'Kannappa': Akshay Kumar recalls how his father “was asked to wear Lord Shiva's costume,” calls it a “great coincidence”

AFTER playing Lord Shiva in 'OMG2', Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is gearing up to entertain the audience once again with his portrayal of the deity in the upcoming Telugu film 'Kannappa'.

- 

Akshay called himself "fortunate" to get such an opportunity. "I feel quite fortunate to have received such opportunities. In the film OMG! Oh My God (2012), I played Lord Krishna. I played Shiv ji in OMG 2 (2023), and I'm doing it again in Kannappa. It's quite rare for an actor to get the opportunity to play such divine roles."

Recalling an incident when his father also played Lord Shiva, he said, "When my father was transferred to Mumbai, he was once approached by a man who asked him, 'Bhai saab, aap acting karoge?'. My father worked in the army, was 6.1 feet tall and was a wrestler; he was shocked by this offer. They took him to the set, and believe it or not, he was asked to wear Lord Shiva's costume. The role was just 5 or 10 seconds, though. It's a great coincidence that his son also got to play the same role."

The film's makers released the teaser at a grand event in Mumbai on Thursday. Akshay Kumar, Madhoo, actor-producer Vishnu Manchu, director Mukesh Kumar Singh, and others attended.

Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, the film will be released on April 25, 2025, and marks Akshay Kumar's debut in Telugu cinema.