UI

Upendra is one my favorite directors. I generally love his vision, his approach to filmmaking and the way he makes the audience think with his themes. UI is no exception. The movie questions your conscience in a typical Upendra style narrative. While all his past movies are set in the real world, UI takes a different a drastically different approach. UI is set in a fictional world that was created by a filmmaker.

You are introduced to this beautiful world where greedy politicians take advantage of the average person for their own gain. As evidenced in the trailer, people are fed media to brainwash them into subservience. How one man rises up to challenge this is what the rest of the movie is about. It'd be a disservice if I said this is the story of the movie as it goes much deeper. It is part satire, part commentary on the workings of current society, the direction humanity is heading in and even the vices that we developed along our evolutionary path going against nature and even hurting it.

It is Upendra's way of communicating this message. The format follows classic Upendra's style reverse screenplay narrative where you are introduced to the climax first. I must say this is the best movie opening act I've watched this year. The movie demands your attention to piece things together and make sense of what's going on. This is not a movie where you go to watch a linear story unfold.

Upendra touches upon the duality of things. Heavily inspired by the "Samkhya" philosophy which talks about the duality of realty. Consciousness, or the spirit, and matter, or the human mind & emotions.

The movie comments on topics like nature, conservancy, greed, politics, humanity, and society in a not-so-subtle manner. There are scenes which may make you feel uncomfortable, mainly because of Ajneesh Lokanath's background music. But the choice of music had Upendra written all over it. After all, that's his motto. A movie should make you feel uncomfortable to make you think.

While the editing could've been better as you will be scratching your head at time, it all makes sense in the end during Act 1. Yes. As I said, the movie goes in reverse for the most part. The part where I said the movie demands your attention is let down a little bit as it could not command my attention due to its editing. While crisp, I did feel the scenes could've been strung together a little better.

As with all Upendra's movies, you will either love it or hate it. But one thing is for sure, they will make you think.

-YT/@CinephileIndia2023.

The cult director Upendra shows a dystopian world mixed with VFX in a crazy way. You need to apply 100% brain and intelligence to peel the different layers regarding the story and deeply understand what Uppi is conveying regarding the current world (Kaliyuga) and the intended world (Satyayuga). His intertwined story depicts various interpretations, from inner dark world humans co-exists, and how to come out with focus, perseverance and ignoring outside noise. His writing style is unique around Mother Nature, caste, religion, what we are doing to it, and how the world will be if we don't take care of it now. Beginning is a typical Uppi style with hilarious narration, and climax will not make you think, rather will make "YOU" and "I" (UI) to introspect further. One man show movie where people will either like it or hate it. There is "no" in between. Go for it if you like his style of story telling with insane madness!

Upendra has directed a film which turns the audience wild by dividing them into lovers and detractors. As the support and hate reaches it's peak, the renowned film critic Kiran Adarsh is in a dilemma as he is unable to review the film even after watching it 4 times. He goes in search of Upendra and finds the script he worked on for the film. This takes him on the wild journey through the world's evolution put under a microscope. Is using the story as a mirror to the society is enough or are the audience intelligent enough to know what they want? As the director and his character clash on their ideologies, to drive the story, we audience have been given two choice early on - if you are intelligent, leave now. If you aren't, watch the film till the end.

This is the typical Upendra film which I was waiting for where he tries to narrate the entire world's evolution by minimizing it to a small town and minimum characters to represent the larger section, across race and religion. There is the form of Kalki, determined to end an era after knowing what humans evolution has led to. Only Upendra could reduce the tension between America and Russia down to two wives fighting with each other. The making of the film stands out with his vision coming into life with two ends of the small town having a "brain cell" in the middle. The unreleased Cheap song was an highlight on screen and it is understandable why it wasn't released before. The action scenes though prolonged add to the grandeur but it is the social commentary that stands out, especially in the final act where he rips apart the last 10 years. For the hype, it definitely delivers but the ones expecting beyond Super will be disappointed. Considering the current times, I am very happy that Upendra delivered this.

UPENDRA'S KIND OF SCREENPLAY, A FEAST FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL LOVERS💯, KIND OF NEW AGED PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER💥💯, AND ABSOLUTE METAPHORICAL MOVIE🎥.

EXCELLENTLY USED THE METAPHORS THROUGHOUT THE MOVIE💥, UPENDRA INTELLIGENCE (UI).

IN THE CLIMAX YOUR MIND GOING TO AWESTRUCK , UPENDRA DIRECTLY PLAYING WITH THE AUDIENCE'S BRAIN WITH HIS SCREENPLAY 💯💥 IT'S A NEW AGED MOVIE, SCREENPLAY AND DIRECTION IS AHEAD OF TIME, I THINK INDIAN AUDIENCE NOT READY FOR THIS KIND OF NEW AGED MOVIE 🎥.

IN THIS MOVIE YOUR GONNA SEE, (UI) UNIVERSAL INTELLIGENCE WORLD. UI SHOWS WHY UPENDRA IS THE MASTER OF SCREENPLAY AND DIRECTOR'S DIRECTOR.

ABSOLUTE MIND BENDING DIRECTION💥.

Upendra's UI is a cinematic exploration that goes beyond entertainment to provoke critical reflection on the pressing social and global issues of our time. The film doesn't just focus on traditional concerns like corruption, women's safety, and environmental destruction-it expands into areas that are increasingly relevant to today's world.

One such issue is the threat of nuclear weapons. In a time when geopolitical tensions can escalate into potential nuclear conflicts, the film highlights the dangers of these weapons and the urgency of global disarmament. It raises questions about the ethics and long-term consequences of maintaining such destructive power, encouraging viewers to reflect on the need for peace and diplomacy.

The movie also explores the exploitation of natural resources, drawing attention to the growing environmental crisis. Deforestation, pollution, and the depletion of vital ecosystems are depicted as a result of unchecked industrialization and consumerism, urging audiences to rethink their role in preserving the planet.

Another significant issue the film addresses is the increasing divide between rich and poor, with social and economic inequality becoming more pronounced globally. UI explores how systemic imbalances in wealth distribution lead to cycles of poverty, poor access to healthcare and education, and a sense of helplessness for marginalized communities.

In addition, the movie touches on the rise of misinformation and the manipulation of truth in the digital age. With the increasing power of social media and mass communication, the film underscores the importance of critical thinking and responsible information consumption in shaping a more informed and just society.

Through its intricate narrative and layered storytelling, UI urges us to confront these complex issues, reminding us that the choices we make today will define the future for generations to come. It serves as a call to action, motivating viewers to be more mindful of the world around them and the social, political, and environmental challenges that demand our collective attention and responsibility.