Akshay Kumar attended the teaser launch of the upcoming film Kannappa, in which he essays the role of Lord Shiva. He also reacted to the controversy surrounding his recently released devotional song Mahakal Chalo. Ahead of Mahashivratri, the Khel Khel Mein actor unveiled the track in collaboration with Palash Sen.
However, a priest association reportedly raised objections to certain visuals in the song which see Akshay hugging a shivling. On this, the actor shared, “Since childhood, my parents taught me that Bhagwan hamare maata pita hai. (God is our parents). So, if you hug your parents, what is wrong with that? Is there anything wrong with it?” he asked.
He added, “Absolutely not. Meri agar shakti wahan se aati hai, toh meri bhakti ko agar koi galat samjhe, usmein mera koi kasoor nahi. That’s it. (If my strength comes from there, then if someone misunderstands my devotion, it is not my fault).”
Akshay will be seen as Lord Shiva in the pan-India film Kannappa. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, the film will be released on April 25, and marks Akshay’s debut in Telugu cinema. During the event, producer and actor Vishnu Manchu talked about Akshay, saying, “I didn’t have a personal connection with Akshay Kumar. But I am grateful to have met him through this film. He’s a wonderful human being. I am a junior to him as an actor, and I have a lot to learn from him.”
Mohan Babu, Mohanlal and Prabhas are also tied up with the film in the capacity of cameo appearances. Kannappa features Vishnu Manchu in the title role in the mythological film which is based on a devotee of Lord Shiva.