The countdown to the release of Kannappa has fans across India buzzing with excitement. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and starring Vishnu Manchu in the titular role, this pan-Indian mythological epic also boasts special appearances by Bollywood and South Indian superstars such as Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Akshay Kumar. Beyond its star-studded cast and lush production design, one of the most talked-about aspects is the film’s runtime. Recently, veteran editor Anthony Gonsalvez confirmed that Kannappa will clock in at 2 hours and 50 minutes, putting many to rest who feared an overlong cinematic experience
Official Runtime Reveal
Speaking to IANS at a pre-release event in Chennai on June 23, 2025, Anthony Gonsalvez—known for his crisp editing in pan-Indian blockbusters—stated that the devotional, historical saga would run for approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. He assured audiences that despite its near three-hour length, the narrative would maintain a brisk pace and never feel dragged out
The Three-Track Narrative and Editing Choices
Gonsalvez highlighted that Kannappa weaves together three concurrent storylines:
The Spiritual Journey: Tracing Kannappa’s transformation from a skeptic into one of Shiva’s most devoted followers.The Romantic Arc: A tender subplot that brings emotional depth and human connection to the mythological canvas.
The Divine Intervention: High-octane sequences featuring the gods themselves, including Prabhas’s portrayal of Lord Shiva.By intercutting these tracks, the film maintains momentum, ensuring viewers remain engaged throughout This approach mirrors successful multi-narrative epics, where parallel arcs enrich the story without overwhelming the audience.
Prabhas’s Special Appearance
Prabhas, riding high on the success of the Baahubali series, makes a 30-minute extended cameo as Lord Shiva. Vishnu Manchu revealed in an interview that Prabhas’s scenes were meticulously trimmed and woven into a crucial turning point of the plot to preserve narrative flow. While initial discussions suggested an even longer appearance, final edits prioritized pacing, resulting in a concise yet impactful portrayal
Additional insights from Vishnu Manchu hint that some of Prabhas’s sequences were shortened during post-production to balance the film’s three-strand structure, demonstrating the filmmakers’ commitment to tight storytelling
From Speculation to Confirmation
Prior to the official announcement, several industry sources speculated that Kannappa could exceed three hours, with runtime estimates as high as 3 hours and 10 minutes locked after extensive edits. However, the latest revelation by Gonsalvez underscores the finality of the cut: the film’s editing team fine-tuned every sequence, trimming extraneous scenes and controversial content to earn a U/A certificate and keep the overall length under three hours
Audience Expectations and Certification
A runtime under three hours positions Kannappa favorably among modern audiences, who often prefer features that respect their time while delivering a rich cinematic experience. The film has secured a U/A certificate, indicating mild thematic intensity suitable for teenage viewers and above. Early test screenings have praised the brisk editing and seamless integration of grand action set pieces with emotional depth.
With its 2-hour 50-minute runtime now confirmed, Kannappa promises to balance epic scope and narrative clarity. The skillful editing by Anthony Gonsalvez, combined with a three-track storyline and star-power cameos—most notably Prabhas as Lord Shiva—sets the stage for what could be one of 2025’s most memorable mythological dramas. As June 27 approaches, fans can look forward to a film that honors its legendary source material without overstaying its welcome, offering a tightly woven tapestry of devotion, drama, and divine spectacle.
0 Comments