Upendra’s UI (2024) is not just a film—it’s an experience that challenges the audience to think, reflect, and question the world around them. Directed by and starring the Kannada cinema icon Upendra, this sci-fi dystopian surrealist psychological action film has sparked intense discussions among critics and audiences alike. With its unique narrative, ambitious themes, and polarizing execution, ui movie review is a cinematic gamble that doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the movie’s plot, performances, technical aspects, audience reactions, box office performance, and more to help you decide if UI is worth your time.
ui movie review details
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Attribute |
Details |
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Title |
UI |
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Release Date |
December 20, 2024 |
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Genre |
Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Surrealist, Psychological, Action |
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Director |
Upendra |
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Cast |
Upendra (Sathya, Kalki, Upendra Rao), Reeshma Nanaiah, Nidhi Subbaiah, Murali Sharma, Sadhu Kokila, Indrajit Lankesh |
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Music |
B. Ajaneesh Loknath |
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Cinematography |
H. C. Venugopal |
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Editing |
Vijay Raj |
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Production Companies |
Lahari Films, Venus Entertainers |
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Budget |
₹100 crore (reported) |
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Box Office |
₹47 crore (final collection as of early 2025) |
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Certification |
U/A (India) |
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Runtime |
~2 hours |
Spoiler-Free Plot Overview
UI transports viewers to a dystopian future where humanity teeters on the brink of collapse, ravaged by the misuse of power, knowledge, and technology. The story revolves around a psychological conflict between two opposing forces embodied by Upendra in a triple role: Sathya, a beacon of virtue striving to save the world; Kalki, a vengeful figure punishing humanity for its ignorance; and Upendra Rao, a complex character caught in the middle. The narrative weaves a surreal tapestry, blending socio-political commentary with philosophical musings on human nature, distraction, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
The film begins in a meta-theatrical setting, with a movie-within-a-movie concept, where audiences are warned to leave if they “possess intelligence.” This sets the tone for a provocative, unconventional narrative that challenges viewers to question reality, morality, and their role in society. Without diving into spoilers, ui movie review explores themes of corruption, power dynamics, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, all while maintaining an air of surrealism that keeps you guessing.
Cast Performances
Upendra: A Triple Threat
Upendra’s triple role as Sathya, Kalki, and Upendra Rao is the heart of ui movie review. His ability to switch between personas—each with distinct motivations and emotional depths—is nothing short of remarkable. As Sathya, he exudes hope and resilience, portraying a character who believes in humanity’s potential for redemption. Kalki, on the other hand, is a darker, more intense figure, with Upendra delivering a chilling performance that captures the character’s disdain for societal failures. The third role, Upendra Rao, serves as a narrative anchor, blending elements of both characters with a nuanced, introspective performance.
Supporting Cast
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Reeshma Nanaiah: As a key supporting character, Reeshma brings emotional depth to her role, though her screen time feels limited compared to Upendra’s dominating presence. Her chemistry with Upendra adds a layer of relatability to the otherwise abstract narrative.
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Nidhi Subbaiah: Nidhi’s performance is compelling, particularly in emotionally charged scenes, but her character’s arc feels underdeveloped, leaving audiences wanting more.
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Murali Sharma: Playing the corrupt politician Vaamana Rao, Murali delivers a standout performance, embodying greed and ambition with conviction. His scenes with Upendra are some of the film’s most intense.
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Sadhu Kokila and Indrajit Lankesh: The supporting cast adds moments of levity and intrigue, though their roles are more functional than transformative.
While the ensemble cast performs admirably, UI is undeniably Upendra’s show, with his larger-than-life presence overshadowing others at times.
Direction: Upendra’s Visionary Gamble
Upendra, known for his unconventional storytelling, takes a bold leap with UI. His direction is ambitious, blending surrealism, satire, and socio-political commentary into a narrative that defies traditional cinematic norms. The meta-narrative structure—where the film acknowledges its own existence—adds a layer of intellectual engagement, though it risks alienating viewers who prefer straightforward storytelling. Upendra’s ability to craft a visually distinct dystopian world is commendable, but the film’s pacing and dense philosophical undertones can feel overwhelming, particularly in the first half.
Screenplay: A Mixed Bag
The screenplay is both UI’s greatest strength and its Achilles’ heel. Upendra’s dialogue is sharp, laced with biting satire and philosophical insights that resonate with fans of his earlier works like A and Uppi 2. The narrative’s non-linear structure and layered metaphors demand active audience participation, which is refreshing but also challenging. However, the screenplay falters in its attempt to cram a 2,000-year history into a two-hour runtime, resulting in moments that feel rushed or overly didactic. Critics have noted that the film sometimes feels like a lecture, with its message-heavy approach overshadowing cinematic flow.
