The Telugu-language mythological devotional film Kannappa has taken the box office by storm, captivating audiences with its gripping narrative, stellar cast, and breathtaking visuals. Released on June 27, 2025, this action-packed drama, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Mohan Babu, tells the legendary tale of a tribal hunter’s transformation into a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Featuring Vishnu Manchu in the titular role, alongside high-profile cameos by Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal, Kannappa generated immense pre-release buzz with robust advance bookings and widespread excitement among Indian audiences. In this article, we dive deep into the Kannappa box office collection, day-wise earnings, worldwide gross, OTT release details, cast net worth, and the final verdict on its commercial success.
Film Overview
Kannappa is a Telugu mythological devotional film that blends spirituality, action, and high-octane drama. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, known for his work on Mahabharat (2013), the film is based on the legendary tale of Kannappa, a tribal hunter from the Chenchu tribe in Andhra Pradesh who becomes one of Lord Shiva’s most devoted followers. The movie stars Vishnu Manchu in the lead, supported by a stellar ensemble cast including Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Preity Mukhundhan, Madhoo, Brahmanandam, and Brahmaji. Special cameos by Prabhas as Rudra, Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva, Mohanlal as Kirata, and Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati added significant star power, making it a pan-India spectacle. Released on June 27, 2025, in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, and English, the film created a massive buzz with over 27,000 tickets sold in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana within 24 hours of advance bookings, as per BookMyShow data. The film’s lavish production, shot primarily in New Zealand, and its emotional climax have been the talk of the town, setting high expectations for its box office performance.
Movie Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Kannappa |
| Release Date | June 27, 2025 |
| Language | Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, English |
| Director | Mukesh Kumar Singh |
| Producer | Mohan Babu |
| Lead Cast | Vishnu Manchu, Preity Mukhundhan, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, Kajal Aggarwal |
| Budget | ₹200 Crore |
| Genre | Mythological, Action, Drama |
Lead Actor Net Worth (2025)
Vishnu Manchu, the driving force behind Kannappa as its lead actor, writer, and co-producer, has established himself as a multifaceted talent in Telugu cinema. In 2025, his estimated net worth is around ₹150–200 Crore, amassed through his acting career, production ventures under 24 Frames Factory, and brand endorsements. Known for films like Dhee (2007), Denikaina Ready (2012), and Luckunnodu (2017), Vishnu has built a loyal fanbase in Tollywood. His endorsements include regional brands in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and his ambitious vision for Kannappa—a decade-long dream project—has further elevated his industry standing. Vishnu’s dedication to the film, including his refusal to preview it for OTT platforms before its theatrical release, underscores his commitment to delivering a cinematic experience, boosting his reputation as a risk-taker in the industry.
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Box Office Collection: India (Day-Wise)
The Kannappa box office collection in India started with a promising but measured opening, driven by strong performances in Telugu-speaking regions and the star power of its cameos. Below is the day-wise breakdown of its India net collections for the first week, based on early estimates and industry tracker data:
| Day | Collection (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹5.37 |
| Day 2 | ₹6.50 |
| Day 3 | ₹7.80 |
| Day 4 | ₹4.20 |
| Day 5 | ₹3.80 |
| Day 6 | ₹3.50 |
| Day 7 | ₹3.20 |
| Week 1 Total | ₹34.37 |
The film opened with ₹5.37 Crore net on Day 1, as reported by Sacnilk, with strong occupancy in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (49.47% for Telugu shows). However, the numbers fell short of early predictions of ₹17–20 Crore, partly due to mixed reactions to the first half and VFX quality. The weekend saw a slight uptick, with Day 2 and Day 3 collections rising to ₹6.50 Crore and ₹7.80 Crore, respectively, driven by positive word-of-mouth for the emotional climax and Prabhas’ cameo. However, a noticeable drop occurred on Day 4 (₹4.20 Crore) as weekday trends kicked in, with further declines through Day 7. The first week’s total of ₹34.37 Crore reflects a modest performance for a ₹200 Crore budget film, indicating a challenging road ahead to achieve hit status.
Overseas & Worldwide Collection
Kannappa aimed for a pan-India and global appeal, with premieres in the US, Gulf, UK, and Australia. Below is the breakdown of its estimated collections:
| Region | Earnings (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|
| India Nett | ₹34.37 |
| Overseas | ₹4.00 |
| India Gross | ₹40.56 |
| Worldwide Total | ₹44.56 |
The overseas collection of ₹4 Crore on Day 1 was modest, with the US contributing $10.3K in advance sales across 263 locations. The film’s global gross of ₹44.56 Crore after one week reflects a decent but underwhelming performance, given its ₹200 Crore budget. Stronger contributions came from Telugu-speaking regions, while Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam markets saw lower traction, possibly due to limited marketing in these regions. The film’s overseas potential was boosted by Prabhas and Mohanlal’s fanbases, but it fell short of expectations for a pan-India release.
OTT Release Info
Vishnu Manchu has firmly stated that Kannappa will not release on OTT platforms before completing a 10-week theatrical run, a bold move in an era where films often hit streaming services within 4–6 weeks. While the OTT platform is yet to be confirmed, industry insiders speculate that major players like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ Hotstar are likely contenders, given the film’s pan-India appeal and star-studded cast. The digital rights are reportedly valued at ₹80 Crore, one of the highest for a Telugu film in 2025, providing a significant safety net for producers. The expected OTT release is around September 2025, aligning with the 10-week theatrical window. This strategy aims to maximize theatrical earnings while building anticipation for the digital premiere.
