Kannappa Faces Delay: Release Pushed to April 2025
The highly anticipated mythological drama Kannappa, starring Vishnu Manchu, Akshay Kumar, and Prabhas, has been officially postponed. Originally set for a December 2024 release, the film will now hit theatres in April 2025. The delay is primarily due to the need for additional time to perfect an important VFX-heavy sequence.
Vishnu Manchu Addresses Fans About the Postponement
Vishnu Manchu, who plays the titular role in Kannappa and also serves as the film’s producer, took to social media to explain the decision. He assured fans that the postponement would allow the team to deliver a visually stunning film that meets the highest cinematic standards.
In his statement, he said:
“Bringing Kannappa to life has been an incredible journey, and we are committed to delivering a cinematic spectacle that meets the highest standards. To ensure this, we need a few more weeks to perfect a key episode requiring extensive VFX work. This means the release of the project will be a bit delayed.”
He further added:
“We sincerely regret the wait and understand the anticipation surrounding this film. Your patience and support mean everything to us. Kannappa is a tribute to Lord Shiva’s greatest devotee, and we want to present it in the most extraordinary way possible. Our team is working tirelessly, and we promise it will be worth it. We will be back soon with an update and the new release date.”
Avoiding Clash with Pushpa 2
Apart from the need for extra VFX work, another reason for the postponement is to avoid a direct box-office clash with Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, which is slated for release on December 5, 2024. Since both films share many distributors, a strategic decision was made to reschedule Kannappa to ensure a smooth release. Manchu explained:
“We wanted a December release, but with Pushpa 2 arriving, we decided to shift to April. We’re coordinating with producers of other star-studded films to ensure smoother scheduling.”
Star-Studded Cast and Mythological Storyline
Kannappa is a grand mythological drama based on the legendary tale of Bhakta Kannappa, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including:
- Vishnu Manchu as Kannappa
- Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva
- Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati
- Mohanlal as Kirata
- Prabhas as Rudra
The story follows Thinnadu, a fearless warrior who undergoes a profound transformation to become Kannappa, a devout follower of Lord Shiva. The film is expected to present a spectacular visual experience, blending mythology with cutting-edge special effects.
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Production Challenges and Extensive VFX Work
The delay also allows the team to complete the post-production work without compromising quality. Manchu revealed that a crucial sequence is yet to be shot in Paris, which will be wrapped up by December. He also emphasized the challenges of VFX in today’s filmmaking, stating:
“I’m learning a lot about VFX, which is more demanding now. Post-production and background score work are still ongoing. Our goal is to ensure that every detail is perfect.”
Kannappa Teaser Raises Expectations
On March 1, 2024, the official teaser of Kannappa was released, giving audiences a glimpse into its grand scale and compelling narrative. The teaser showcased Vishnu Manchu as Thinnadu, a warrior-turned-devotee. It also introduced Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva, Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati, and Mohanlal as Kirata. The final moments of the teaser featured Prabhas as Rudra, intensifying the excitement surrounding the film.
Anticipation Builds for the New Release Date
Despite the delay, fans remain eager for Kannappa’s release. With an epic storyline, a stellar cast, and advanced visual effects, the film promises to be a cinematic masterpiece. The official new release date is expected to be announced soon, and audiences can look forward to a grand theatrical experience in April 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates on Kannappa!
