‘Face Lord Shiva’s wrath’: Kannappa actor’s warning to trolls sparks internet jokes

Vishnu Manchu’s highly anticipated mythological film Kannappa, which features Akshay Kumar and Prabhas in special roles, is set for a grand theatrical release on April 25, 2025. While the movie has already generated significant buzz, a controversial statement by actor Raghu Babu during a recent promotional event has ignited a fresh debate online. His claim that “anyone who trolls Kannappa will face the wrath and curse of Lord Shiva” has divided social media, with many dismissing it as an odd marketing gimmick.

The comment, as reported by Telugu 360, did not sit well with netizens. While some found it amusing, others were frustrated by the attempt to link religious sentiments with movie criticism. Many compared it to the backlash faced by Adipurush, another mythological film that was widely criticized for its dialogues and portrayal of Hindu deities. The statement quickly spread across social media platforms, with Reddit users ridiculing the idea that Lord Shiva would concern himself with movie trolls. One user sarcastically remarked, “I can’t wait to go to hell, I’ve committed too many sins anyway.” Another joked, “As a Shiv Bhakt, I can confirm he doesn’t have time for this nonsense.”

While some laughed off the warning, others were critical of what they saw as a desperate attempt to shield the film from criticism. A user on X (formerly Twitter) questioned, “Is this what the marketing team came up with? This is beyond bizarre.” Others pointed out how weaponizing religious fear to silence opinions sets a dangerous precedent. Some, however, defended the movie, saying such statements should not be taken seriously and that the focus should be on the film itself rather than promotional missteps.

Kannappa, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Mohan Babu, is based on the legend of Kannappa, a revered devotee of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. The film features an ensemble cast, including Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Arpit Ranka, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Madhav, Devaraj, Mukesh Rishi, Brahmanandam, Raghu Babu, Preity Mukhundhan, and Madhoo in supporting roles. Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Kajal Aggarwal are set to make special cameo appearances. Vishnu Manchu, who plays the titular role, expressed gratitude for the star-studded participation, saying, “Everyone acted in this film out of love and respect for my father.”

Despite the online backlash, Kannappa remains a highly anticipated film, especially given its pan-India appeal and star power. Many fans are eager to see how the film portrays the legendary devotee of Lord Shiva, while others are waiting to see if the marketing controversies affect its reception. Whether the ‘curse warning’ helps or hurts the movie will be clear when it releases on April 25, 2025.