Kannappa first look out: Vishnu Manchu is an archer amidst a Shivalinga-shaped waterbody

Kannappa, the devotional drama based on Lord Shiva’s revered devotee, has been Vishnu Manchu’s dream project for a long time and he is leaving no stone to give his best shot at its execution. Mukesh Kumar Singh, popular for his Mahabharata series on television, makes his directorial debut in Telugu with the drama. Vishnu’s father, actor Mohan Babu produces it under Ava Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory.

Some of the biggest stars in the tinsel town are part of its lineup - Salaar star Prabhas, Tamil actor Sarath Kumar, Kannada icon Shiva Rajkumar, Malayalam legend Mohanlal (besides Mohanbabu) and Nayanthara, to name a few. Commemorating Vishnu Manchu’s birthday today, the first look of Kannappa, whose shoot had begun in New Zealand recently, was launched this morning.

Also read: Vishnu Manchu’s dream project Kannappa launched

Sharing the first look, the makers wrote, “Step into the world of Kannappa where the journey of an atheist Warrior to becoming Lord Shiva’s ultimate devotee comes to life.” Vishnu Manchu is seen as an archer, wielding his bow amidst a stunning landscape. The star sports long hair in a mountainous land which has a waterbody that takes the shape of a shiva lingam.

‘The Bravest Warrior. The Ultimate Devotee’ the film’s caption reads. Vishnu Manchu is also credited as the writer of the film with the likes of Paruchuri Gopalakrishna, Eshwar Reddy, Nageshwar Reddy and Thota Prasad involved in the scripting. Two music directors have come on board for the film - Stephen Devassy and Mani Sharma. Sheldon Chau is the cinematographer.

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Chinna is the art director of the film while Thailand-based Kecha Khamphakdee is the stunt choreographer. Anthony Gonsalvez has come on board as the editor. Vishnu Manchu suffered minor injuries as Kannappa’s shoot commenced in New Zealand recently, but resumed filming for it after a brief recovery. The film is expected to release in late 2024.

Also read: Shivarajkumar joins Vishnu Manchu's magnum opus Kannappa