While Upendra has been spending a lot of his time writing the script for this 50th film, the actor-director and producer will start the shoot for his next film from March 9.
With an interesting title, Uppi Rupee, the film directed K Madesh has an exciting script. There has been a lot of curiosity around Uppi Rupee’s story and there were speculations about it being a remake, but Madesh clears the air. “Uppi Rupee will explore Modi’s demonetisation and its effects,” says the director. “We were particular that Upendra play the role, it is tailor-made for the star.”
Madesh and the team did not want to reveal the story initially because they were waiting to see how it would all play out. “Since it was matter of money, we waited to watch the twists and turns following demonetisation before finalising on the story,” he says.
“Therefore, we did not reveal the story. Now that we are done with the screenplay and are in the last leg of scripting dialogues, we now have a clear picture about Uppi Rupee.”
The director says the movie will be on demonetisation, black money and corruption. “Corruption is a constant in our society,” says Madesh, “Even demonetisation could not curb it. The movie will delve into that. On the one hand there are people who are trying to do good, but there are also an equal number of corrupt officials who are looking to do something bad. This is the universal truth.”
Uppi will play a common man in this story, says the director. “But his mannerisms will add a punch to Uppi Rupee.”
The director is thrilled that Uppi is excited about the script. “I was glad to hear it from him,” says Madesh, “He told me that I had come up with a good, commercial subject. He is a writer-director himself and convincing him with the narration is difficult. But the advantage of working with Uppi is that he himself sat with us while coming up with the screenplay, along with MS Ramesh. His involvement starts from the very beginning and he discusses every scene with us. I have been learning a lot of from Upendra.”
The film, produced by Vijayalakshmi Urs, features Rachita Ram in the female lead. Rangayana Raghu, Ravi Shankar and Sadhu Kokila are part of the supporting case and the makers have approached Jagapathi Babu to play the antagonist. “Uppi and Jagapathi Babu make a good combination, but we are yet to get a green signal from Jagapathi Babu. Since the antagonist is not required for this schedule, we have decided to wait for his reply,” he says.
The first schedule will start in
Mysuru and will be shoot in a new destination - West Indies -- and some portions will be shot in Canada and Thailand, across three schedules.
The film will have Sadhu Kokila’s music and cinematography by Rajesh Katta.
Meanwhile K Madesh will be associating with Upendra for the remake of 3 Idiots in Kannada. “It is too early to talk about my next project,” he says, “It might go on floors only next year.”