India, June 24 -- Kannappa is one of the most awaited films in Telugu cinema. Featuring Vishnu Manchu in the lead role, the period drama has been directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh. He speaks to us about the prep, handling stars like Mohanlal and Prabhas, and how confident he is about the biggie. Here is the transcript.

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Anup Singh Thakur, who worked in my Mahabharat series, called me and stated that Vishnu Manchu wanted to meet me. I met Vishnu and his dad and discussed the Mahabharat for over four hours. At the end of the conversation, Mohan Babu sir told Vishnu that I would direct Kannappa and was the perfect choice.

No, I was not aware of him at all. I...