Who Was Real-Life Legend Kannappa? Hunter-Turned-Devotee Of Shiva, Who Inspired Vishnu Manchu's Film

Vishnu Manchu's movie, Kannappa, has been widely loved by cinephiles, particularly for the second half. As of now, the movie, which had its theatrical release on June 27, 2025, has grossed Rs. 12-13 crore on Day 1, as reported. Written by Vishnu Manchu himself, the movie revolves around the life of Thinnan, a tribal hunter of South India, who eventually turned a devotee of Lord Shiva. So, amid the movie making waves at the box office, let us know about Thinnan, who was given the name Kannappa after he turned into a saint.

Who was the real-life legend Thinnan, around whom Vishnu Manchu's movie, Kannappa revolves?

While the movie has been ruling the hearts mainly with the second part, let's dive deep into Thinnan's story, whose devotion to Lord Shiva, earned him the title of 'Kannappa'. Thinnan was born in a forest-dwelling community in South India. He belonged to the tribal hunter community and lacked formal education. However, he was deeply loyal and brave. As per the stories that have been widely shared, Thinnan was one day hunting near the hill of Srikalahasti, when he found a Shiva Lingam. Thinnan felt an instant connection with the Lingam and started worshipping it.

How Thinnan became Kannappa? A hunter-turned-Shiva's devotee who offered his eye to Shambhu

Being a hunter, Thinnan didn't have any proper knowledge about how to worship a God, and it was believed that he offered arghya, such as water, to Shiva by carrying it in his mouth from the nearby river Swarnamukhi, and by offering the Lingam fresh meat and wildflowers. While these are not conventional ways to offer arghya to the deity, Lord Shiva accepted it because of Thinnan's devotion and as he was pure in his heart. One day, Shiva examined Thinnan's true devotion to him, and created a divine tremor, which caused the rooftop of the temples to collapse. While all the sages ran to save their lives, Thinnan held the Shiva Lingam close to him by protecting it. And stories reveal that from then on, he was also called Dheera.

Following this, Thinnan once found that one eye of the Lingam was bleeding, and to stop the same, he plucked his one eye and placed it on the Lingam to stop the bleeding. No sooner had he done the same than another eye of the Lingam began to bleed. Seeing no way, Thinnan was ready to pluck his second eye, but he knew he would be blind after that and wouldn't be able to place the eye in the proper place, so he placed his toe to the spot where it was bleeding, and was about the pluck his other eye.

At that moment, Lord Shiva appeared near him, and moved by his devotion, he restored Thinnan's eyesight. Since then, Thinnan was known as one of the Nayanmars of Shiva and was called Kannappa. A stone-carved depiction was discovered in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, in Karnataka, which is renowned for its mythological sculptures and temple architecture.

Responses about Vishnu Manchu's movie, Kannappa

Vishnu Manchu's movie, Kannappa has won the hearts of cinephiles. While critics and viewers felt that the first half was loosely formed, the second half cast a spell that made the movie one of the 'must-watch' films. It had its theatrical release on June 27, 2025, and the audience all around the corner remained awestruck by the performance and the storytelling.

What do you think about the real story of Thinnan or Kannappa?

Also Read: 'Kannappa' Movie Review, Star-Studded Cast's Top Notch Performance, Second Half Stole The Spotlight

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