Akshay Kumar, known for his versatile roles in Bollywood, is all set to make his grand entry into the Telugu film industry with the upcoming mythological fantasy Kannappa. The actor, who has earlier portrayed divine characters in films like OMG– Oh My God! (2012) and OMG 2 (2023), will now step into the sacred role of Lord Shiva, marking a significant moment in his career.
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, Kannappa follows the life of the atheist hunter Kannappa (played by Vishnu Manchu), who undergoes a dramatic transformation after becoming a devotee of Lord Shiva. The film showcases a powerful and emotional journey as Kannappa, in an act of supreme devotion, plucks out his own eyes to offer them to the deity. The narrative delves into themes of faith, devotion, and the extraordinary bond between a devotee and the divine, making it a visually stunning and spiritually charged epic.
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Akshay Kumar shared his excitement and reverence for the role with his fans, unveiling his first-look poster from the film on social media. The poster features Akshay holding a trident and a damaru, standing with one leg placed atop a rock, embodying the divine aura of Mahadev. The actor expressed his gratitude and honor for being a part of such a monumental project, writing alongside the poster, “Stepping into the sacred aura of Mahadev for #Kannappa🏹. Honoured to bring this epic tale to life. May Lord Shiva guide us on this divine journey. Om Namah Shivaya.”
Alongside Akshay, the film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Vishnu Manchu, Mohanlal, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Arpit Ranka, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Madhav, and Devaraj in key roles. The film will also feature cameo appearances by the renowned actors Prabhas and Kajal Aggarwal, adding further excitement to the already star-studded lineup.
The makers of Kannappa have been revealing first-look posters of several of its lead actors, including Mohanlal, Mohan Babu, Vishnu Manchu, and Kajal Aggarwal, all contributing to the visual spectacle that the film promises to be. With its blend of mythology, devotion, and fantasy, Kannappa is expected to captivate audiences with its epic narrative and stunning visuals. The film is slated for release on April 25, 2025.
In addition to Sky Force, the actor has several exciting projects lined up, including Housefull 5, Bhooth Bangla, and Jolly LLB 3, ensuring that 2025 will be a year full of diverse performances from the actor.