Upendra’s ‘UI’: 10 intriguing facts about Kannada film

Team Udayavani, Dec 20, 2024, 11:39 AM IST

The Kannada film industry is abuzz with the grand release of ‘UI’, a movie that blends science fiction with intense psychological drama. Directed, written, and headlined by superstar Upendra Rao, this ambitious project is set to hit the screens on December 20, 2024.

Here are some lesser-known yet fascinating facts about the film that’s already creating ripples among cinema enthusiasts:

1. Upendra Returns After 9 Years

‘UI’ marks Upendra’s comeback as a director after nearly a decade. His last directorial venture was ‘Uppi 2’ in 2015, which also explored philosophical themes in his signature style.

2. A Mega-Budget Spectacle

With a whopping budget of Rs 100 crore, ‘UI’ stands tall as one of the costliest ventures in Kannada cinema. The elaborate sets, stunning visuals, and top-notch effects promise a visual treat.

3. Set in a Dystopian World

The movie transports viewers to a dystopian future in the year 2040, grappling with the aftermath of issues like COVID-19, AI dominance, social media obsession, and climate crises.

4. A Star-Studded Ensemble

Apart from Upendra, the film boasts a stellar cast, including Reeshma Nanaiah, Jisshu Sengupta, Murali Sharma, Sunny Leone, Sadhu Kokila, Nidhi Subbaiah, and many others.

5. A Unique Plotline

The story revolves around a psychological battle between a king and an extraordinary man. This man, using wit and strategy, dethrones the king and becomes a ruthless dictator, exploring themes of power and manipulation.

6. Impressive Technical Team

The film’s brilliance is backed by some of the best in the industry. B. Ajaneesh Loknath has composed the music, while H.C. Venugopal helms the cinematography. The editing is crafted by Vijay Raj B.G.

7. Pan-Indian Appeal

‘UI’ isn’t just limited to Kannada audiences. It will be released in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi, ensuring a wider reach across India.

8. Advance Booking Frenzy

The film’s hype is evident in the ticket sales. According to reports, in Mysuru, over 5,400 tickets have been snapped up, and in Bengaluru, the iconic Urvashi Theatre recorded Rs 4.5 lakh in first-day sales.

9. CBFC Certification

Despite its intense themes, ‘UI’ has received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification, making it suitable for a broad audience.

10. Social Commentary Wrapped in Sci-Fi

‘UI’ takes a bold dig at societal issues — how caste, poverty, and other distractions are used by those in power to mislead people from questioning larger issues.