Summary:
After a promising start, Kannappa, Vishnu Manchu’s mythological action film, has crossed the ₹30 crore milestone at the box office by its 9th day. Despite star-studded cameos and grand visuals, the film is now seeing a noticeable drop in its earnings as it steps into its second weekend.
A Promising Opening Week
Released with much fanfare, Kannappa opened to decent numbers and high expectations. The film, which brings the legendary tale of the devotee Kannappa to the big screen, features Vishnu Manchu in the lead and is directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh. It created buzz even before its release thanks to cameo appearances by top stars like Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, and Kajal Aggarwal.
The first week saw Kannappa earn ₹30.2 crore at the domestic box office. The film’s Telugu version contributed a lion’s share of ₹24.64 crore, followed by the Hindi version with ₹3.8 crore. The remaining collection came from its Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada versions, contributing ₹75 lakh, ₹73 lakh, and ₹28 lakh respectively.
Day 9 Collection: ₹50 Lakh
On its ninth day (Saturday, July 5, 2025), the film earned an estimated ₹50 lakh, according to a Sacnilk report, bringing its total domestic box office collection to ₹31.13 crore. This marks a dip in performance compared to earlier days, especially when compared to its opening weekend.
The day prior (Day 8/Friday) saw a significantly lower figure of ₹35 lakh. Although Day 9 saw a slight jump, it wasn’t enough to signal a strong comeback heading into the second weekend.
Occupancy Trends: Telugu Market Still Leads
The occupancy rate in Telugu-speaking regions — the film’s core market — has been moderate. On Saturday, Kannappa reported an average occupancy rate of 24.19% in Telugu-language theatres:
Morning shows: 15.90%
Afternoon shows: 22.66%
Evening shows: 27.61%
Night shows: 30.59%
These figures indicate a gradual improvement throughout the day, with night shows performing better, likely due to weekend family audiences.
Visuals & VFX: A Mixed Bag
The film has received praise for its cinematography and musical backdrop. Sheldon Chau’s visuals have been particularly highlighted in reviews for capturing the spiritual essence and lush landscapes effectively. Music by Stephen Devassy complements the story well, adding emotional depth to the mythological narrative.
However, critics have pointed out that some of the VFX work falls short of expectations, which might have hindered the overall cinematic impact. Still, the sincerity of the production has been appreciated by many viewers and critics alike.
About the Story: A Devotee’s Journey
Kannappa tells the inspiring story of an atheist hunter who transforms into one of Lord Shiva’s most devoted followers. In an ultimate act of devotion, Kannappa offers his own eyes to the deity — a story that resonates deeply with audiences familiar with Hindu mythology.
This devotional arc, combined with high-octane action and dramatic visuals, forms the emotional backbone of the film. Vishnu Manchu’s performance as Kannappa has been noted for its earnestness, while veteran actors like Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Madhoo, and others add gravitas to the ensemble.
Production Timeline
The film was officially launched in August 2023, with primary shooting beginning in New Zealand. The international locations helped provide the visual grandeur expected from a film of this scale. The production faced several delays due to VFX development and release planning, which built up anticipation among fans.
Challenges Ahead: Sustaining Momentum
Crossing ₹30 crore in 9 days is a respectable achievement, but sustaining this momentum will be a challenge. As new releases hit theatres and viewer attention shifts, Kannappa may struggle to retain screen space unless word-of-mouth picks up significantly.
The film’s reliance on star cameos and visual effects has helped attract initial footfalls, but its long-term success will depend on regional support and spiritual appeal, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Conclusion: A Mixed Run So Far
Kannappa has made a decent mark at the box office with a ₹31.13 crore collection in 9 days. It has combined myth, action, devotion, and cinematic spectacle to offer something unique. However, the noticeable dip in its second-week earnings suggests that the film may not achieve blockbuster status unless there’s a surprising turnaround in collections.
For now, Kannappa stands as a film that has connected with a segment of the audience — particularly in Telugu regions — and brought an ancient story of devotion to a modern cinematic platform.