Upendra has a unique fan base, not just as an actor but especially as a filmmaker. His directorial ventures are known for their distinctive touch. UI marks Upendra’s return as a director after nearly a decade. Released in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi, the film has generated significant buzz. How is this film? What message does Upendra convey? Let’s delve into the details.

Story Vamana Rao (Ravi Shankar), a petty thief, rises to become a powerful politician. Satya (Upendra) and his father, Sastri (Achyut Kumar), work to establish an egalitarian society, promoting awareness among those subjugated by societal hierarchies. Sastri, an astrologer by profession, proclaims that Satya is the Kalki of Kaliyuga based on his janma nakshatra (birth star). What role does Satya’s twin brother play in this prophecy? How does Vamana Rao respond to the revelation? What changes do Satya and Kalki bring to society? These questions drive the narrative of UI.

Analysis

To fully appreciate UI, viewers need a good grasp of national and international political contexts, including discussions often featured in TV debates. Upendra, as both writer and director, delves into numerous issues, addressing them indirectly. For example, in one scene, he compares Afghanistan to a person with two spouses Russia and America who exploit and abandon it.

This analogy critiques the geopolitical exploitation of Afghanistan under the guise of combating terrorism. Upendra also critiques caste and religious debates aired on news channels. The depth in Upendra’s writing shines through, as UI serves as a massive satire on contemporary politics. The film highlights the confusion of political leaders navigating caste and religious divisions while exploring the age-old theme of good versus evil.

However, the storytelling leaves much to be desired. The average viewer may struggle to follow the plot or discern its message. The narrative feels chaotic, and some scenes seem illogical or disconnected. The heroine’s character, for instance, lacks clarity and purpose, making her role the film’s biggest drawback. It takes considerable time to understand the story’s essence, and one might wonder why Upendra chose such a convoluted approach instead of presenting it more directly.

Upendra delivers an outstanding performance, effectively portraying the dual roles with intensity and depth. The contrast between the two characters is compelling. Ayyappa Sharma, familiar to Telugu audiences, performs well within his role, but the rest of the cast fails to leave a lasting impression.

Despite faltering as a storyteller, Upendra succeeds as a director in extracting exceptional work from the technical team. Ajaneesh Loknath delivers a fitting score for this dark satirical film, while the visual effects are commendable, enhancing the film’s unique tone. The production design stands out, creating a visually distinct world on screen.

Verdict

Overall, UI is a quintessential Upendra film, filled with layered metaphors, biting satire, and unconventional storytelling. However, it caters to a niche audience with high intellectual engagement. Upendra even suggests that viewers leave the theater if they think they are already intelligent or unprepared to engage deeply with the film’s ideas.