'Kannappa' Hits Theatres, Vishnu Manchu Takes Bold Step on OTT Release

South actor Vishnu Manchu's magnum opus Kannappa has officially hit theatres today, 27 June 2025, amid massive anticipation. But even before the film’s theatrical release, Vishnu made headlines by taking a rare and bold decision regarding its OTT release — one that goes against the current trend in Indian cinema.

10 Weeks of Theatrical Exclusivity

At the pre-release event, Vishnu Manchu announced that Kannappa will not be released on any OTT platform before 10 weeks of its theatrical run. This move breaks the prevailing industry norm where most films land on OTT within 4–6 weeks of release.

"I have a lot of freedom. My film will not come on OTT before 10 weeks. This is my deal. By God’s grace, I don’t have pressure about the release. My only aim is to show the best to the audience," Vishnu said.

This is seen as a confident and strategic move to maximize theatrical revenue and promote the big-screen experience — especially for a mythology-based, visually grand film like Kannappa.

What Is Kannappa About?

The film is based on the legend of Kannappa, a tribal hunter-turned-saint and ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. The story revolves around:

• Thinnadu, an atheist hunter who unexpectedly encounters a Shiva lingam in a forest.

• His emotional and spiritual journey, transforming from non-belief to unwavering devotion, ultimately earning him the title of one of Lord Shiva’s greatest devotees.

The story is rooted in Indian mythology and explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and redemption.

Star-Studded Cast and Cameos

The cast is one of the most lavish in recent South Indian cinema, blending major stars across industries:

• Vishnu Manchu as Kannappa (Thinnadu)

• Prabhas as Rudra, with 45 minutes of screen time — not just a cameo, but a substantial appearance.

• Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva and Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati

• Mohanlal as Kirata, a tribal warrior

• Supporting cast includes Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, Devaraj, and more.

Box Office Clash

Kannappa has been released alongside Kajol's drama film Maa, setting the stage for an intense box office clash. The first-day collections will be closely watched to see which film dominates the weekend.