Vishnu Manchu gets emotional as 'Kannappa' hits theatres; says, "I've waited for this my entire life"

Vishnu Manchu's long-cherished dream has finally come true as his magnum opus 'Kannappa' hit the big screens today. The mythological devotional drama has been one of the most talked-about projects in recent months. Now, with the film officially released, Vishnu took to social media to express his emotions.

On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, "This moment… I've waited for it my entire life. Hearing the overwhelming love pouring in from overseas premieres and early morning shows in India fills my heart with gratitude. #Kannappa is no longer just my film—it's yours now. #HarHarMahadev"

Vishnu Manchu plays the titular role, portraying the legendary devotee 'Kannappa'. It is a tale of Thinnadu, a tribal hunter from the Chenchu community in Andhra Pradesh, who transforms into a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Through intense trials and acts of pure, selfless devotion including offering water from his mouth and ultimately sacrificing his own eyes the film captures one of Shiva's most celebrated devotees.

The film is directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and features brief but impactful appearances by some of Indian cinema's biggest names Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva, Prabhas as Rudra, Mohanlal as Kirata, and Kajal Aggarwal as Parvati. Vishnu Manchu plays the titular role of Kannappa, and early reactions praise his performance as a career-defining one, especially in the emotionally powerful climax.

The film further features Preity Mukhundhan, Madhoo, Mukesh Rishi, Brahmaji, Brahmanandam, Karunas, Raghu Babu, and others.