These days, when a film Kannappa features big names like Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal, people naturally assume the budget must be sky-high, especially when the story involves mythology, gods, and grand visuals.
But the upcoming Telugu film Kannappa, releasing on June 27, 2025, is turning that idea on its head. It’s not the size of the cheques that’s grabbing attention — it’s the humility, heart, and surprising choices made by some of Indian cinema’s biggest stars.
What Is Kannappa All About?
For those who haven’t been following the buzz, Kannappa tells the story of Thinnadu, a tribal hunter who begins life as a non-believer in Lord Shiva. But through a series of emotional and spiritual experiences, he transforms into one of Shiva’s most devoted followers — Kannappa.
The film stars Vishnu Manchu in the title role and is directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh. Backed by Mohan Babu as producer, it features a rich ensemble including Brahmanandam, Sarathkumar, Brahmaji, and Preity Mukhundhan.
And then there are the special appearances… which are anything but small.
Starry Cameos With A Twist
Let’s talk about the big three:
Prabhas appears as Rudra, a fierce Vedic deity. Not just a brief cameo — he’s reportedly in the film for close to 45 minutes.
Mohanlal plays Kirata, a tribal warrior with a crucial role.
Akshay Kumar steps into the divine role of Lord Shiva, while Kajal Aggarwal appears as Goddess Parvati.
At first glance, it looks like a mega-budget fantasy film. And yes, in terms of scale, it is. But when it comes to actor salaries? That’s where things get genuinely surprising. What did these actors charge for Kannappa? Here is Kannappa’s cast salary.
Akshay Kumar
Let’s start with what’s confirmed. According to reports, Akshay Kumar charged ₹6 crores for his appearance as Lord Shiva. For a star of his scale, especially in a mythological role, that’s fairly standard — maybe even on the modest side, considering his usual rates.
Prabhas
Yes, Prabhas, one of India’s highest-paid actors, has reportedly refused any payment for his role in Kannappa. That’s not a typo. He’s in a major role, with significant screen time, but he chose to do it without charging a single rupee.
The story moved him. And rather than treat it as just another big film, he saw it as something meaningful. That says a lot about his connection to the project — and to the character he’s playing.
Mohanlal
If you’re already impressed, here’s more: Mohanlal, the Malayalam superstar, also took on his role in Kannappa without asking for payment. His part as Kirata is not just symbolic; it’s central to the narrative. And still, he chose to contribute to the film purely because he believed in it.
It’s not about money for these two. It’s about faith. About respecting the story. And maybe, about leaving behind something more meaningful than just another blockbuster.
Vishnu Manchu, Kajal Aggarwal, And Others?
There’s been no official word on what Vishnu Manchu, Kajal Aggarwal, or the rest of the cast have charged — and that’s okay. Not everything needs a number.
What matters more is the tone that’s been set by the film’s team. When people at the top show that kind of commitment — working not for money, but out of genuine belief — it often trickles down to the whole crew.
Let’s be honest: in an industry where actors are sometimes paid ₹50 crores for just a few scenes, seeing two massive stars choose to work for free is… rare. And honestly? Kind of beautiful.
It reminds us that not everything in cinema is about the box office. Sometimes, it’s about the story. The emotion. The spiritual connection. That’s what Kannappa seems to be all about — and that’s what makes it stand out even before release.
Releasing On June 27, 2025
June 27, 2025 — that’s when Kannappa lands in theatres. Whether you’re drawn to mythology, big stars, or just great storytelling, this is a film that promises to deliver on all fronts, without the ego that usually comes with it.
Final Thoughts
In a world full of hype and high fees, Kannappa quietly reminds us of why people fall in love with movies in the first place. When you hear that actors like Prabhas and Mohanlal chose to work without pay — not for fame, not for awards, but simply because they believed in the film — you know it’s something special.
And with Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, and an incredible cast coming together to bring this story to life, all signs point toward Kannappa being more than just a movie. It might just be a moment.
Make plans, take your family, and watch Kannappa this June. Do share your experience in comments with Cinetales.
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