After keeping his fans waiting for five long years, Kannada superstar Upendra Rao is back with Upendra 2 (Uppi 2 in Kannada), the sequel to his 1999 blockbuster Upendra.
The actor, who has a large fan following in Telugu states of AP and Telangana, says though it has been over a decade since the original released, making a sequel to Upendra was always in his mind.
“It’s been a 15 years since I made Upendra, and even though I made Super in the middle, I knew I would be making Upendra 2 sooner or later. In fact, during the making of Upendra itself, I had thought of making this film,” shares the actor.
In Upendra, the lead protagonist leaves three heroines and walks out, almost leaving the viewers hanging, one of the main catalyst for prompting a sequel.
“I had thought about it long and hard for about ten years and it struck to me that the film needs a sequel - to be projected from a different perspective, which is why I decided to make Upendra 2,” he explains.
Shedding light further about the film, Upendra, who is known for making satirical films, says Upendra 2 completes the journey of the protagonist.
“It’s a general, realistic story that will connect with everybody. The film is also about freedom, which is why we thought it would be apt to release it on Independence Day. It is about internal freedom, how we can live our life in our own way. It is commercial as well as thoughtful. There is a lot of depth in the script,” observes the 47-year-old.
Uppi, as he is fondly called, has earned the reputation of making unconventional movies and the actor-filmmaker says it will be no different this time.
“While this will be completely different from the original, the Upendra style will be prominent. There is resemblance to the old character but it is not so eccentric. Any director will project what he truly feels about things, how he views society, etc.
Movies are nothing but a different viewpoint,” he says, philosophically.
Upendra 2 also features actresses Kristina Akheeva and Parul Yadav alongside the Kannada star and while actresses are normally reduced to songs in South films, Upendra asserts that both his leading ladies play a significant role in the film.
“I give importance to all the characters in my films. I don’t cast heroines just for songs. They are always a part of the subject in some way, which is how their characters are introduced. It is no different in this movie,” he says, firmly.
Much like Rajinikanth, Upendra’s is a classic case of rags-to-riches and philosophical actor reflects on his career, while on a visit to Hyderabad.
“I came from nothing and when you have nothing, you are bold. I did not have any big heroes, a large production house backing me or an audience for my films. But that’s where your creativity begins,” he reveals. “Initially I was mocked for my choice of titles and my style of filmmaking, but I thought to myself, ‘at least people are talking about me’.”
Considering he’s a popular face among the Telugu audience, the actor says he would be willing to make a Tollywood if an offer presents itself. “If a producer approaches me to make a film in Telugu, I would accept it,” he says, signing off.
Produced by Priyanka Upendra, Upendra 2 releases today.