Records & Milestones
Kannappa aimed to make a mark in Tollywood’s 2025 box office race but fell short of some ambitious projections. Early predictions suggested it could secure Tollywood’s fourth-biggest opening of the year, potentially surpassing Nani’s HIT 3 (₹19 Crore net on Day 1). However, with a Day 1 net of ₹5.37 Crore, it ranked as the eighth-highest opener of 2025, per Bollymoviereviewz. The film has not yet entered the ₹100 Crore or ₹200 Crore clubs, a key milestone for pan-India films with similar budgets. Compared to Baahubali or KGF: Chapter 2, Kannappa’s opening was modest, but its unique mythological narrative sets it apart from action-heavy competitors. The film’s advance bookings, with ₹4.81 Crore grossed across all languages, indicate a solid start but highlight the need for stronger word-of-mouth to achieve major milestones.
Audience & Critical Reception
The audience response to Kannappa has been mixed but leans positive, particularly for its emotionally charged second half and climax. Critics have praised Vishnu Manchu’s career-defining performance and the impactful cameos by Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal. The Times of India called it a “devotional powerhouse with an unforgettable climax,” highlighting its spiritual resonance. However, some fans on X noted that the first half felt slow, with poorly directed action sequences and subpar VFX in certain scenes. The climax, centered on Kannappa’s act of offering his eyes to Lord Shiva, has been described as “spine-chilling” and “tear-inducing,” earning widespread acclaim. The film’s devotional intensity and large-scale visuals have resonated with family audiences, particularly in Tier-2 cities, but its appeal in non-Telugu markets remains limited.
Social Media Buzz
Kannappa has sparked significant buzz on X, with hashtags like #Kannappa, #KannappaMovie, and #VishnuManchu trending in India on release day. Fans shared glowing reviews, with posts like “#Kannappa climax – eyes wet, heart full! Prabhas cameo is fire” (@Killerghostlove) and “The wait was worth it — what a roar in #Kannappa!” (@HailPrabhas007). Viral clips of Prabhas’ entry and the emotional climax have garnered thousands of shares, amplifying the film’s visibility. Trade analyst Ramesh Bala noted on X, “#Kannappa takes off on a blockbuster note at the box office! Overseas premieres open to phenomenal response.” However, some fans criticized the first half, with comments like “First half isn’t that good… VFX is bad too” (@HailPrabhas007). Overall, the sentiment on X is largely positive, with fans celebrating Vishnu Manchu’s dedication and the film’s spiritual depth.
Box Office Verdict
| Budget | ₹200 Cr |
|---|---|
| Collection | ₹44.56 Cr |
| Verdict | Pending |
| Recovery Time | Not Achieved |
With a ₹200 Crore budget, Kannappa needs to gross ₹150–200 Crore in India to be declared a hit, according to trade analyst Ramesh Bala. As of now, its worldwide gross of ₹44.56 Crore after one week suggests a challenging path to profitability. The film’s distributor share needs to reach ₹90 Crore for breakeven, and while the ₹80 Crore OTT deal provides a cushion, theatrical performance remains critical. Given current trends, Kannappa is likely to be labeled a “Flop” unless it sustains collections over the next few weeks.
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Predictions & Future Expectations
Looking ahead, Kannappa’s box office performance hinges on sustained word-of-mouth and familyRIAL weekend collections. Positive reviews for the climax could drive family audiences in Tier-2 cities, but competition from upcoming releases and mixed reviews for the first half may limit its momentum. The film is unlikely to reach the ₹150–200 Crore mark in India without a significant boost, but its ₹80 Crore OTT deal ensures partial recovery for producers. The 10-week theatrical window could help if regional promotions strengthen, particularly in Hindi and Tamil markets. The film’s long-term legacy may lie in its cultural impact as a devotional epic rather than box office dominance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the total box office collection of Kannappa?
A: As of now, the total worldwide gross is ₹44.56 Crore.
Q2: Is Kannappa a hit or flop?
A: Based on its ₹200 Crore budget and current earnings, it is likely to be declared a flop unless collections improve significantly.
Q3: What is the net worth of Vishnu Manchu in 2025?
A: Approximately ₹150–200 Crore.
Q4: When will Kannappa release on OTT?
A: Expected to stream on a major platform like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video by September 2025.
Q5: How much did Kannappa earn on Day 1?
A: ₹5.37 Crore in India on its opening day.
Conclusion
Kannappa embarked on an ambitious journey to captivate audiences with its mythological grandeur and star-studded cast, but its box office performance has been modest, grossing ₹44.56 Crore worldwide in its first week against a ₹200 Crore budget. While the emotional climax and powerful cameos have won hearts, the film’s slow first half and inconsistent VFX have tempered its success. The ₹80 Crore OTT deal and a 10-week theatrical window offer hope for recovery, but achieving hit status remains a steep climb. As a devotional epic, Kannappa shines for its cultural resonance, but its commercial verdict is still uncertain. Stay tuned for updates on its box office journey and OTT release, as Vishnu Manchu’s passion project continues to unfold its legacy.
