Just recently, Kannada cinema’s trendsetter Upendra was in a Catch-22 situation — his two films, 'Katari Veera Surasundarangi' and 'Godfather' were set for a clash upon their release. But the issue was resolved after producer K Manju postponed the release of 'Godfather' to June 8 or 12. “Everyone in the industry is inter-dependent. If 'Katari Veera...' has a good run, it will only be an advantage for 'Godfather',” says Uppi.
As for 'Katari Veera...', the actor is quite happy with the 3D effects. But Jogayya, actually promised in 3D, disappointed audiences. Uppi assures they wouldn’t be let down this time. “I am quite happy with the work done by the director, who made 'Chhota Chetan', India’s first 3D film. We are releasing in 60 theatres, including some in interior parts of Karnataka, where people would not have even heard of 3D,” says Uppi, cautioning, “We can’t guarantee good quality (of 3D projection) in some theatres, as they have 2K or 4K resolutions.”
Next up from the Real Star are Topiwala and Kalpana. And we have heard that he has written the story and screenplay for Topiwala as well as made an attempt at scripting dialogues for Katari Veera... “I need about one-and-a-half years to direct a movie. I like directing, but I don’t want to miss the kind of roles that are being offered to me. I still have time,” he says.
Fans always look forward to watching films directed by Uppi. “I’ve planned a sequel to Upendra, but have around four-five storylines in mind. I’ll announce one by this year-end,” he says. Upendra directorials always have a message, are larger-than-life and unique. “I’m quite extreme in my films and that’s how I enjoy my direction. Still, I’m an unsatisfied director,” he says.
Upendra also has plans to direct movies with Sudeep and Shivarajkumar in the lead. “I don’t want to miss the opportunity, but my hands are tied now. I’ve been asked by Appu (Puneeth Rajkumar) and Shivarajkumar to do a movie each for them. I am looking for a good subject and the right time,” he says.
On the Bollywood front, too, Uppi was supposed to direct a Boney Kapoor film. “My friend, Shyam, who is currently working with Boney, is keen that I direct a film in Bollywood. I will do it.” Uppi is equally popular in Telugu and Tamil industries. “I’m just one-film-old in Tamil, but because of requests from fans, I have decided that my next directorial venture will be made in three languages.” His formula to uplift the Kannada industry? “Execute a film with right artistes, good publicity and adequate time in hand,” he says.
Also, there has been news of the Real Star getting into politics every now and then. “It will take some time. Like a few others, I don’t want to get into politics just to say that I want to do this and that. It is always how we do it,” he signs off.