Akshay Kumar Says Vishnu Manchu “Lived and Breathed” Kannappa: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Actor’s Devotional Dive

In an exclusive look behind the sets of Kannappa, Akshay Kumar reveals how Vishnu Manchu turned mythological filmmaking into a personal mission

Sneha Kashyap June 18, 2025Last Updated: June 18, 2025

45,824 3 minutes read

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Reviewed & Published by HH Entertaintment Desk

Hyderabad, June 18: If you needed one more reason to keep your eyes locked on Kannappa, here it is — Akshay Kumar, a man who rarely minces words (or praise), just called Vishnu Manchu a total force of nature. And coming from Khiladi Kumar, that’s not a casual compliment. It’s more like a cinematic mic drop.

Akshay Kumar Meets Man on a Mission

So here’s what happened. Akshay — who’s stepping into the epic role of Lord Shiva for his Telugu film debut (yes, you read that right) — recently shared that Vishnu Manchu spent two straight hours walking him through just one six-minute scene. That’s not prep. That’s borderline spiritual possession.

“He’s lived and breathed this film,” Akshay said, as per Bollywood Hungama. And honestly? It tracks. Vishnu’s not just playing the title role in Kannappa. He’s been all over the place — acting, helping with art direction, tweaking props. The man probably knows the camera angles better than the DOP at this point.

“He’s put so much energy and heart into this,” Akshay added, sounding genuinely floored. When someone like Akshay Kumar — who’s clocked over 150 films and never phones it in — takes a moment to stop and salute your hustle, you know you’re doing something right.

Vishnu Manchu’s Devotional Deep Dive

For those not steeped in the mythology, Kannappa isn’t just any folk hero. He’s the kind of legendary Shaivite devotee who’d offer his own eyes to a deity without blinking (well, maybe just once). And Vishnu seems to be channeling that same intensity — minus the eye sacrifice, thankfully.

According to 123Telugu.com, Vishnu’s been so hands-on during production that crew members reportedly started calling him a “one-man studio.” You’ve got to respect that. In an era of green screens and “we’ll fix it in post,” here’s a guy who’s throwing himself — body, soul, sweat, and spreadsheets — into every frame.

And honestly, that old-school commitment feels refreshing. Almost like watching an actor-director from the ‘90s who believed every close-up could change cinema.

A Pan-India Blockbuster in the Making?

Then there’s the cast — a certified buffet of Indian cinema’s finest. Alongside Vishnu and Akshay, we’ve got Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Kajal Aggarwal making appearances. That’s a line-up that could sell out a multiplex just by standing in a room together.

Kannappa is directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Vishnu’s father, Mohan Babu, who’s clearly passing down the family legacy with style. But let’s be real — this isn’t just about dynasties. This is about Vishnu trying to craft something bold, devotional, and totally cinematic.

And fans are already buzzing. Because when Akshay Kumar — a guy who’s played everything from a cop to a conman to a robot-fighting action hero — says someone else out-prepared him? That’s high drama, off-screen.

June 2025 Can’t Come Fast Enough

Set for release on June 27, 2025, Kannappa is shaping up to be more than just another mythology-meets-blockbuster affair. This is one of those rare projects where behind-the-scenes stories might be just as gripping as what’s on screen.

One small detail that stood out? Vishnu recently said it felt like “Lord Shiva himself chose Akshay Kumar” to play the role. Now, that might sound like PR fluff — but it also kind of lands. Akshay’s no stranger to roles that require both presence and restraint. And in a year when Hindi film audiences are re-learning their love for big, rooted stories (cue Kalki 2898 AD buzz), this casting feels weirdly poetic.

So yeah, whether you’re here for the divine drama, the powerhouse cameos, or just curious to see Akshay in a rudraksha-laced avatar, Kannappa deserves a spot on your radar. Because if Vishnu Manchu really did “live and breathe” this film like everyone’s saying, then what lands on screen might just have some soul — and maybe even a little magic.

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Author Profile

Sneha Kashyap

Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald

Sneha Kashyap is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, specializing in the vibrant world of entertainment and contemporary lifestyle trends. A student at GGSIPU, Delhi, Sneha brings a fresh perspective and a keen eye for cultural narratives to her daily reporting. She is dedicated to exploring the latest in film, music, fashion, and social phenomena, offering readers insightful and engaging content.