Kannappa Review: Where Faith Triumphs, Even if the Form Waver
Kannappa is a heartfelt cinematic effort that brings to life the legendary tale of a non-believer’s transformation into a saint. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, known for his command over mythological narratives through works like Mahabharat, the film blends devotional themes with mainstream storytelling, and mostly succeeds in doing so.
From hunter to devotee: A well paced transformation
The story revolves around Thinnadu (Vishnu Manchu), a fierce tribal hunter who lives by instinct and scoffs at rituals or gods. But his chance encounter with a Shiva lingam in the forest sparks an emotional journey that leads from defiance to unwavering devotion. The film traces this transformation with care, and this core arc remains its greatest strength.
Vishnu Manchu shines with subtlety
Vishnu Manchu delivers a mature and understated performance. There’s no over-the-top heroism or forced dramatics, just sincere, grounded acting. His character’s spiritual evolution is believable, and a standout monologue in a single take highlights his emotional commitment. It’s clear he has put heart and soul into this project.
Visuals, Music, and Atmosphere
Visually, Kannappa impresses. The forest settings, divine symbolism, and dramatic set pieces are brought to life with strong production design and decent VFX. The devotional background score adds richness, and several songs resonate emotionally.
The supporting cast has its highs and lows. Mohan Babu is a standout, delivering his lines with perfect diction and measured intensity, reminding us of vintage Telugu cinema. Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, and Mohanlal and Prabhas in the second half make brief yet memorable appearances. Preity Mukundhan, Sarathkumar, and Madhoo contribute solidly to the narrative. However, a few non-Telugu actors falter, their dialogue delivery suffers from awkward pauses and buffering, making some scenes feel stilted and less impactful.
Where the film falters
However, the film isn’t without its shortcomings. The most noticeable drawback is the limited emphasis on the devotional aspect after Thinnadu’s transformation. The emotional core of the story, his devotion and relationship with Lord Shiva, feels compressed, when it could have been the film’s most powerful stretch. This crucial phase deserved more time and spiritual depth.
Another issue is the first song, which, despite good composition, falters due to improper pronunciation and lack of authentic Telugu diction, something that may disconnect native speakers. Additionally, a few supporting actors deliver lines with awkward pauses, giving the impression that they’re struggling to complete their sentences. This affects the flow in several scenes and pulls the viewer out of the moment.A Common Flaw in Indian Cinema
A common flaw in Indian cinema
This isn’t just about Kannappa. Indian cinema often makes the same mistake. Women are shown as warriors in name, but their strength rarely comes through. Instead of being fierce or commanding, they’re made to look soft, overly graceful, or there is romanticised fight between the male and female warriors that feels more like staged chemistry than real combat. Honestly, showing a woman as a strong homemaker would feel more respectful than calling her a “warrior” and giving her no real impact. Our mythology and history are full of powerful women, but films often miss the chance to show them with the depth and strength they deserve.
Kannappa Review: A film with heart if not perfection
Despite these flaws, Kannappa remains a commendable attempt to bring a forgotten legend to the modern screen. The emotional arc, strong visuals, and sincere performances, especially from Vishnu Manchu, anchor the film well. It may not hit every note perfectly, but it resonates where it matters most: in portraying the purity of devotion, innocence, and surrender.
With a tighter focus on the post-transformation phase, more careful handling of dialogues, and attention to linguistic authenticity in songs, Kannappa could have risen to a much higher level. As it stands, it’s a well-meaning, emotionally charged film that deserves to be seen, especially for those drawn to stories of faith and transformation.
A Peculiar Creative Choice
One interesting and subtle choice by the filmmakers is the restrained depiction of violence and consumption, especially considering the tribal backdrop. Except for one key scene where Kannappa offers meat to Lord Shiva, a significant act symbolizing uninhibited, instinctive devotion, no characters are shown consuming meat. Even the fearsome Kala Mukha, despite his brutal appearance, is seen calmly eating fruits before preparing for battle. This creative decision seems intentional, perhaps to maintain a spiritual tone while also making the film more accessible to a wider audience. It’s a thoughtful contrast that highlights how devotion transcends social identity or ritual purity. -A mythological tale where even the warriors’ restraint reflects the purity of the film’s devotional core.
Rating: 2.85/5
