Kannappamoviereview:
By [anrwriting]
Rating: 2.75/5
“Kannappa,” a mythological epic rooted in the lore of Sri Kalahasti, treads a familiar path but manages to find its emotional core in the final half-hour. What begins as a sluggish narrative slowly transforms into a soulful cinematic experience, especially once Prabhas makes his powerful appearance as Lord Rudra.
The first half of the film feels largely like filler — meandering and uneven — testing the audience’s patience. However, the second half more than makes up for it with elevated emotional stakes and a deep devotional undercurrent. The screenplay finds its rhythm as the story transitions from the youthful, aimless Thinnadu to the spiritually awakened Kannappa.
In a surprising turn, Vishnu delivers an impressive performance, especially in the emotionally charged climax. His portrayal of transformation is heartfelt and sincere, anchoring the film’s devotional intensity. Prabhas’ cameo as Rudra infuses gravitas and is sure to be a major highlight for fans.
Technically, “Kannappa” benefits from picturesque visuals and lush locations that elevate the divine ambiance. The devotional songs are melodious and rich in lyrical depth, further enhancing the film’s spiritual tone. The casting is another strength, with most actors fitting seamlessly into their mythological roles. The production values are solid, reflecting the effort poured into crafting this period devotional drama.
The major drawback remains the underwhelming first half, which lacks narrative grip and emotional investment. It may feel like a missed opportunity in terms of tighter storytelling.
However, if one is willing to look past the film’s slow start, Kannappa ultimately succeeds in capturing the essence of devotion, sacrifice, and spiritual awakening. The story of Kannappa, the ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, is treated with respect and emotional depth in its concluding portions.
Verdict:
Despite its uneven start, Kannappa redeems itself with a heartfelt second half, stirring devotional music, and strong performances. For its sincerity and reverence toward mythological storytelling, it deserves a watch — especially for those drawn to spiritual cinema.