'Tollywood Directors Refused Kannappa': Vishnu Manchu Reveals Why He Chose Hindi Director

Vishnu Manchu’s mythological epic Kannappa earns ₹15 crore in just two days. At a media meet, Vishnu candidly reveals why Tollywood directors turned down the project.

Vishnu Manchu celebrates Kannappa’s box office success with a media meet in Hyderabad, alongside debut director Mukesh Kumar Singh.

Source : IMDb

Actor Vishnu Manchu's latest release 'Kannappa' is off to a roaring start at the box office, collecting a solid ₹15 crore net in India within its first two days. The success comes as a much-needed boost for Vishnu, who has faced a string of underwhelming performances in recent years. The mythological epic has not only re-established his presence on the big screen but has also brought newfound attention to debutant director Mukesh Kumar Singh.

To celebrate the film’s promising start, the team organized a 'thank you meet' in Hyderabad on Saturday, where Vishnu addressed fans and members of the media with heartfelt honesty.

'No Tollywood Director Was Willing to Do It': Vishnu's Honest Confession

At the event, Vishnu was asked why a story deeply rooted in Telugu culture was directed by someone from Bollywood. The actor didn’t hold back, saying, “You (media) very well know that no director from Tollywood would be willing to work with me if I approached them with the Kannappa script.”

Acknowledging his past commercial failures, he added, “Also, my last few films didn’t perform well. Mukesh Kumar Singh brilliantly handled a show based on an Indian epic. Despite Kannappa being his debut feature film as a director, I entrusted him with the responsibility. He is a hidden gem, and I want to bring such talent to the forefront.”

Mukesh Kumar Singh: From Mahabharat TV Fame to Big-Screen Debut

Mukesh Kumar Singh, who previously helmed the successful Mahabharat adaptation on Star Plus, took on 'Kannappa' as his first feature film. His handling of the subject appears to have impressed audiences, as the film’s strong start reflects both visual appeal and narrative power.

Star Power and Devotion: A Mythological Tale Reimagined

'Kannappa' tells the story of the legendary devotee of Lord Shiva, an iconic figure in Telugu folklore, particularly revered in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Vishnu Manchu leads the cast, supported by Preity Mukhundhan, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, and others. The film’s high-profile cameos by Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Prabhas, and Kajal Aggarwal have added significant buzz and appeal.

With strong box office numbers and renewed fan engagement, 'Kannappa' might just mark a turning point in Vishnu Manchu’s career, showcasing his resilience and belief in storytelling, even when the odds are stacked against him.