As Kannappa, the highly anticipated mythological epic starring Vishnu Manchu, nears its theatrical release on June 27, 2025, the film鈥檚 producers have issued a public caution. They have warned online trolls and critics against any attempts to defame or misrepresent the movie before its release.
In a statement posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Kannappa, the team wrote, 鈥淧ublic Caution Notice. Our film Kannappa releases globally on June 27, 2025 with full lawful clearances. Misuse, distortion, or defamatory acts against the film or its stakeholders will be legally challenged.鈥
The notice strongly urged viewers to approach the film with an open mind rather than jump to conclusions or engage in negative campaigns.
鈥淭he film has been created responsibly to engage with the public at large and we thereby respectfully request all critiques to watch the film first, appreciate its substance, understand the intent and then comment on it with responsibility, rather than succumbing to premeditated biases or vendetta-fuelled commentary,鈥 the statement read.
Emphasising the difference between free speech and targeted harassment, the makers added, 鈥淲hile we recognize that the right to freedom of speech and expression is sacrosanct and enshrined under Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India, it is also equally established, by judicial interpretations that intentional and destructive attack, whether physical or reputational, on a creative work is not protected speech but a form of actionable injury and we reserve our rights to take appropriate legal action in this regard.鈥
The statement also mentioned that the Delhi High Court had granted legal protection to the image and identity of the film鈥檚 lead actor and producer Vishnu Manchu, as well as veteran actor Mohan Babu. 鈥淔urthermore, it is pertinent to note that the Hon鈥檅le Delhi High Court has granted protection to the personality and publicity rights of two key stakeholders and principal actors of Kannappa, namely, Dr. Mohan Babu and Mr. Vishnu Manchu, and any dilution or tarnishment of their persona, image or district attributes, including any form of unauthorised use of dissemination of content which misappropriates or defames them, whether for commercial, personal, or any other gains may invite consequences under the present direction from the Hon鈥檅le Court as well as under applicable laws,鈥 the notice concluded.
Kannappa features an ensemble cast, with Vishnu Manchu in the lead and special appearances by Akshay Kumar (as Lord Shiva), Mohanlal, Prabhas, and Kajal Aggarwal. The film is set to be released across India on June 27, 2025.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has approved the Telugu film Kannappa with a U/A 13+ certificate. Notably, it was the Revising Committee (RC) that passed the film after the Examining Committee (EC) raised objections, prompting its referral to the RC. The RC approved the film but requested several cuts.