Upendra's 'UI' opens to mixed responses

Bengaluru: The weather was gloomy on Friday morning in Bengaluru and one would’ve only wished to catch another five minutes of sleep. But Kannada movie buffs and fans of Upendra, as a director, rushed to catch the earliest shows of his latest directorial, UI.

They hoped for the magic he created in the ‘90s. The early morning shows ran with packed halls across the city. The shows were fully booked two days in advance.

Deccan Herald visited Urvashi Theatre on Lalbagh Road. At quarter to 9, the theatre premises looked calm and composed on the outside. As one edged closer to the theatre, whistles, claps and cheers for Upendra’s massy dialogues could be heard.

Twenty minutes later, the premises witnessed a sea of both excited and confused looking fans walk out of the cinema hall.

“One should watch the film at least three times to understand,” exclaimed one. When asked for their opinion about the movie, many
gestured in folded hands, while some just said, “It’s good.”

Another said, “There should be focus. Until then we must keep watching.”

Ravi, a resident of Srinivas Nagar said it was his first time watching an Upendra film. His colleague pulled him to watch the movie. “It was a very weird movie. The concept was good — Kalki, Kaliyuga — but the way it was edited and the structure of the film itself was very messy, “

While the audience was mostly dominated by men, one woman named Apara who had come to watch the movie with her daughter said she’s an Upendra fan and has watched all his movies in the theatre.

“It’s superb. I loved the fight sequences,” she squealed.

“Movie is good. But the main theme of the film gets diluted, there is no focus. He has addressed important issues. I suggest filmmakers concentrate on what they’re saying instead of beating around the bush,” said Vishwas,” another viewer.   

Some rushed to work and some strolled to Urvashi’s neighbour, MTR to savour a masale dose and a piping hot cup of coffee.