Upendra is a visionary actor-director of the Kannada film industry, known for his bold storytelling and unconventional cinematic approach. Known for blending thought-provoking themes with commercial appeal, his films often explore complex themes such as human psychology, social norms and existential dilemmas with unique narratives and gripping visuals.

Upendra has earned a reputation for pushing creative boundaries and challenging audience expectations. His upcoming film UI, which is scheduled to release on December 20, promises to be another mind-boggling experience, as announced by the producer himself. Ahead of UI releasedHere are seven recommended films directed by Upendra that are worth watching.

Here is the trailer:

A (1998)

Upendra’s A is a genre-defying psychological thriller and romantic drama, which revolutionized Kannada cinema when it was released in 1998. The film weaves a complex narrative, incorporating elements of love, passion and existential introspection. It is one of the few films to openly talk about the existence of ‘casting couch’ in the country.

The film uses a non-linear narrative structure, presenting flashbacks within flashbacks, challenging the audience to piece together the story. The story revolves around a director named Surya (Upendra), who is in love with Chandni, the heroine of his film. Surya falls into alcoholism when Chandini rejects his love for materialistic gains. But is this the whole story? Was this the story of a movie being shot in A? These are some of the questions that the film A leaves before its audience.

Upendra (1999)

Upendra is another genre-defying psychological thriller that deeply delves into the complexities of human desires and relationships. The film boldly explores ego, love and morality through the perspective of a self-absorbed, eccentric protagonist named Nanu (Upendra). The plot focuses on Nanu’s tumultuous relationships with three women, each of whom represent different aspects of fame, lust and responsibility.

The film has become a cult classic over the years due to its non-linear structure and blend of philosophical aspects, surrealism, dark comedy, and drama. The layered storytelling approach was pioneering at the time, giving audiences new elements and messages with each viewing. The themes explored in the film are still relevant today.

Om (1995)

Om is a historical Kannada action crime film written and directed by Upendra, starring Shiva Rajkumar and Prema in the lead roles. The story is based on Satya (Shiva Rajkumar), a priest’s son, who is wrongly implicated in a murder by his girlfriend and later gets trapped in the criminal underworld. The film highlights themes of betrayal, redemption, and the complexities of human nature.

Upendra took inspiration from real-life incidents to create a story that authentically portrays the dynamics of the Bengaluru underworld. Real-life gangsters were cast in key scenes, giving authenticity to the criminal environment. In a recent interview with India Today DigitalUpendra spoke about his experience while shooting for Om and how meeting gangsters and understanding their living situations helped him create a story with an authentic touch.

Shhh! (1993)

Shhh! is a horror-thriller film written and directed by Upendra. The story is about a film crew led by veteran Kannada director Kashinath, who travels to the secluded Onti Mane estate to shoot a film. Upon arrival, they are faced with a series of mysterious and supernatural events including disappearances and murders, creating a suspenseful story that keeps the audience guessing till the end.

A personal favourite, this film was Upendra’s second directorial venture. Upon its release, Psst! It was praised by critics and audiences alike for its entertaining story and Upendra’s directorial ability in maintaining suspense throughout the film. This hair-raising thriller was a major success and is credited with creating a new trend of suspense-thriller films in Kannada cinema.

Super (2010)

Super, which is stylized with a hand symbol, is a science fiction film whose narrative revolves between 2010 and an idealized 2030. It presents a satirical critique of the socio-political issues of contemporary India. The film uses a unique storytelling technique, using the experiences of the character Indira as a metaphor for the situation in India. It highlights the themes of patriotism, systemic corruption and the power of personal responsibility in nation building.

The plot is based on a patriotic NRI Subhash Gandhi (Upendra) who comes to India in search of his lost love. Frustrated with the rampant corruption and social degradation, he sets out on a mission to reform the country. Although the film may seem over-the-top at first glance, deeper analysis reveals a layered storytelling pattern that Upendra has mastered.

Here’s an iconic scene from the film:

Uppi 2 (2015)

Uppi 2 is a symbolic thriller that serves as the sequel to his 1999 film Upendra. The film highlights the themes of selflessness, the importance of living in the present moment, and the liberation that comes from detaching oneself from ego and material desires. Through its complex narrative and philosophical nuances, Uppi 2 challenges the audience to introspect about the nature of happiness and the essence of existence.

The story follows a contented man named Neenu, who lives completely in the present, free from worries about the past or future. His unconventional lifestyle attracts the attention of various characters, including a psychology student named Lakshmi, a crime boss named Salim, and law enforcement officers. But why are they following Neenu? What happened to Neenu from Upendra? These are some of the interesting questions that this sequel leaves for the audience to decode.

Tharle Naan Maga (1992)

Tharle Naan Maga is a romantic comedy and marks the directorial debut of Upendra. The film, which marks the first lead role of veteran Kannada actor Jaggesh, is unique in his filmography due to its simplicity. Nevertheless, the story conveys an important message about greed, materialism and dowry.

The story revolves around Santosh (Jaggesh), the son of a miser couple, Parandamayya and Subbalakshmi, who want to marry a rich girl to gain adequate dowry. Against his wishes, Santosh falls in love with Sangeeta, a woman from an ordinary background, and marries her. The plot reflects the social issues prevalent in the 1990s, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Upendra is busy in his promotion upcoming movie, uiWhich is ready for all India release. Major distributors from the Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam film industries have joined hands with the project, indicating its wide appeal. While the promotional material released by the team has left audiences curious and wondering what to expect, it has also hinted at themes that could be explored in the film. Anyone familiar with his filmography would know that when it comes to Upendra’s films, one can always expect the unexpected.

UI, based in a dystopian world, is a psychological, political and satirical entertainment.