UI Movie Review

Upendra’s latest directorial and acting venture, UI, showcases his signature unconventional storytelling, puzzling characters, and chaotic narratives. Known for pushing boundaries, Upendra attempts to engage viewers with another experimental concept. But does UI break new ground, or does it falter under the weight of its ambition? Let’s find out.

Story
The story of UI begins with a young woman who becomes a victim of a brutal gang assault. Seeking solace, she finds refuge with Veeraswamy (Achyuth Kumar) and his wife, a childless couple. Soon, the woman goes into labor, and Veeraswamy, an experienced astrologer, predicts the birth of Kalki Bhagavan, a divine savior. However, to his surprise, a baby boy is born five minutes before the auspicious time. Believing the child to be a man of ultimate truth, Veeraswamy names him Satya.

Unknown to Veeraswamy and his wife, the woman delivers another baby immediately after. This second child is abducted by a mysterious couple and raised under entirely different circumstances. As he grows up, this boy claims himself to be Kalki Bhagavan, a self-proclaimed deity. Harboring intense hatred for the society that wronged his mother, Kalki vows to destroy it.

Meanwhile, Satya grows up as a righteous man, working towards societal betterment. The clash of ideologies between the two brothers intensifies when Kalki imprisons Satya in his own fortress, unable to tolerate his vision of reform.

The narrative delves into the intense rivalry between Satya and Kalki, exploring themes of revenge, justice, and redemption. Who will emerge victorious in this battle of ideals? What role does Vaman Rao play in this saga? And, most intriguingly, what does UI signify? These questions unravel through gripping twists and turns.

Analysis
Upendra, who helms the story, screenplay, and dialogues, brings his characteristic unpredictability to UI. The film begins by unsettling viewers during the opening credits, where bizarre graphics and cryptic lines challenge audiences to decide whether to stay or leave the theater.

The dual roles played by Upendra as Satya and Kalki add layers to the narrative but fail to deliver clarity. The chaotic screenplay makes it hard to follow the timeline, location, or even identify the hero and villain. Themes of mythology, morality, and societal collapse are presented in a disjointed manner, leaving viewers perplexed rather than intrigued.

The film lacks coherence, with inconsistent pacing and confusing scene transitions. While UI attempts to provoke thought, its abstract execution alienates the audience.

Performances
Upendra shines in his dual roles but cannot elevate the poorly structured narrative.
Reeshma Nanaiah, cast as the female lead, has limited scope and feels disconnected from the central plot.
Murali Sharma, Achyuth Kumar, and Ravi Shankar deliver decent performances, but their characters lack depth.

Technical Aspects
Music: Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score complements the film’s chaotic tone but doesn’t leave a lasting impact.
Cinematography: Venu Gopal captures the visuals effectively, although the unconventional storytelling overshadows his efforts.
Editing: Vijay Raj struggles to bring coherence to an inherently disjointed narrative.

Verdict
UI is an ambitious attempt by Upendra to deliver a thought-provoking film, but its erratic storytelling and lack of focus leave viewers frustrated. While it retains some elements of his trademark style, the film’s abstract execution makes it difficult to comprehend or connect with. For fans of Upendra’s experimental cinema, UI may offer some intrigue, but for most, it’s a perplexing and tiresome experience.