Kannappa, the much-awaited mythological epic starring Manchu Vishnu, is gearing up for a massive multilingual release on June 27, 2025. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and made on a grand budget, the film features an ensemble cast including Mohan Babu, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, Kajal Aggarwal, and Prabhas.
While the promotional campaign has created a strong buzz, a section of the Brahmin community has raised objections over the portrayal of two comic characters – Pilaka and Gilaka, played by Brahmanandam and Saptagiri, respectively. These characters have been criticised as potentially disrespectful toward Brahmins. In response to this, Akella Siva Prasad, the film’s dialogue writer and a Brahmin himself, issued a strong clarification.
“I’m a Brahmin, and the director Mukesh Kumar Singh is also a Brahmin from North India,” he said. “There is no scene in Kannappa that insults Brahmins or any other community.”
He pointed out that earlier versions of the Kannappa story had shown temple priests in a negative light, but this film takes a different approach. The role of Mahadeva Sastri, played by Mohan Babu, is portrayed with dignity and devotion, inspired by the 16th-century text Sri Kalahasti Mahatyam by poet Dhurjati.
“In fact, the film was screened for the head priests of the Sri Kalahasti temple,” he added. “They appreciated it and offered blessings to both Mohan Babu and Vishnu Manchu.” Siva Prasad also noted that many Brahmins, including lyricist Ramajogayya Sastry, worked on the film in various departments.
“No one invests crores of rupees and years of effort to offend any community. These rumours are completely baseless. The film will speak for itself.”
With just days left for its release, Kannappa remains one of the most anticipated spiritual films of the year. The team hopes the controversy will settle as audiences witness the true intention and devotion behind the film on the big screen.
