Kannappa: Thai stunt director Kecha Khamphakdee joins Vishnu Manchu’s magnum opus

Vishnu Manchu, last seen in the rural comedy Ginna, had begun work on his dream project Kannappa earlier this year. The devotional drama, to be released in multiple languages, is being directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh. Nupur Sanon was announced as the female lead but recently stepped out owing to scheduling conflicts. The big-budget saga is produced by Vishnu Manchu himself under Ava Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory.

It’s already out in the open that several leading stars from multiple languages will be a part of Kannappa. Prabhas and Nayanthara are rumoured to play Lord Shiva and Parvathi in the film while Kannada star Shiva Rajkumar, Malayalam legend Mohanlal essay crucial roles as well. Veteran writers Paruchuri Gopalakrishna, Burra Sai Madhav and Thota Prasad are coming up with the script.

Also read: Shivarajkumar joins Vishnu Manchu's magnum opus Kannappa 

Now, we hear that popular Thai stunt choreographer Kecha Khamphakdee (popularly addressed as Kecha) has joined team Kannappa. Welcoming him into the team, the producers tweeted, “Get ready for a heart-pounding spectacle as Kecha Khamphakdee, the action maestro, joins the ‘Kannappa’ family! Expect an unparalleled cinematic Tandav like never before.”

Kecha has had multiple releases this year across languages including Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan, Chiranjeevi starrer Bholaa Shankar and has also begun working on Puri Jagannadh’s next - Double Ismart. His career took off in Bangkok as a stunt double when he was 14 in the 90s and he was a stunt director while he turned 20. Ever since, he has tasted international fame in many industries.

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For the uninitiated, director Mukesh Kumar Singh has also worked on the popular Mahabharat series. The other details about the cast, crew will be announced soon. Revered devotee Kannappa’s tale came to life in Telugu cinema initially with Kalahasti Mahatyam, starring Kannada legend Rajkumar and the film was later remade as Bhakta Kannappa, headlined by Krishnam Raju.

Also read: Vishnu Manchu’s dream project Kannappa launched