{"id":557547,"date":"2025-06-24T18:20:37","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T12:50:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/?p=557547"},"modified":"2025-06-24T18:20:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T12:50:37","slug":"mohan-babu-hugged-me-after-watching-kannappa-director-mukesh-kumar-singh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/mohan-babu-hugged-me-after-watching-kannappa-director-mukesh-kumar-singh\/","title":{"rendered":"Mohan Babu Hugged Me After Watching Kannappa: Director Mukesh Kumar Singh"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mohan Babu Hugged Me After Watching Kannappa: Director Mukesh Kumar Singh<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Dynamic Star Vishnu Manchu\u2019s dream project Kannappa, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by M Mohan Babu under AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory is set for release on the 27th of this month. Meanwhile, Director Mukesh Kumar Singh<\/span> interacted with the media to share some interesting aspects.<\/span><\/p>\n

 It is said that Mohan Babu binge-watched your Mahabharat series and recommended you to Vishnu Manchu for Kannappa. How did it all begin?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, that\u2019s true. It all started when director Eshwar Reddy called me and mentioned the Mahabharat series. I clarified that it wasn\u2019t a solo effort\u2014two other directors worked alongside me, and I didn’t want to take full credit. I even gave him their contact details.<\/span><\/p>\n

Later, Anup Singh Thakur, who played Dhritarashtra in Mahabharat and also acted with Vishnu in Achari America Yatra, reached out and informed me that Vishnu Manchu wanted to speak to me. Vishnu called me soon after and invited me to Hyderabad. We met and spent 3\u20134 hours discussing the subject in depth.<\/span><\/p>\n

At that time, Mohan Babu garu wasn\u2019t in town. Around 25\u201330 days later, I was told he had returned and wanted to meet me. I was taken to his house, and we spent an hour talking about Mahabharat. After our conversation, he immediately called Vishnu and said, \u201cThis is the man who will direct Kannappa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: Since you worked on Mahabharat, how familiar were you with the story of Kannappa?<\/span><\/p>\n

Honestly, I wasn\u2019t familiar with Kannappa initially. Vishnu narrated the story to me and expressed his desire to make it as grand as Mahabharat. Once I joined, I did extensive research on my own\u2014I never rely solely on writers.<\/span><\/p>\n

I read articles, watched videos, and even visited temples in Tirupati and Sri Kalahasti\u2014about 10+ times. I spent time with the priests there to truly understand the spiritual and cultural depth of the story. After this process, I shared my understanding with Vishnu. I was curious to see how he would embody the role and bring the soul of Kannappa to life.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: What differences did you experience moving from TV to Cinema?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

While I\u2019m known for my TV work, I have also produced three English-language films. So, the cinema wasn\u2019t new to me. In fact, many of the TV projects I directed were grander than some films.<\/span><\/p>\n

The main difference is in the preparation. TV productions are fast-paced and lack preparation time, whereas cinema allows ample time for planning. I officially joined Kannappa in January, and we started filming on October 4th\u2014my birthday.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: The film features multiple Pan-India stars. How did you manage that ensemble?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

That was one of the most exciting aspects of the project. Surprisingly, I found managing television actors more challenging than film stars.<\/span><\/p>\n

The film stars\u2014Mohan Babu, Vishnu, Prabhas, and others\u2014are not just stars; they are disciplined and passionate professionals. Initially, there were challenges. I have a habit of exchanging detailed scene notes with actors, and once we established that rhythm, things fell into place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mohan Babu garu, in particular, is a different kind of actor. He is extremely focused, sincere, and brings unmatched energy and aura to the screen.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: Was the film shot only in Telugu?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Kailasam portion was shot in Telugu. The scenes featuring Lord Shiva and Parvati were filmed in both Telugu and Hindi, and we dubbed the film into other languages for wider reach.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: Did you watch earlier films based on Kannappa?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, I watched all of them. They were all inspirational. At times, I was anxious about whether I could do justice to such a revered story. Vishnu also had doubts about matching the legacy of those iconic portrayals. But when you watch the final hour of our film, I believe you\u2019ll be amazed by his performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: Can you tell us about the work of the art department?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Our art director Chinna did thorough research. We also brought in technicians from Mumbai and Los Angeles. My assistant directors visited museums to study ancient weapons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though we initially planned to shoot in New Zealand for just 20 days, the locations were so perfect that we ended up shooting most of the film there. 80% of the film was shot on real locations, while Akshay Kumar and Prabhas’ scenes were filmed in India. Budget was never a constraint\u2014Vishnu ensured we had everything needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: What is the scope of Prabhas\u2019s role in the film?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Every character in Kannappa has depth and impact. There are no filler roles. Be it Mohan Babu, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, or Prabhas\u2014each character adds momentum and meaning to the story.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prabhas fans will not be disappointed. His screen time is significant and well-utilized. After watching the film, Mohan Babu garu hugged me. That was the biggest compliment. Even a few outsiders who previewed the film gave extremely positive feedback.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: The censor board suggested 13 cuts. What\u2019s your take on it?<\/span><\/p>\n

