Actor-cum-producer, Vishnu Manchu is all set to release his film, Kannappa. The film is reportedly hitting the screens on June 27, 2025. According to a report by The Times of India, the original screenplay of Kannappa was written by Tanikella Bharani, who sold the script to Vishnu and later fine-tuned it by recruiting writers. Now, in a fresh interview, Vishnu revealed an unknown fact surrounding his most ambitious project, Kannappa.
Vishnu Manchu reveals Mohanlal and Prabhas didn’t charge a single rupee for their roles in Kannappa
For the uninitiated, Vishnu’s dream project, revolves around Kannappa, who is a devotee of Lord Shiva. On August 18, 2023, the project was officially launched with a puja ceremony. The movie has been the talk of the town because the ensemble cast, including, Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Mohanbabu, R. Sarathkumar and many more. Now, in a recent interview with SCREEN, Vishnu revealed that actors who are making a cameo in his upcoming film, Mohanlal and Prabhas, agreed to be part of the film without charging a single penny.
Vishnu Manchu shares that he tried to reach actors with a wider fan base for his film, Kannappa
In the same interview, Vishnu shared that he tried to reach actors who have a wider fan base as he knew that his Rs. 200 crore budget film, might not get commercial success. Keeping this in mind, the actor cum producer contacted Mohanlal and Prabhas for the film. Vishnu recalled how the two actors agreed to be part of his film. Recalling the moment when he reached out to Mohanlal, he was quoted as saying:
“Mohanlal sir didn’t even take a minute to say yes. He agreed purely out of love and respect for my father, Mohan Babu. He didn’t have to do a small role in my film, but he said yes instantly.”
Further, in the interview, Vishnu shared that for Prabhas also the moment is equally touching. He went on to share how Prabhas agreed to the project. Vishnu revealed that when he asked for help for a wider reach to Prabhas, the Baahubali actor immediately said ‘yes’. In his words:
“Prabhas is not just a superstar in India — he’s a global name now. But when I told him I needed his help for wider reach, he immediately agreed. He didn’t even ask what the role was. He just said, ‘I’m in.'”
Vishnu recalls the time when he reached Mohanlal and Prabhas to offer payment, but the duo refused each time
In the same interview, Vishnu recalled how Mohanlal and Prabhas refused to take payment for their respective roles in Kannappa each time, when the former reached the duo to offer payment. He shared that Mohanlal used to chide him, while Prabhas threatened to kill him if he talked about the payment. In his words:
“They would yell at me! Mohanlal said, ‘You grew up around me and now you’re offering me money?’ Prabhas even threatened to kill me if I ever mentioned fees again.”
What do you think about Mohanlal and Prabhas charging nothing for Vishnu Manchu’s film, Kannappa? Let us know.
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