The trailer of Kannappa presents run-of-the-mill tropes we traditionally associate with devotional films. While the film's budget is claimed to be more than that of Pawan Kalyan's OG (yes, that's an official claim), the visuals don't stand testimony to the incredible statement made by its producer, Manchu Vishnu. The commercial hero of films like Dhee and Ginna returns in the role of an atheist-turned-legendary devotee who leads the life of a warrior at one point.
In a small stretch in the trailer, Lord Shiva (Akshay Kumar) is asked by his consort, Parvathi (Kajal Aggarwal), as to how a rank atheist like Thinnadu (Kannappa's birth name) would become His devotee. This scene mimics a done-to-death, laughable trope where the female divine entity is unaware of the destiny of humans.
The localized battle scenes don't seem to come with detailing. The rage on the face of a battle-hardened Thinnadu is not brought out well by Manchu Vishnu. Preity Mukundan looks glamorous rather than befitting the role of the lover/wife of a Karana Janmudu.
Mohanlal's reference to the male lead's previous birth is transcendental. One hopes the execution is not straightforward and bland.
Above all, Prabhas' presence is not resplendent. It is somewhat dull, lacking in aura.
Kannappa is slated to be released on June 27.
