Upendra re-release: Raveena Tandon’s debut Kannada film back in theatres on THIS date

Kannada cinema’s Real Star Upendra released a self-titled film, Upendra, way back in 1999, which was his fifth as a filmmaker. While he’d only done cameos in his early directorials, with his fourth A, he had graduated to leading man, and Upendra was his second as protagonist. He served as lyricist, writing 3 of the 6 songs, while V Manohar wrote the other 3. Upendra also sang the hit number Uppigintha Ruchi Bere Illa.

The film, which was philosophical, explored human emotions through the protagonist’s relationship with the three heroines, played by Prema, Damini and Raveena Tandon. The Bollywood actress, who is now best known in Sandalwood circles for her role in KGF: Chapter 2 had debuted in the industry with Upendra. The film also starred Arun Govil, who played Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s TV series Ramayana, as well as music composer Gurukiran.

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The film, which was released in Kannada and Telugu, was a commercial success in both versions. It is now being prepped for re-release with a remastered 4K version and will be made available for audiences on September 18, on the occasion of the actor-filmmaker’s birthday.

In the film Upendra, the actor was Naanu, an egotistical rogue, who detests hypocrisy and only speaks the truth. Naanu’s relationships with the three women he comes across, Rathi, a swami’s daughter, Keerthi, a heiress, and Swathi. Raveena was Keerthi in the film.

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Since then, the actor-filmmaker has directed only two other films – Super and Uppi 2 – the latter being the follow up to Upendra. His much-awaited comeback to the director’s chair is UI, the release date of which is expected to be announced f or Upendra’s birthday. It is currently rumoured that UI will be in theatres on October 31, giving it 2 weeks at the box office before Shivarajkumar’s Bhairathi Ranagal releases.