With UI breaking records even before its release, the excitement surrounding Upendra's comeback as a director after a hiatus is obvious. As the film, set to release on December 20, nears its debut in over 2,000 screens globally, the team celebrates the impressive achievement of selling over 80,000 tickets online, with one lakh expected by the time it hits theaters. The Kannada film is also being released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi.
Produced by G Manoharan and KP Sreekanth under the banner of Lahari Films and Venus Entertainers, UI stars Upendra in the lead, alongside Reeshma Nanaiah as the female lead. Co-producers include Naveen Manohar and Tulsirama Naidu (Lahari Velu), among few others. The music is composed by Ajaneesh Loknath, with cinematography by HC Venu. The film will be distributed in Karnataka by KVN Productions.
In the middle of his hectic schedule, Upendra took time to talk exclusively with CE about the film, the weight of expectations he faces, and his perspective on life and politics.
“The expectations are always there. But I believe that like every film, UI is a genuine effort. We’ve put in our best, and I’m confident that the audience will feel it," Upendra says says with a calm, reflective tone. He adds, "Today's cinema isn’t limited to one language—it’s global. We’re trying to speak the language of the present, and I’ve danced to the tunes of the times."
A recurring theme in Upendra’s films has been politics, and when asked if his stories intentionally lean towards such themes, he answers thoughtfully, “It’s all about how you perceive it. If you see my films as political, yes, there may be connections. But you can also see it as philosophical, psychological, or simply as entertainment. There are many layers to peel.”
Upendra further explains his unique storytelling approach with UI: “Bottomline, it’s about ‘You’ and ‘I.’ You can look at the world as your home, or you can see your home as the world. It’s all about perspective. The beauty of UI is that you can interpret it in your own way—whether you see it as global or just local, it’s your call.”
Considering his previous film Super, where he envisioned a promising future for India ahead, Upendra has put a different scenario with UI, and shares his views: “Irrespective of the place, UI paints a picture of humanity as a whole. We see wars, migration, suffering, and people being displaced. It’s heartbreaking to think about families losing their homes and becoming nomads. We have to be sensitive to this. What happens in the neighborhood is as important as what happens in your own home.”
Despite his futuristic storytelling approach, Upendra believes the present shapes the future. “It’s not about waiting for tomorrow; it’s about how we live today. If you want to be a visionary like Bill Gates, your journey begins right now. The present defines the future. If we ignore that, then we’re missing the point.”
Considering MGR, who often blended political themes into his films before entering politics, and whether he is following a similar path, Upendra offers a thoughtful response. “I’ve always approached politics differently. I don’t follow any set formula; I bring my own interpretation to it. It’s not about pushing political agendas through my films—it’s about reflecting on leadership, society, and the way we live. I present my ideas in my own way, through films. I don't think I need to step into politics to influence change. Cinema, for me, is the space where I choose to make my voice heard.”
Known for his bold and unconventional visual style, Upendra’s films are a feast for the eyes, filled with extreme visuals and striking costumes. When asked if this is intentional, he says, “I like to break norms, but it’s more than just style—it’s about bringing meaning through the visuals. Every element serves a purpose in telling the story. It’s about creating a world that feels real yet surreal at once."
With futuristic elements like AI technology woven into UI, Upendra shares that the making process was a learning experience for him too. “Every day is a learning process. We are all students of life, constantly wondering how things will unfold. AI and technology are tools we use today, and I wanted to bring that into my film.”
Upendra’s films often feature unconventional characters, and UI is no exception. When asked if he considers himself an anti-hero in UI, a cagey Upendra states, “Let the audience decide who the hero and villain are. It’s up to them to interpret it as they see fit.”
Upendra’s approach to filmmaking is as unique as the characters he creates. With UI, he tries to challenge the norms of cinema, blending thought-provoking themes with futuristic storytelling. Whether you see UI as a piece of political commentary, a philosophical journey, or simply a thrilling film, one thing is clear—Upendra wants to make it an experience.
“I am curious and waiting to see how the audience will decode UI. I want to know what will they to take from it and reflect on it. Ultimately, it’s all about how they interpret the world and themselves."