Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is all ready to step into the divine shoes of Lord Shiva once again in the upcoming Telugu film ‘Kannappa’.

This marks his debut in Telugu cinema, adding another milestone to his illustrious career. The announcement came out at a grand event in Mumbai, where the film’s teaser unveiled.

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Akshay, popular for his versatile performances, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to portray such revered characters.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have played divine roles in my career. After portraying Lord Krishna in ‘OMG! Oh My God’ (2012) and Lord Shiva in ‘OMG 2’ (2023), getting another chance to play Shiv ji in ‘Kannappa’ feels like a rare blessing,” he shared.

 

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The connection between Akshay and Lord Shiva runs deeper than just his filmography. Recalling a nostalgic memory, he shared how his late father had once played Lord Shiva in a brief scene.

“When my father was posted in Mumbai, someone approached him to act in a small role. He was a tall man with a wrestler’s build, and to his surprise, they asked him to dress as Lord Shiva for a few seconds on screen. It feels like destiny that I am following in his footsteps,” Akshay said.

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Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, ‘Kannappa’ is inspired by the legendary story of Kannappa, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva known for his unwavering faith and sacrifice. The film is going to release worldwide on April 25, 2025, blending mythology with modern cinematic techniques.

The teaser poster, released on Akshay’s 57th birthday in September 2024, had already created a buzz without revealing his face. The recent teaser launch only heightened the excitement among fans. Actor-producer Vishnu Manchu, who plays the titular role, expressed his admiration for Akshay, calling him “a wonderful human being” and highlighting his dedication to the project.

Interestingly, Akshay initially turned down the role twice. Explaining his decision, he said, “I didn’t know Vishnu personally at that time. The offer came through someone else, and I wasn’t sure if it was genuine. It was only later, through Sudha ma’am, that I realized the sincerity behind the project. Vishnu’s unwavering belief in me convinced me to take up the role.”

Vishnu Manchu, who has a deep spiritual connection to the story, shared his passion for the project. “This film is not just another project—it’s a personal journey. I’ve been visiting Jyotirlingas across India, and the story of Kannappa resonates deeply with me. It’s a tale of faith and devotion that transcends cultures, and having icons like Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, and Prabhas join us is a matter of immense pride.”