‘Leaked’ poster of Upendra’s next directorial has his fans in a tizzy

Kannada cinema’s Real Star Upendra has been saying for a while that he is ready to direct again, but that he’s put a directorial on hold for now given the uncertainties thrown up by the pandemic. Even then, fans of the actor have been hopeful that an announcement of sorts could happen on his birthday on Saturday (September 18).

On Thursday, though, the internet was abuzz with news of a supposedly leaked title poster of Upendra’s next directorial venture. The image in question, not only features the actor’s face, with story, screenplay, dialogue and direction credits attributed to him, but also a symbol that has evoked multiple interpretations. Purportedly the title of the film, the symbol looks like two English alphabets, U and I, which go in tandem with the themes of Naanu (I) and Neenu (You) from his two earlier directorials, Upendra and Uppi 2. It could also be a religious tridental sign sported by some on their foreheads. In fact, some fans pulled up an image of actress Rachita Ram sporting the sign on her forehead and joked that she is the heroine of Upendra’s new film.

Since the ‘leak’, though, Upendra, who has chosen to spend his birthday weekend away from Bengaluru in the company of near-and-dear ones, has remained mum and not confirmed any of the rumours that are currently floating. The actor is expected to be back in town in time to resume shooting his film with R Chandru, Kabzaa on September 20.

To be produced by the actor’s home banner, the film appears to be meant for a pan-Indian audience and will be made with Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi versions. Here’s hoping that he addresses these rumours on his return and sheds more light on this project. Watch this space for more.