Akshay Kumar Rejected 'Kannappa' Star, Vishnu Manchu Twice, Had To Request Sudha To Convince Him

Vishnu Manchu's dream project, Kannappa, will be released on June 27, 2025. The mythological drama includes several ace actors from across the country, including Prabhas from Tollywood, Mohanlal from Mollywood and Akshay Kumar from Bollywood. And while the star-studded cast might seem a smooth run, Vishnu Manchu has recently revealed that it was anything but easy.

Akshay Kumar rejected Vishnu Manchu's Kannappa twice

Vishnu Manchu sat for a conversation with SCREEN and revealed that Akshay Kumar rejected him twice when he reached the actor for the role of 'Lord Shiv'. Vishnu, who is not just playing the lead in the film but has also written it, visualised Akshay for the role. However, he had a different opinion than Vishnu and refused the film. It took him several days and months to convince Akshay to take up that role, which will now mark his Telugu film debut. He was quoted as saying:

"When I was writing the film, I couldn’t help but see him in that role. His body structure, with a jatta, gives a divine appearance. Akshay Kumar rejected my film twice. Later, I approached him through filmmaker Sudha Kongara when they were shooting for Sarfira. I told her, 'I really want to cast Akshay as Lord Shiva, please talk to him once.' She spoke to him and convinced him to get on a phone call with me."

In the same conversation, Vishnu revealed that Sudha finally got Akshay Kumar to call him, and he told him about the role. He added that what was supposed to be a five-minute call turned into a 45-minute conversation, with Akshay admitting that it was the first time he had heard a script on call. For the unversed, Vishnu was in New Zealand at the time. Later, the duo agreed to meet. Vishnu recalled their conversation and said:

"He was like, 'Hi Vishnu, what is it?' I was like, 'Sorry, Mr Akshay, for talking to you on the phone.' He then asked about the role. What was supposed to be a five-minute call, ended up becoming a 45-minute conversation. At the end of it, he said, 'Pehli baar mai script phone pe sunn raha hu. I apologised and said, 'I am truly sorry for this. I am in New Zealand. If only I was in India, I would have personally come and met you.' He said, 'No, don’t be sorry. I am glad you spoke. Let’s meet whenever you are here.'"

Vishnu Manchu on not being able to afford Akshay Kumar's standard fee

After spending eight months in New Zealand, Vishnu came back to India in March 2025. He revealed that he then met Akshay and showed him everything they had shot so far. While most of the shooting took place in New Zealand, the makers shot the sequences featuring Akshay and Prabhas in Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad. In the same conversation, Vishnu revealed that he had told Akshay that he might not be able to afford his standard fee. As a result, Akshay signed the film at a much lower price than his usual package. 

Vishnu Manchu on working with Akshay Kumar

In the same conversation, Vishnu revealed that Akshay was extremely professional when it came to his work. He added that the actor strictly followed his schedules and never extended a shoot. Vishnu further added the best part about working with Akshay was that once he entered the set, he wouldn't step out, even for a bit. He was quoted as saying:

"Akshay Kumar is extremely professional and sincere in his work. He is very punctual and strictly follows his schedule. He never extends the shoot. If he has been given a certain time, he will come and leave at that time. We had to respect his working style. What was the best about him is that, once he entered the set, he wouldn’t leave or step out even for a bit."

What are your thoughts on Vishnu Manchu's revelation about Akshay Kumar? Let us know.

Next Read: Unni Mukundan Denies Assaulting Ex-PR, Calls It A 'Propaganda' To Harm His Friendship With Tovino

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)