Akshay Kumar praises Vishnu Manchu’s devotion to Kannappa: “He’s truly lived and breathed this film”

The Bollywood star opened up about Vishnu’s hands-on approach and passion for the upcoming mythological epic.

June 17, 2025 - 4:35 PM IST

As Kannappa gears up for its theatrical release on June 27, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has applauded lead actor Vishnu Manchu for his unwavering commitment to the much-anticipated mythological epic. The Telugu-language film, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by veteran actor Mohan Babu, is based on the revered tale of Kannappa — a devout follower of Lord Shiva.

Akshay Kumar praises Vishnu Manchu’s devotion to Kannappa: “He’s truly lived and breathed this film”

In a heartfelt statement, Akshay, who makes his Telugu film debut with a special appearance in Kannappa, spoke highly of Vishnu’s deep involvement in the film, both in front of and behind the camera. “I’ve seen Vishnu in action—not just as the lead, but as someone completely immersed in the soul of the film. He was acting, coordinating things on set, even jumping in to help with the background and props when needed. At times, he felt like an art director too. He’s that hands-on.

There was a particular sequence—barely six or seven minutes on screen—but he spent nearly two hours explaining it to me in detail. I understood it early on, but he kept going because that’s how passionate he is. You rarely see an actor put themselves into a role with this much energy and heart. He’s truly lived and breathed Kannappa,” Akshay shared.

Starring Vishnu Manchu in the titular role, Kannappa features a powerhouse ensemble including Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Arpit Ranka, Kaushal Manda, Madhoo, and Brahmanandam, among others. The film also includes special cameo appearances by Mohanlal, Prabhas, and Kajal Aggarwal along with Akshay Kumar — none of whom charged a fee for their roles, as revealed by Vishnu in an earlier interview.

Shot extensively in New Zealand, Kannappa promises grand visuals, high-octane action, and deeply spiritual storytelling. With music composed by Stephen Devassy, the film aims to bring the timeless legend of devotion and sacrifice to life for a modern audience.

Akshay’s endorsement adds yet another layer of anticipation to this ambitious mythological saga, which is shaping up to be one of the most awaited Indian releases of the year.

Also Read: Kannappa Trailer: Vishnu Manchu promises an ambitious mythological drama rooted in devotion