Akshay Calls Himself “Fortunate” To Play Lord Shiva’s Role ‘Kannappa’

February 27, 2025: After playing Lord Shiva in OMG2, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is set to take on the divine role once more, this time in the upcoming Telugu film Kannappa. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, the film is slated for release on April 25, 2025, marking Akshay Kumar’s debut in Telugu cinema.

At a grand teaser launch event in Mumbai, Akshay shared his excitement, calling it a rare opportunity to portray such a divine character multiple times in his career. He recalled a touching incident involving his father, who also once played Lord Shiva, adding a personal connection to his role. The film’s makers released the teaser at the event, and the buzz surrounding the film has already begun, especially after a teaser poster was shared on Akshay’s 57th birthday in September 2024.

The story of Kannappa is inspired by the legendary tale of Kannappa, a devotee of Lord Shiva known for his unwavering faith and sacrifice. Akshay Kumar’s character is central to the film’s emotional and spiritual journey. In his statement, Akshay expressed his initial hesitation about the role but was convinced by Vishnu Manchu’s belief in him as the perfect fit to bring Lord Shiva to life on screen.

Vishnu Manchu, who plays the titular role of Kannappa, also spoke about his deep connection to the film, sharing that he had visited all the Jyotirlingas across India to immerse himself in the story. He expressed his pride in having icons like Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, and Prabhas involved in the project, believing that the film’s powerful message of devotion will resonate with audiences worldwide.

The highly anticipated teaser for Kannappa is set to be released on March 1, 2025, ahead of the film’s worldwide theatrical release in April.