Kannappa Box Office Crash: Weak Bookings from Monday Onwards Signal Disaster for Vishnu Manchu’s Mythological Epic

June 29, 2025 – Vishnu Manchu’s ambitious mythological film Kannappa, released on June 27, 2025, is facing a steep decline at the box office, with advance bookings for Monday onwards showing alarmingly weak numbers. Despite a promising start with Rs 9.35 crore net on its opening day, the film’s collections dropped significantly by Day 2, and industry insiders now warn that Kannappa is heading toward a box office disaster. For NRIs in the USA and global audiences following Tollywood, NRIGlobal.com brings you the latest updates on Kannappa’s plummeting performance, weak Monday bookings, and what this means for the Rs 180–200 crore project.

Kannappa’s Box Office Journey: A Promising Start Fades Fast

Kannappa, a pan-India mythological action-drama directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, opened to a solid Rs 9.35 crore net in India on its first day, driven by strong Telugu occupancy (55.89%) and buzz around cameos by Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal. The film, based on the legend of a tribal hunter’s devotion to Lord Shiva, grossed Rs 16.35 crore net domestically by Day 2, with a worldwide total of approximately Rs 22 crore. However, Day 2 saw a 25–26% drop to Rs 7 crore net, signaling trouble.

Advance bookings for Monday, June 30, 2025, and beyond are reportedly dismal, with occupancy rates in Telugu regions dipping below 20% and even lower in Hindi (under 10%), Tamil (around 5%), and Malayalam markets (below 5%). In the USA, advance sales have been described as a “disaster,” with only $10.3K from 263 locations before release, a stark contrast to expectations for a film of this scale.

Why Is Kannappa Crashing?

Several factors are contributing to Kannappa’s box office struggles:

1. Mixed to Negative Reviews: While the film’s emotional climax and Prabhas’s cameo as Rudra have been praised, critics and audiences have criticized its slow pacing, outdated direction, and inconsistent VFX. India Today’s reviewer gave it 2.5/5 stars, noting poor execution despite a strong second half.
2. Weak Word-of-Mouth: Social media sentiment, including posts on X, reflects disappointment, with some calling Kannappa a “big disaster” due to its inability to sustain momentum after a decent opening.
3. High Budget, Low Returns: With a reported budget of Rs 180–200 crore, Kannappa needs to gross Rs 180 crore worldwide to break even. Current projections suggest it may struggle to reach even Rs 50 crore domestically, making recovery nearly impossible.
4. Competition and Market Fatigue: The film faced a box office clash with Kajol’s Maa and Brad Pitt’s F1 in India, but outperformed them on Day 1. However, its inability to maintain audience interest has left it vulnerable.
5. Poor Advance Bookings: Monday’s advance bookings, particularly in non-Telugu markets and overseas, are alarmingly low, with minimal traction in the USA despite the film’s pan-India appeal.

What Weak Bookings Mean for NRIs and Global Audiences

For NRIs in the USA, Kannappa was anticipated as a cultural touchstone, blending Tollywood’s grandeur with a devotional narrative. However, its underwhelming performance is a letdown for fans expecting a blockbuster. The film’s limited appeal in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam markets, combined with weak US bookings, suggests NRIs may find fewer showtimes as theaters scale back screenings due to low demand.

Vishnu Manchu, who also wrote the screenplay, expressed gratitude for the initial response, stating, “This is all glory to Lord Shiva and #Kannappa.” Yet, the lack of sustained audience support and negative online buzz indicate a tough road ahead.

Can Kannappa Recover?

Trade analysts are skeptical about a turnaround. The film’s Telugu version continues to perform relatively better, with a 44.42% occupancy on Day 2, but other language versions are struggling. To achieve a “hit” status, Kannappa needs to gross Rs 150–200 crore worldwide in three weeks, a target that seems unattainable given current trends.

Experts suggest that films like Baahubali and Pushpa grew slowly in non-South markets, but Kannappa’s mixed reviews and lack of positive word-of-mouth make a similar trajectory unlikely. Vishnu Manchu’s decision to release the film on a commission basis without locking an OTT deal may further strain recovery efforts.

What’s Next for Kannappa?

With bookings for Monday onwards showing a sharp decline, theaters may reduce showtimes, particularly in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam regions. The film’s team is banking on positive audience reactions to the devotional climax to drive weekend walk-ins, but current data suggests limited growth potential.

For NRIs in the USA, checking local theater listings early is crucial, as screenings may be cut due to low advance sales. NRIGlobal.com will continue to track Kannappa’s box office performance, providing updates on whether it can defy the odds or cement its status as one of 2025’s biggest disappointments.

Stay Updated with NRIGlobal.com

Kannappa’s box office crash is a stark reminder of the challenges facing high-budget Tollywood films in a competitive market. For NRIs and global fans, NRIGlobal.com is your go-to source for real-time updates on Kannappa’s performance, Tollywood news, and insights into Indian cinema. Follow us for the latest on this unfolding box office story and more.

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Disclaimer: Box office figures are estimates based on various sources. Visit NRIGlobal.com for the latest updates on Kannappa and other Tollywood films.