We had previously reported that Vijay Sethupathi is playing the villain in an upcoming Telugu film that marks the acting debut of Chiranjeevi's nephew, Panja Vaisshnav Tej. This project, which will mark the Vikram Vedha actor's second film in that industry, has now been titled Uppena, according to reputable sources.
While it was earlier speculated that it was titled Jalari, sources close to the makers have refuted these claims. "The team has almost finalised Uppena and even registered it at the Film Chamber. The film will be shot at real locations in coastal Andhra," adds a source.
Manisha Raj was supposed to star opposite Vaisshnav in this film. However, our sources reveal that creative differences forced the makers to replace her with Malayalam actor Devika Sanjay, who will be making her Telugu debut with this project.
With music by Devi Sri Prasad, the film, which will go on floors later this month, is said to be a rustic love story set in the backdrop of a sea. Tej plays a fisherman in the film, which will be directed by Buchi Babu Sana, a former protege of director Sukumar.
Meanwhile, Vijay Sethupathi has a number of films, including Chiranjeevi's Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Maamanidhan, Laabam, Sindhubaadh, and Jayaram's Marconi Mathai, in various stages of production.