We initially approached Krishnam Raju garu to play Kannappa: Mohan Babu at teaser launch

The teaser showcased Vishnu Manchu in an action role and Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva.

It also gave a glimpse of all the actors who are part of this ambitious project.

Here’s presenting the ‘𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚’ teaser! After years of dedication and hard work, this story has come to life. I’m thrilled to share it with you and can’t wait for you to experience this epic actioner!#Kannappa🏹 #KannappaTeaser #HarHarMahadevॐ

Telugu▶️… pic.twitter.com/6HI5iJmMts

— Vishnu Manchu (@iVishnuManchu) June 14, 2024

Addressing the Kannappa teaser launch event, film producer Mohan Babu said the pan-India movie is “not just a devotional film but includes various elements. We made this movie on the command of Lord Shiva.”

Noting that it has actors from across India, Mohan Babu praised Tamil actor Sarathkumar for accepting his invitation to be a part of Kannappa. “He is a great actor and can effortlessly play any role.”

Mohan Babu and Sarathkumar shared the screen in Pedarayudu (1995).

The veteran actor also recounted that they initially approached the late actor Krishnam Raju garu to play Kannappa. “However, he suggested roping in Vishnu for the titular role and also gave the story written for Prabhas’s character.”

Actor Prabhas is set to play an extended cameo in Kannappa.

Lead actor Vishnu Manchu revealed that while the ideation of the film started in 2014-15, it took “this long to get the permission of Lord Shiva.”

“The team was not set, but I started hunting for locations. I prepared everything to start production if Lord Shiva gave permission, I should be able to start the project. We began the film’s shoot. We could make the film only because of his blessings,” he added.

Also Read: Prabhas to play 15-minute cameo in ‘Kannappa’

Kannappa isn’t fiction: Manchu Vishnu

Claiming that he does not consider the story of Kannappa, a fiction or mythology, Vishnu said, “Kannappa is our history; it is a story from the second century during the Cholas. Even in the seventh century, Shankaracharya spoke about Kannappa. Poet Dhurjati wrote about the Nayanars in the 14th century. Kannappa was the ninth Nayanar.”

The actor announced that the updates related to the film will be revealed every Monday.

Director Mukesh, too, reiterated that Kannappa‘s story is “not mythology but history.”

“Ramayana and Mahabharata are not mythology; they are our history. There is no such thing as South and North. Through the film, we are narrating the story of a great devotee,” he added.

Actors Sharatkumar, Madhubala, and Preity Mukundan too were present at the teaser launch.

In May, Vishnu Manchu showcased Kannappa teaser at the Cannes Film Festival.

Mohan Babu, Prabhu Deva, Vishnu Manchu and his wife Viranica Manchu were at the 77th #CannesFilmFestival on 20 May to partake in the screening of Horizon: An American Saga.

Later, they showcased #KannappaTeaser at the Olympia Theatre.@themohanbabu @iVishnuManchu @vinimanchu… pic.twitter.com/zGjCPMIRCF

— South First (@TheSouthfirst) May 21, 2024

Also Read: Kajal Aggarwal joins Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa