Summary:
Despite a stellar cast and deep-rooted mythology at its core, Kannappa, Vishnu Manchu’s long-cherished passion project, appears to be losing steam at the box office. After a modest opening, the film continues to experience a sharp decline in collections, earning just ₹1.15 crore on Day 6. With a total collection of ₹28.65 crore so far, Kannappa is yet to cross the ₹30 crore mark—a worrying sign for a big-budget mythological drama.
Introduction: The Hype Around Kannappa
When Kannappa hit theatres on June 27, 2025, it brought with it immense anticipation. From its mythological foundation to its all-star ensemble—featuring the likes of Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Kajal Aggarwal—the film seemed poised to be a box office juggernaut. Vishnu Manchu, the lead actor and driving force behind the project, had described it as a “dream film,” years in the making.
But box office numbers don’t lie. Despite its grand ambitions and devotional theme, Kannappa hasn’t managed to sustain audience interest beyond its opening weekend.
Kannappa Box Office Performance (Day-wise Breakdown)
Here’s a look at Kannappa’s box office journey so far:
Day 1 (Friday): ₹9.35 crore (Opening Day)
Day 2 (Saturday): ₹7.15 crore (23.53% drop)
Day 3 (Sunday): ₹6.9 crore
Day 4 (Monday): ₹2.8 crore (Sharp weekday dip)
Day 5 (Tuesday): ₹1.3 crore
Day 6 (Wednesday): ₹1.15 crore
Total (India Net): ₹28.65 crore
The declining trend clearly indicates weak word-of-mouth and low repeat viewership. Even with major names attached, the film is finding it difficult to stay afloat during the crucial first week.
What Went Wrong with Kannappa?
Several factors seem to be contributing to Kannappa’s underwhelming performance:
- Mixed Reviews and Weak Word-of-Mouth
While some praised the devotional aspect and Vishnu Manchu’s performance, many critics and audience members cited poor VFX quality and an inconsistent screenplay. In an age where visual presentation plays a crucial role—especially for mythological or fantasy epics—sub-par effects can make or break the viewing experience.
- High Expectations, Low Payoff
When a film features names like Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal, audience expectations skyrocket. Kannappa was marketed heavily around its ensemble, but many of these stars have limited screen time or cameos—leading to disappointment among fans.
- Stiff Competition
The film faced stiff competition from regional hits and Hollywood releases that have strong fan bases in India. With more engaging content available in theatres and on OTT platforms, casual viewers may have opted out of seeing Kannappa in cinemas.
- VFX Shortcomings
Vishnu Manchu himself admitted in a recent press interaction that several scenes were compromised due to poor VFX quality. He acknowledged that the technical shortcomings were a “massive lesson” and something he would not repeat in future projects.
- Niche Appeal
While rooted in rich mythology, the story of Thinnadu (who later becomes the devotee Kannappa) may not have resonated with mass audiences, especially the younger demographic looking for high-octane entertainment or relatable drama.
The Passion Behind the Project
Despite its commercial struggles, one cannot deny the passion and effort that went into Kannappa. Vishnu Manchu has been vocal about this being a “once-in-a-lifetime” film for him. It took him nearly a decade to bring this vision to the screen. In interviews, he spoke about the emotional and spiritual significance of the film, hoping it would connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Unfortunately, in the entertainment industry, heart and effort don’t always translate to ticket sales. As many critics have pointed out, the audience today demands a compelling mix of storytelling, visuals, and engagement—and even a mythological epic must rise to that standard.
Cast and Performances
While Vishnu carries much of the emotional load of the film, several big stars make brief but impactful appearances:
Mohanlal and Prabhas add gravitas, but their roles are too short to influence the overall impact.
Akshay Kumar’s cameo was highly anticipated but failed to leave a lasting impression.
Kajal Aggarwal and Preity Mukhundhan bring charm but are limited by underwritten roles.
Veteran actors like Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, and Mukesh Rishi add depth, while comic relief comes from Brahmanandam and Raghu Babu. However, the film’s patchy screenplay underutilizes many of its talented performers.
The Road Ahead for Kannappa
Unless Kannappa sees a miraculous jump in collections over the weekend—possibly due to religious fervor or positive buzz from late viewers—it’s unlikely to make significant strides at the box office. The ₹30 crore mark, once seen as easily achievable, now looks like a hurdle.
The film may, however, find a second life on digital platforms. Mythological content often performs better on OTT, where viewers can appreciate it at their own pace. For fans of devotional cinema, Kannappa might still find a niche audience post-theatrical run.
Final Thoughts
Kannappa was supposed to be a game-changer for Vishnu Manchu and mythological storytelling in Indian cinema. But as of now, the film has failed to live up to its lofty ambitions. While the intention behind the film was noble and sincere, execution issues—especially with VFX and pacing—undermined its potential.
Still, Kannappa will likely be remembered as a bold attempt at reviving ancient Indian legends on the big screen, even if it didn’t quite hit the mark commercially.