Train them like warriors

Prabhas, Mohanlal and Vishnu Manchu

Actor-producer Vishnu Manchu has brought together a stellar cast for Kannappa. The mythological action drama will star Manchu in the titular role, with Mohanlal, Prabhas and Shiva Rajkumar in extended cameos. As director Mukesh Singh takes the project on floors in New Zealand, it is heard that the team has roped in international action director Kecha Khamphakdee to design the stunts.

The National Award winner has served as the action director on Jawan, Ponniyin Selvan 1 (2022) and Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017). Manchu, who has imagined Kannappa as a warrior story, felt Khamphakdee would be the right person to lead the action department. A source says, "The film will have high-octane action sequences with ancient weaponry in use. Since Kecha worked on Baahubali, which was an epic drama, he seemed to be the perfect man for the job. A team of 80 skilled stuntmen and rig experts from Thailand and Hong Kong have been flown to New Zealand for the shoot."

The Telugu film is based on the mythological story of Kannappa, who was one of Shiva's greatest devotees. Manchu says, "Kecha Khamphakdee's expertise in
crafting action sequences aligns perfectly with our vision for this epic project."