Kannappa Movie Box Office Collection Day 1: Vishnu Manchu’s Mythological Epic Off to a Strong Start

Published: June 28, 2025 | Author: Sreekanth | 5 min read

Introduction

The much-anticipated Telugu mythological action drama Kannappa, starring Vishnu Manchu, hit theaters worldwide on June 27, 2025. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory, the film has generated significant buzz due to its star-studded cast, including cameos by Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, and Kajal Aggarwal. Based on the legendary tale of Kannappa, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, the movie blends spirituality, action, and grand visuals. But how did Kannappa perform at the box office on its opening day? Let’s dive into the Day 1 box office collection, occupancy rates, and what these figures mean for the film’s future.

Kannappa Day 1 Box Office Collection: Early Estimates

According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Kannappa earned approximately ₹8.95 Cr India net on its first day across all languages, with some sources estimating the figure could be as high as ₹9 Cr by the end of the day. The film’s global gross is projected to be around ₹13 Cr, factoring in overseas collections and walk-in audiences. While these numbers mark a career-high opening for Vishnu Manchu, they fall short of the blockbuster expectations set by the film’s ₹200 Cr budget and high-profile cameos.

Language-Wise Breakdown

• Telugu: The Telugu version led the charge with a robust ₹8.44 Cr net collection and an impressive 53.76% occupancy across 1,081 screens in India. The strong performance in Telugu-speaking regions like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where over 27,000 tickets were sold in 24 hours via BookMyShow, highlights the film’s regional appeal.
• Hindi: The Hindi version collected around ₹63 L with a modest 9.53% occupancy across 522 screens, indicating a slower start in the Hindi belt.
• Tamil: With 16.06% occupancy across 131 screens, the Tamil version contributed moderately to the overall tally.
• Malayalam: The Malayalam market saw a low 5.80% occupancy across 294 screens, with Kerala’s Day 1 gross estimated at ₹23 L.
• Kannada: The Kannada version recorded 13.63% occupancy across 51 screens, showing a decent response.

Worldwide Performance

Globally, Kannappa saw a mixed response. Overseas premieres on June 26, 2025, generated a positive buzz, particularly in the U.S., where advance sales reached $10.3K from 263 locations. However, the late start of advance bookings in some regions limited its initial momentum. Industry insiders suggest that the film’s global Day 1 gross could range between ₹17-20 Cr, with potential for growth over the weekend if word-of-mouth remains strong.

Factors Driving Kannappa’s Day 1 Performance

1. Star Power and Cameos

The presence of superstars like Prabhas (as Rudra), Akshay Kumar (as Lord Shiva), Mohanlal (as Kirata), and Kajal Aggarwal (as Goddess Parvati) significantly boosted the film’s appeal. Social media posts on X highlighted Prabhas’ cameo as a major draw, with fans praising the “goosebumps-inducing” climax. Vishnu Manchu’s performance, especially in the second half, also received widespread acclaim, adding to the film’s pull.

2. Regional Strength

The film’s strong performance in Telugu states, with 50.45% overall occupancy and up to 69.87% for night shows, underscores its resonance with regional audiences familiar with the Kannappa legend. The Andhra Pradesh government’s approval of a ₹50 ticket price hike for multiplexes and single screens further aided collections in this key market.

3. Mixed Reviews and Word-of-Mouth

While Kannappa received mixed reviews, with critics noting its lengthy runtime and uneven first half, the emotional climax and high production values were widely praised. Posts on X described the second half as a “super blockbuster,” with Vishnu Manchu’s transformation into a devotee earning emotional resonance. Positive word-of-mouth could drive weekend collections, especially among devotional audiences.

4. Competition and Screen Count

Kannappa faced competition from Kajol’s horror drama Maa, which collected ₹3.21 Cr by 8 PM on the same day across more shows. Despite this, Kannappa secured 2,079 screens in India and 5,250 screens worldwide, providing a strong platform for its opening.

How Does Kannappa Compare to Other 2025 Openers?

Early predictions suggested Kannappa could challenge Nani’s HIT 3, which opened at ₹19 Cr net in India, to become Tollywood’s fourth-biggest opener of 2025. However, with Day 1 estimates ranging from ₹8.95-11 Cr net, it fell short of this mark but outperformed Vishnu Manchu’s previous film Ginna (₹0.2 Cr) by a staggering 2300%. The film’s performance aligns with its projected range of ₹10-12 Cr for a decent start, with potential to grow if weekend trends are favorable.

What’s Next for Kannappa?

With a reported budget of ₹200 Cr, Kannappa needs to sustain momentum to recover its investment. Industry experts estimate it must gross ₹150-200 Cr worldwide in three weeks to be deemed a hit. The film’s ₹80 Cr OTT and satellite rights deal provides a financial cushion, but theatrical success remains crucial. Vishnu Manchu has confirmed a 10-week exclusive theatrical run before its OTT release, banking on sustained audience interest.

Conclusion

Kannappa’s Day 1 box office collection of ₹8.95-9 Cr India net and ₹13-20 Cr worldwide reflects a solid, if not spectacular, start. The film’s strong Telugu performance, bolstered by Prabhas’ cameo and Vishnu Manchu’s career-defining role, sets a promising tone. However, its success in non-Telugu markets and over the weekend will determine its long-term trajectory. Stay tuned for more updates on Kannappa’s box office journey

Disclaimer: Box office figures are based on early estimates and may vary. Data is sourced from industry trackers and X posts, with no guarantee of accuracy.

Keywords: Kannappa box office collection, Kannappa Day 1 collection, Vishnu Manchu, Prabhas cameo, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, Telugu movie 2025, mythological film, box office prediction, India net collection, worldwide gross.