For decades now, actor-director Upendra has survived all kinds of competition, even that with himself. His fan base has stood by his side through the thick and thin of his career. Uppi 2, Upendra’s next directorial venture that was launched in September, saw the start of re-recording on Sunday.
“The title Uppi 2 struck me when I saw it written on the back of an autorickshaw and I immediately made an announcement,” says Upendra.
The film’s script was ready 10 years ago, the director admits. “I have completed all other commitments and now, all my time will be for Uppi 2,” he adds.
On the changing dynamics of showbiz, Upendra says, “Some years ago, there were difficulties in making a good movie, even though there was a variety of scripts available. Today, film making has become very easy, but it is difficult to get the right script. Making a different film with a good story is not an easy task. What we need at present is good ideas,” he asserts.
Upendra considers Uppi 2 as his first film as a director. “The old Upendra should be out of everyone’s mind. I have advised music director Gurukiran, cinematographer Ashok Kashyap and the entire team working on the film to think on the same lines. If we have to bring in something new, we have to give a fresh perspective and learn through the process. Today, audiences are intelligent and expect a lot from us. We will be more than happy if we meet 80 per cent of their expectations,” he says.
This time, Upendra has chosen to have a mix of locations. “We will show less of Bangalore and more of north India,” he says. The audience will see the actor in different avatars in the film.
Wishing his fans a happy Ugadi, the actor says, “Ugadi comes every year. Likewise, films also keep coming every year and are enjoyed by the audiences. Through filmmaking, we try to look for new things within it,” he signs off.
Uppi 2 is produced by Upendra’s wife Priyanka and C R Manohar. At the press meet, Upendra requested his wife to spare him from family commitments till the movie is done.