The cuts were suggested so the film could receive a U or U\/A certification. It has some intense action sequences. We wanted an U13 or U rating, so we made the necessary changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: How much of the story is fictionalized?<\/span><\/p>\n

The original story of Kannappa, as found in Periya Puranam, Bhagavata Purana, and Sri Kalahasti Shapatham, is just about one and a half pages long. We used that as a foundation and expanded on it creatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

To make a 2+ hour film, we had to take cinematic liberties. However, we remained true to the soul and essence of the story. The structure from the first scene to the last has a consistent emotional and narrative flow.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>Q: Who supported you in writing the dialogues?<\/span><\/p>\n

I worked with Telugu-speaking assistant directors and translated everything myself. Vishnu, Mohan Babu, and a few writers also contributed to fine-tuning the dialogues.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: What was the response from Sri Kalahasti priests after watching the film?<\/span><\/p>\n

We screened the film for them, as they are the most authentic voices to evaluate it. Their reaction was heartening. The first thing they asked was, “When are you making Part 2?” They told us that not a single word needed to be changed. That validation was priceless.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: How did you ensure the story resonated with modern audiences?<\/span><\/p>\n

First, I must clarify: this is not a mythological film. It is historical. Me and Vishnu discussed this in detail. Some believe Kannappa was a tribal. Others think he was the reincarnation of Arjuna. That\u2019s why there are 20 versions of his story.<\/span><\/p>\n

At its core, he was the man who donated his eyes\u2014an act of ultimate devotion. That truth needed to reach today\u2019s generation.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: Are you working on a Mahabharata film next?<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, I’m planning a cinematic adaptation of Mahabharata. It\u2019s an open subject, and anyone can tell it their way. I have immense respect for S.S. Rajamouli, who is also working on a version. After Satyajit Ray, it is Rajamouli who has truly elevated Indian cinema on the global stage. I\u2019ve already told the story on television, but the film offers a much wider canvas.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: What\u2019s your opinion on using graphics in movies today?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Graphics are evolving fast, but they must be used wisely. Today, people often over-rely on VFX. The key is to mix reality with graphics\u2014to enhance, not replace, the real experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Q: A final word on Mohan Babu\u2019s role in the film?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mohan Babu garu plays a role that\u2019s unlike anything seen before in other versions of Kannappa. He\u2019s a phenomenal actor. He\u2019s also playing the antagonist in Nani\u2019s upcoming film. His range and intensity will be a treat for audiences.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Mohan Babu Hugged Me After Watching Kannappa: Director Mukesh Kumar Singh Dynamic Star Vishnu Manchu\u2019s dream project Kannappa, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by M Mohan Babu under AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory is set for release on the 27th of this month. Meanwhile, Director Mukesh Kumar Singh interacted with the media […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":557548,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,11,17],"tags":[64200,68478,68477,50370,7444,3602,734],"yst_prominent_words":[9096,34905,8910,56676,10253,11470,46385,51389,9205,11016,12459,36089],"class_list":["post-557547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-interviews","category-news","category-slideshow","tag-kannappa","tag-kannappa-director-mukesh-kumar-singh-interview","tag-mukesh-kumar-singh","tag-pan-india-films","tag-telugu-cinema","tag-tollywood","tag-vishnu-manchu"],"read":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/557547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=557547"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/557547\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":557549,"href":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/557547\/revisions\/557549"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/557548"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=557547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=557547"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=557547"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/industryhit.com\/t\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=557547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}