Akshay Kumar to mark Telugu debut with Vishnu's Kannappa

HYDERABAD: Bollywood icon Akshay Kumar has officially joined the cast of the Vishnu Manchu-starrer "Kannappa," as announced by the makers on Tuesday. While specific details about his role remain under wraps, this film marks his debut in Telugu cinema.

Manchu Vishnu who plays the titular character in "Kannappa," shared the exciting news of Kumar's involvement on his official social media platform. "The #Kannappa journey just got even more thrilling with the addition of the Superstar Mr. Akshay Kumar to the Telugu Film Industry. Delighted to announce his debut in Telugu cinema with Kannappa. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable adventure!" he exclaimed in his post.

Based on a true story, the upcoming movie will chronicle the life of Kannappa, a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva. Fans are abuzz with speculation about Kumar's role, with some wondering if he will portray Lord Shiva himself.

Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced under Manchu's banners AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory, "Kannappa" boasts a star-studded ensemble cast including Preity Mukhundhan, Mohanlal, Prabhas, Mohan Babu, R Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, Madhoo, and Mukesh Rishi. The film is slated for release in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and English.