Bhakta Kannappa (1976) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 26 Mar 2026
Bhakta Kannappa (1976) Review
Released on 29 May 1976, Bhakta Kannappa (1976) is a Telugu drama, family movie starring Krishnam Raju, Vanisri, M. Balayya. Directed by Bapu. The story of the famous Siva devotee, Kanappa. Our Rating: 4/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER. Runtime: 2h 27m.

Bhakta Kannappa(1976)
Telugu · Drama, Family
2h 27m · 29 May 1976
Music: Chellapilla Satyanarayana Sastry | DOP: V.S.R. Swamy, M. V. Raghu | Writer: Mullapudi Venkata Ramana
Ratings
Our Rating
4
📖 Story
Bhakta Kannappa is a devotional biographical film based on the life of Kannappa, a tribal hunter who becomes a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. The story depicts his transformation from a simple hunter to a saint through his unwavering faith and devotion.
Krishnam Raju: Portrayed the titular role of Kannappa with intense devotion and emotional depth, effectively capturing the character's spiritual journey.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong devotional theme
- ✓Powerful performance by Krishna
- ✓Direction by Bapu with artistic visuals
- ✓Memorable music and background score
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing issues in the second half
- ✕Limited appeal to non-devotional audiences
🎬 Direction & Writing
Bapu's direction is marked by a sensitive portrayal of the devotional subject, combining artistic visuals with a faithful narrative. The writing stays true to the mythological source, emphasizing emotional and spiritual elements.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 8.4 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 6.9 | |
| 0 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Completed 50 days in multiple centers
- - Completed 100 days in select centers
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
The film was praised for its devotional intensity and Krishna's performance. Critics appreciated the direction and music but noted that the film's appeal was mostly limited to devotional and Telugu-speaking audiences.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bhakta Kannappa release in theatres?▾
Bhakta Kannappa released on 29 May 1976 (1976).
Is Bhakta Kannappa a hit or flop?▾
Bhakta Kannappa is declared a BLOCKBUSTER at the box office.
Where to watch Bhakta Kannappa online? OTT release date?▾
Bhakta Kannappa OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Bhakta Kannappa?▾
Bhakta Kannappa directed by Bapu. Produced by Uppalapati Surya Narayana Raju.
Who are the main cast members of Bhakta Kannappa?▾
Bhakta Kannappa stars Krishnam Raju, Vanisri, M. Balayya.
What is the Tollybo rating for Bhakta Kannappa?▾
Tollybo rates Bhakta Kannappa 4/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER.
Who composed the music for Bhakta Kannappa?▾
Music for Bhakta Kannappa composed by Chellapilla Satyanarayana Sastry.
What is the genre and runtime of Bhakta Kannappa?▾
Bhakta Kannappa — Genre: Drama, Family, Runtime: 147 minutes, Language: Telugu.
