Usually, devotional films get a clean 'U' certificate, but Kannappa received a ‘U/A’ from the Censor Board with major cuts on objectionable words and scenes.
An 11‑member Revision Committee watched the film and recommended removing or changing 13 scenes, including some dialogues.
Important words like “Pilaka” and “Gilaka”, which were objected to by Brahmin communities, have been removed. The words are to be changed, and they don’t appear in the subtitles anymore.
The word “Chavata” was also ordered to replace with some other as that is not going right in the context. Another word, “Neecha Jati”, was deleted from the film.
Several violent scenes were cut too, like wiping the blood on the sword to apply on face.
Overall, the censor report says the film has more voilence and anger than devotion. However, it is said that after Prabhas’ entry, the devotional tone increased.
To avoid controversies, a disclaimer at the beginning of the film says it is based on the Srikalahasti Mahatyam by Dhurjati and the Basava Puranam, and that certain cinematic liberties have been taken.
The disclaimer also says that the team also received permission from the chief priest of Srikalahasti.
With censor formalities complete, advance bookings for the Telugu version will start tomorrow.
