Kannappa X, one of the most anticipated Telugu-language action-fantasy dramas of 2025, finally hit the theatres on June 27, 2025, and audiences across the country have taken to social media to share their reactions. The film, which features a stellar ensemble cast including Vishnu Manchu, Prabhas, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, and Kajal Aggarwal, explores the mythological journey of an atheist hunter-turned-devotee of Lord Shiva. Titled after the historical and spiritual figure Kannappa, the movie attempts to blend high-octane action, divine elements, and emotional storytelling into a grand cinematic experience.

Despite the high expectations, Kannappa X has opened to mixed reviews, with some audiences celebrating the performance and narrative, while others have expressed concerns about technical aspects, particularly the visual effects (VFX) and the pacing in the first half.

Social media reactions pour in for Kannappa X

X (formerly Twitter) users have been at the forefront of sharing Kannappa X reviews. Many users praised Vishnu Manchu's portrayal of Kannappa, noting his maturity as an actor and his ability to carry an emotionally rich character arc.

"What a wonderful movie! Vishnu Anna's acting was on another level. It's been a long time since we've seen such a beautiful film," wrote one fan, praising the emotional intensity and dedication displayed by the actor.

Prabhas, a national star with a massive fan following post his Baahubali days, was also lauded for his aura and impactful screen presence. One user wrote,

"The only king of Indian cinema who deserves this entry and who can get this aura."

Fans were equally thrilled with Mohanlal’s gravitas and Akshay Kumar’s depiction of Lord Shiva, which several viewers called “divine” and “emotionally stirring.” Kajal Aggarwal’s role also received admiration, especially for the subtlety she brought to her part.

One enthusiastic tweet described the film as:

“Blockbuster Kannappa for sure. Worth watching Climax. All actors nailed the show. #AndhraPradesh pride #SriKaalahasti temple Story @iVishnuManchu and @themohanbabu nailed the Climax #Prabhas, #Akshay #Kajol are fabulous..#KannappaReview #Kannapa #KannappaMovie.”

Criticism surrounds VFX and the first half

While many were overwhelmed by the performances and mythological essence, others didn’t shy away from pointing out flaws. A significant number of viewers criticized the inconsistent visual effects, suggesting that in a movie of such grand scope, the CGI and VFX fell short, especially in action and divine transformation scenes.

"#KannappaMovie failed to reach expectations but remained a decent watch for families this weekend. Negatives mainly Mid-range VFX in some portions, Weak first half but dragged to an average film by climax. #Prabhas & #VishnuManchu rating: 2.25/5," said one disappointed fan.

Many echoed similar sentiments, noting that the first half of the movie felt slow-paced and lacked narrative grip, while the climax and performances salvaged the viewing experience.

Plot and thematic strength appreciated

Kannappa X’s core storyline, which revolves around an atheist hunter’s transformation into a staunch Shiva devotee, was applauded for its spiritual foundation. Rooted in the legend of Kannappa Nayanar, the film portrays his journey with creative liberties while maintaining a connect to Indian mythology and the story of the Sri Kalahasti temple.

The film beautifully explores themes of devotion, redemption, and inner transformation, which have struck an emotional chord with audiences across age groups, especially in the Telugu-speaking regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Performances that carried the film

• Vishnu Manchu, in a career-defining role, effectively conveys the conflict and transformation of Kannappa. His physical transformation, nuanced expressions, and raw energy in action scenes earned him high praise.

• Prabhas plays a mysterious and powerful supporting character whose presence lights up the screen. His entry scene was described by fans as iconic, complete with visual spectacle and goosebumps-inducing background score.

• Akshay Kumar, as Lord Shiva, reportedly brings a majestic calmness to the film. His character is central to Kannappa’s transformation, and his dialogues have been widely appreciated.

• Mohanlal delivers another classic performance with his restrained yet authoritative character portrayal. His scenes with Vishnu Manchu in the latter half of the film are being described as emotionally gripping.

• Kajal Aggarwal serves as a spiritual and emotional anchor to Kannappa, and while her screen time is limited, her presence is impactful.

Direction, Music, and Technical Elements

Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, Kannappa X attempts to balance visual grandeur with emotional storytelling. However, while the narrative’s emotional strength has been applauded, the technical execution, especially VFX and editing, has drawn flak.

The music and background score, composed by Stephen Devassy, has been a major plus point. It complements the film’s mythological tone, with devotional tracks and emotional ballads that linger even after the credits roll.

Cinematography by Shekhar V. Joseph is commendable in parts, especially in temple scenes, mountain sequences, and dramatic confrontations, but some viewers felt it was uneven in action-heavy portions.

Box office expectations and future outlook

Despite the mixed reviews, Kannappa X is expected to perform well at the box office, especially in southern states and among devotees drawn to spiritually themed cinema. Given the star power of Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Akshay Kumar, the film is poised to see a strong opening weekend.

The film’s spiritual relevance, mythology-rooted storytelling, and ensemble cast are likely to attract families and repeat viewers. However, for it to enjoy long-term success, word-of-mouth will be crucial, especially in non-Telugu regions.

Conclusion

Kannappa X, while not a perfect cinematic experience, delivers powerful performances and an emotionally resonant story that many viewers will find worth watching. Vishnu Manchu’s portrayal, combined with a compelling climax, ensures that the film doesn’t fall flat despite technical shortcomings.

As a spiritual and action-packed tale of transformation, Kannappa X stands out in today’s mythological film landscape. With audience sentiment ranging from “blockbuster” to “decent one-time watch,” the film’s journey at the box office will be one to watch closely in the coming weeks.

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