Akshay Kumar’s ₹10 Crore Cameo Shocks Industry

Cameos don’t usually make headlines, but when Akshay Kumar reportedly walks away with ₹10 crore for five days of shoot time, the industry pays attention. That’s exactly what’s happened with Kannappa, the mythological epic headlined by Vishnu Manchu. While stars like Superstar Prabhas and Mohanlal chose not to charge for their special appearances, Akshay, who played Lord Shiva, reportedly commanded a massive paycheck for his brief but impactful role.

According to reports, Akshay’s fee raised eyebrows, not just for the amount but for the contrast with others involved. Still, insiders say there was no pushback from the makers. He gave an immediate nod to the project, and his role, though limited in screen time, carried weight due to the emotional and spiritual core of the story. For the Kesari actor, it was a clean, focused five-day schedule that turned into the film’s most talked-about cameo.

Kannappa itself is rooted in the legendary story of Thinnadu, a hunter who transforms into an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. With Vishnu Manchu in the lead and a massive ensemble including Prabhas, Mohanlal, Kajal Aggarwal, and others, the film promised spectacle and scale. While Prabhas appeared as Rudra and Mohanlal as a tribal warrior, Akshay’s Shiva was reserved, divine, and strategically placed within the story. Whether or not the audience embraced the film as a whole, his presence did manage to spark curiosity.

Despite mixed reviews around the film’s visual effects and screenplay, the cast lineup, and this fee bombshell, has kept Kannappa in the headlines. In an industry where cameos are often done for goodwill or low cost, Akshay’s number has started new conversations: not just about value, but about brand power. Love it or hate it, it’s clear, this wasn’t just a guest appearance; it was a calculated move.