Indian actor-producer Vishnu Manchu lit up the Regal Commerce Center in North Brunswick on May 8 as he kicked off the U.S. leg of the Kannappa promotional tour, marking exactly 50 days until the highly anticipated global release of the film on June 27, 2025.
The evening brought together over a hundred members of the Indian diaspora, who were treated to never-seen-before exclusive footage from the film, especially curated for U.S. media and fans.
The event was filled with emotion, energy, and deep spiritual resonance as Vishnu shared the inspiration behind the epic story rooted in the legend of Lord Shiva’s most devoted follower.
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Mohan Babu, Kannappa is a sweeping Pan-Indian language cinematic experience that unites some of Indian cinema’s biggest stars —Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar (in his Telugu debut), and Kajal Aggarwal — with Vishnu Manchu in the titular role.
“This film is not just a spectacle, it’s a soul journey,” said Vishnu Manchu. “Kannappa celebrates the kind of fearless devotion that transcends religion and region, and I’m honoured to bring this story to the world stage.”
Set in a lush tribal landscape, Kannappa follows Thinnadu, a skilled archer whose bravery and spiritual awakening lead him to become a symbol of unity and sacrifice for his people. The film interweaves action, faith, and romance, culminating in a breathtaking climax that showcases the power of love, belief, and collective strength.
“The response here in New Jersey has been overwhelming,” Vishnu added. “The Indian diaspora holds onto our culture in powerful ways. With Kannappa, I hope we’re giving them a story that feels both ancient and urgently relevant.”
At each stop, fans can expect immersive sessions featuring rare footage, devotional music previews, and heartfelt interactions with Vishnu, who has been hands-on in every aspect of Kannappa, from casting to post-production. With its rich historical inspiration, soul-stirring music, and unprecedented ensemble cast, Kannappa is poised to be one of the most anticipated Indian releases of the year, aiming to captivate both traditional filmgoers and new audiences across borders. Kannappa releases in cinemas worldwide by Vasaraa Entertainment Worldwide on June 27, 2025.
