Vishnu Manchu reveals Prabhas and Mohanlal charged 'Zero' fees for 'Kannappa': 'Did it out of love for my dad'

Vishnu Manchu is eagerly preparing for the release of his ambitious mythological film, 'Kannappa,' which is set to hit theatres on April 25, 2025. The pan-India film has an impressive cast, which includes prominent stars like Prabhas, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, and Kajal Aggarwal.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Vishnu shared insights about the film and its production. He revealed that both Prabhas and Mohanlal agreed to take on their roles in 'Kannappa' without charging any fees. Their decision was out of respect and admiration for Vishnu's father, veteran actor Mohan Babu.

He said, "Both Prabhas and Mohanlal sir did not need any convincing. They were happy to shoot whenever, and they did it out of love for my dad. In fact, they both did not charge a single penny. They are both so big that they didn’t need to do this character."

He recounted a humorous exchange with Mohanlal when he suggested discussing financial arrangements. He said, "When I asked Mohanlal sir if I could talk to his manager to discuss financials, he laughed and said, 'So you think you've become a big boy now?' People like him and Prabhas make me believe in the value of friendships".

The film also features Akshay Kumar in a pivotal role as Lord Shiva. Vishnu shared that it took considerable effort to convince Akshay to join the project after he initially declined the offer twice. However, Vishnu managed to persuade him to do the project.

'Kannappa' tells the story of Bhakta Kannappa, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. This film is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first cinematic retelling of Kannappa's tale in 36 years. The last adaptations were made in 1988, making this project a significant return to this mythological story.