Vishnu Manchu credits Prabhas for Kannappa’s great opening

Vishnu Manchu’s mythological epic “Kannappa” has stormed the box office, grossing an estimated Rs 10–13 crore on its opening day across India — the biggest debut of his career.

In a candid statement, Vishnu credited pan-India superstar Prabhas for the film’s sensational opening, acknowledging that the actor’s special appearance as Rudra played a key role in drawing crowds.

No ego to give credit to Prabhas

“I have no ego in admitting that it was Prabhas who brought these massive openings for Kannappa,” Vishnu said at the post-release press meet today.

While he emphasized the emotional climax — particularly the powerful scene featuring himself and Sarath Kumar — as the film’s turning point, he admitted that Prabhas’ entry in the second half significantly boosted audience engagement.

“Some say Prabhas’s arrival turned the tide, but I believe the scene with Sarath Kumar and me set the stage. Of course, with Prabhas’s massive stardom, the audience became even more invested,” he added.

Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, Kannappa tells the story of Thinnadu, a tribal hunter who transforms into a devout follower of Lord Shiva. Featuring an ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, and Kajal Aggarwal, the film has attracted attention for its grand visuals, mythological scale, and devotional narrative.

Huge difference from Vishnu’s previous openings

The success of Kannappa marks a stark departure from Vishnu’s earlier films like Ginna and Mosagallu, which opened to Rs 0.2 crore and Rs 0.5 crore respectively. Trade analysts attribute the surge in footfalls not only to Prabhas’ 20-minute cameo but also to aggressive promotions and the film’s mass devotional appeal.

Despite the strong opening, Kannappa has received mixed reviews. While audiences have praised the emotionally charged climax and Prabhas’ impactful presence, critics have pointed out the slow-paced first half and subpar visual effects. Still, positive word-of-mouth is expected to drive the film through a strong weekend.

With its record-breaking debut, Kannappa not only stands as a personal milestone for Vishnu Manchu but also reaffirms Prabhas’ box office dominance.