Cinematography: A Visual Feast
H. C. Venugopal’s cinematography is one of UI’s standout features. The dystopian world is brought to life with striking visuals—dark, moody cityscapes juxtaposed with vibrant, surreal dream sequences. The use of lighting and color palettes enhances the film’s psychological depth, with each frame meticulously crafted to reflect the characters’ inner turmoil. The meta-theatrical sequences, in particular, are visually inventive, using clever camera angles to blur the line between reality and fiction.
Music: A Vintage Upendra Vibe
B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s score complements ui movie review eccentric tone. The background music amplifies the film’s intensity, with pulsating rhythms during action sequences and haunting melodies in introspective moments. The songs, written in Upendra’s signature style, are catchy and thematically rich, though they may not appeal to all audiences. Tracks like the climactic number stand out for their lyrical depth and connection to the film’s themes.
Visual Effects (VFX): Ambitious but Uneven
With a reported budget of ₹100 crore, UI boasts ambitious VFX for a Kannada film. The dystopian landscapes and surreal sequences are visually impressive, particularly in the film’s opening and closing moments. However, some VFX shots feel inconsistent, with noticeable CGI flaws that detract from the immersion. While the ambition is clear, the execution occasionally falls short of Hollywood standards, which may disappoint viewers expecting seamless effects.
Strengths
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Bold Concept: UI tackles complex themes like power, corruption, and human folly with a unique, surreal lens.
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Upendra’s Performance: His triple role is a masterclass in versatility, carrying the film through its ambitious narrative.
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Visuals and Music: The cinematography and score create a distinctive atmosphere that enhances the storytelling.
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Thought-Provoking: The film challenges viewers to reflect on societal issues, making it more than just entertainment.
Weaknesses
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Overambitious Scope: The attempt to condense a vast narrative into two hours results in pacing issues and a lack of clarity.
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Preachy Tone: The philosophical elements can feel heavy-handed, alienating viewers who prefer subtle storytelling.
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Underdeveloped Supporting Characters: The ensemble cast is overshadowed by Upendra, limiting their impact.
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Inconsistent VFX: While ambitious, the visual effects don’t always match the film’s grand vision.
Audience and Critics’ Reactions
UI has elicited a wide range of reactions, reflecting its polarizing nature. Critics have praised its ambition and Upendra’s performance but criticized its execution. Shashiprasad SM of Times Now gave it 4/5, lauding Upendra’s philosophical depth and calling it a “masterful” reflection of his worldview. Jagadish Angadi of Deccan Herald echoed this sentiment, rating it 4/5 for its metaphorical richness. However, Sridevi S. of The Times of India gave it 3/5, noting that the film feels more like a lecture than a cinematic experience. Sanjay Ponnappa of India Today rated it 3.5/5, appreciating its socio-political commentary but acknowledging its outdated screenplay elements.
Audience reactions are equally divided. Fans of Upendra’s unconventional style have celebrated ui movie review as a bold return to form, with many praising the film’s climax and thought-provoking themes. Social media platforms like Letterboxd and X highlight fans’ appreciation for the film’s dialogue and meta-narrative. However, casual viewers have found it confusing, with some calling it “pretentious” or “overly complex.” The film’s intellectual demands and lack of clarity in the first half have been points of contention.
Box Office Buzz
UI opened to a modest ₹6.95 crore on its first day, followed by ₹5.6 crore on day two and ₹5.95 crore on day three, with a first-week collection of ₹26.3 crore. The final box office tally reached ₹47 crore, a respectable figure for a Kannada film but below expectations given its ₹100 crore budget. The film faced stiff competition from Hollywood releases like The Conjuring: Last Rites, which grossed $194 million globally during the same period, and other Indian films like The Bengal Files and Baaghi 4. Despite its niche appeal, UI’s box office performance reflects its limited mainstream reach.
Comparisons to Other Films
UI draws comparisons to Upendra’s earlier works like A and Uppi 2 for its non-linear storytelling and philosophical undertones. It also shares similarities with sci-fi dystopian films like The Matrix and Inception due to its surreal narrative and reality-bending concepts. However, unlike these Hollywood counterparts, UI leans heavily on regional socio-political commentary, making it a unique blend of global and local sensibilities. Compared to recent Indian sci-fi films like Kalki 2898 AD, UI is less polished but more experimental, prioritizing ideas over commercial appeal.
Final Verdict
UI is a cinematic paradox—a bold, thought-provoking experiment that doesn’t always land but leaves a lasting impression. Upendra’s vision, coupled with his powerhouse performance, makes it a must-watch for fans of unconventional cinema. The film’s stunning visuals and evocative score elevate its dystopian world, but its preachy tone, uneven pacing, and inconsistent VFX may frustrate mainstream audiences. If you’re willing to embrace its complexity and overlook its flaws, ui movie review offers a rewarding, introspective journey. For casual viewers, it may feel like an overwhelming lecture.
