Prabhas and Mohanlal didn’t charge me,” Vishnu shared. “But for their hard work, I will have to give them once the movie releases and after the success of the movie. I owe them. It’s not the question of them taking money or not. But it’s the question of them that at this stage in their career, they don’t need to do these extended cameos. And I’m grateful to them for having come and doing it.”
The gesture is particularly notable given the film’s massive scale and the industry stature of both actors. Prabhas, currently one of India’s highest-paid stars, and Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal, are not known for small appearances—but both agreed without hesitation, according to Vishnu.
In a separate interview with SCREEN, Vishnu recounted how easy it was to bring Mohanlal on board. “Mohanlal sir didn’t even take a minute to say yes,” he said. “He agreed purely out of love and respect for my father, Mohan Babu. He didn’t have to do a small role in my film, but he said yes instantly.”
While Prabhas and Mohanlal offered their support free of charge, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who plays Lord Shiva in a cameo, reportedly charged Rs 6 crore for his appearance, as per a DNA report.
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, Kannappa tells the mythological tale of the legendary devotee Bhakta Kannappa – a fearless warrior who undergoes a spiritual transformation and becomes one of Lord Shiva’s most devoted followers. Vishnu Manchu leads as Thinnadu, while the film also stars Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati, adding even more star power to the lineup.