Director Mukesh Kumar Singh, known for his work on television epics, opened up about the making of “Kannappa, the much-awaited mytho-historical film starring Vishnu Manchu and produced by veteran actor M Mohan Babu. Ahead of the film’s June 27 release, Singh revealed how Mohan Babu discovered him after watching his Mahabharat series, leading to his selection as director.
Singh admitted he wasn’t familiar with the story of Kannappa initially but undertook intensive research, including multiple visits to Tirupati and Sri Kalahasti. “Vishnu wanted it to be as grand as Mahabharat, and I had to live up to that,” he said. Though the story in scriptures is just a page long, Singh said they expanded it cinematically while staying true to its emotional essence.
The director also addressed the challenges and highlights of working with a pan-India ensemble, including Mohan Babu, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and others. Singh said that contrary to expectations, managing film stars was easier than TV actors due to their professionalism and discipline. He added that Prabhas’ role is impactful and meaningful, assuring fans that his screen presence is both significant and well-executed.
“After watching the film, Mohan Babu garu hugged me. That was the biggest compliment,” he shared.
Addressing the relevance of the story for modern viewers, Singh explained that Kannappa is not a mythology but a historical tale of devotion. With a deep respect for filmmakers like Rajamouli, Singh believes Indian cinema is undergoing a global renaissance. “Graphics are tools, not crutches,” he added, underscoring his balanced approach to visual storytelling.
