PremiumUI on OTT: Upendra-led film strikes streaming rights deal?
UI on OTT: It was earlier reported that UI, which marked Upendra’s return to direction, had been picked up by a network, which the team denied. Here’s where the film will land shortly
Last Updated: 03.40 PM, Jan 21, 2025
Kannada actor-filmmaker Upendra’s UI was one of the most anticipated films of 2024. It was, after all, his return to direction and was expected to have typical Uppi-isms. Upendra did not disappoint on that count, with his film laden with life lessons and philosophy galore. Released in theatres worldwide on December 20, 2024, the film had good opening, which slowed down after Kiccha Sudeep’s Max came out only 5 days later.
Also read: UI movie review: Upendra goes into preacher mode overdrive in film that falls short on entertainment
UI satellite and digital partner fixed?
Since then, there have been whispers about the film’s OTT release, with sources suggesting that the makers had struck a pre-release deal. It was reported that Sun Network, which hosts many Upendra films, had picked up UI, but the team refuted this vehemently. That would leave Zee Network as the only possibility, but the platform has, for a while, only been picking satellite rights.
A source tells us that UI’s satellite and digital rights have gone to Zee Network, so the film will be on Zee5. A release date is not available, but an end of January 2025 or early February outing is likely. OTTPlay will update readers as and when the date is confirmed.
UI, meanwhile, had Upendra in dual roles – Satya and Kalki – humanly manifestations of good and evil. The film had evoked mixed reactions, with sections of the audience lauding Upendra’s trademark style and going all out to try and decode all the embedded messages, while others failed to see the appeal, given the lack of entertainment.
While the film team has claimed that UI is the highest grossing Kannada film of 2024, trade trackers and netizens have disputed this, given that Max had a much better theatrical run. The official box office figures have not been made available, with trackers suggesting it is in the vicinity of Rs 40 crore gross. The film is expected to end its theatrical run shortly.