Namaskaram to all Telugu cinema lovers, to people of every community, and especially to my dear Brahmin brothers and sisters...!
I’m Akella Siva Prasad, and I had the privilege of working as the dialogue writer for the film Kannappa. It truly saddens me to see the kind of negativity and false narratives being spread about the film lately especially about its intentions and portrayal of certain communities. I feel it’s important to clarify a few things from my heart.
I am a Brahmin myself. The director of Kannappa, Sri Mukesh Kumar Singh, is also a Brahmin from North India a well-respected filmmaker who earlier directed grand mythological shows like Mahabharat. Throughout Kannappa, not a single scene disrespects Brahmins or any other caste or community.
Let’s take a moment to look at how previous Kannappa films have portrayed characters. In classics like Sri Kalahasti Mahatyam starring Dr. Rajkumar, and Bhakta Kannappa featuring Sri Krishnam Raju Garu, the temple priest character was shown misusing temple ornaments for personal reasons. That portrayal was never questioned back then.
But in this version of Kannappa, Sri Vishnu Manchu Garu who not only acted in the film but also developed the story made a conscious choice to portray the priest character, Mahadev Shastri (played by Sri Mohan Babu Garu), with utmost dignity and devotion. This character is inspired by the Sri Kalahasti Mahatyam written by Dhurtjati in the 16th century a respected literary source.
The team didn’t stop there. After completing the film, they screened it for the chief priests of the sacred Sri Kalahasti temple. The priests wholeheartedly appreciated the film and blessed both Sri Mohan Babu Garu and Sri Vishnu Garu with Vedic chants.
Many Brahmins have contributed to this film in various roles. Notably, the respected lyricist Sri Ramajogayya Sastry Garu wrote one of the songs.
Let’s be honest no one would pour in years of effort, crores of rupees, and their heartfelt devotion into a project, just to hurt people or spread hate. And remember Kannappa hasn’t even released yet. Judging a film without watching it is unfair and unnecessary.
To those spreading falsehoods may Lord Shiva guide you towards truth and wisdom.
Om Namah Shivaya.
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