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{{Short description|Indian actor and politician}}
{{BLP sources|date=July 2012}}
{{About|the Kannada actor and director|the film|Upendra (film)}}
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{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{about|the Kannada film actor and director|the film|Upendra (film)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}

{{COI|date=June 2018}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Upendra | name = Upendra
| image = | image = Upendra at KLE Society's Law-College, Bangalore 2.jpg
| caption = Upendra | caption = Upendra at KLE Society's Law-College, Bangalore
| birth_name = Upendra | birth_name = Upendra Rao
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|09|18}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|9|18|df=y}}
| birth_place = ], ] | birth_place = ], ], ], ] (present-day ]), India
| other_names = Uppi
| residence = {{nowrap|], ], India}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|director|producer|screenwriter|playback singer|lyricist|politician}}
| death_date =
| death_place = | years_active = 1989 – present
| height = 5'9" | works = ]
| party = ]
| othername = Uppi
| spouse = ] | spouse = {{marriage|]|2003}}
| children = 2
}} }}
'''Upendra Rao''' (born 18 September 1968) is an Indian actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, playback singer, lyricist and politician who worked primarily in ] films. He has also worked in a few ] and ] films. In 2017, He joined the political party ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Kannada film actor Upendra unveils name of his new political outfit|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/kannada-film-actor-upendra-unveils-name-of-his-new-political-outfit/articleshow/61366803.cms|access-date=1 November 2017|work=The Times of India|date=31 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kannada-actor-upendra-s-new-political-party-karnataka-pragnavanta-janata-paksha-70821|title=Karnataka Pragnavantha Janatha Paksha(KPJP)|date=31 October 2017 |work=The News Minute|access-date=31 October 2017}}</ref> before quitting the party in 2018 due to internal differences and formed another party named ] (UPP), which was based on the principles of ''Prajākīya'' (citizen-centric administration). He received an Honorary Doctorate from ] in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kannadaprabha.com/cinema/news/honorary-doctorate-for-upendra-from-cambodias-angkor-university/259326.html|title = ನಟ-ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಉಪೇಂದ್ರಗೆ ಗೌರವ ಡಾಕ್ಟರೇಟ್}}</ref>


He started his film career as a writer and an assistant director with actor and film director ]. His first directorial venture was '']'' (1992). In the mid-1990s, Upendra directed '']'' (1995) which emerged as a blockbuster at the box office and became a cult film. He later made the film in Telugu as ''Omkaram.'' This was followed by '']'', in which he debuted as an actor. The film went to be a major success and catapulted him to new heights of fame.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-01-23 |title=This Day, That Year: Upendra's debut as hero, the cult classic 'A' turns 24 |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/this-day-that-year-upendras-debut-as-hero-the-cult-classic-a-turns-24/articleshow/89072088.cms |access-date=2023-11-21 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> His next film was the psychological thriller '']'' (1999), which became a cult film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=Roktim Rajpal,DH Web |date=2020-09-18 |title=Birthday special: 5 movies that prove Upendra is the 'Real Star' of Kannada cinema |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/birthday-special-5-movies-that-prove-upendra-is-the-real-star-of-kannada-cinema-889273.html |access-date=2023-11-21 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> After a decade of acting,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39316.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615093513/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39316.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2008|title=Excited Upendra on Tamil Film 'Sathyam'|website=IndiaGlitz|date=14 June 2008|access-date=3 April 2011}}</ref> he returned to directing with ], which was well-received critically and commercially''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cinemagupshup.com/kannada/kannada-box-office-report/upendra-kannada-film-super-box-office-report-collections/ |title=Upendra Kannada Film Super Box Office Report, Collections|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222021816/http://www.cinemagupshup.com/kannada/kannada-box-office-report/upendra-kannada-film-super-box-office-report-collections/ |date=22 December 2010 |work=Cinemagupshup.com|archive-date=22 December 2010}}</ref> ''
'''Upendra''', (popularly also called ''Uppi'') is a ] ], director, ], ] and ]. Born in a middle class family at ] near ], he belongs to the Tulu speaking Koteshwara Magane ] community. Upendra started his career under the director ] as a writer and an assistant director. His first directorial venture was '']''.


Upendra is known for his works in films such as '']'' (2000), '']'' (2002), '']'' (2002), '']'' (2002), '']'' (2002), '']'' (2003), '']'' (2005), '']'' (2006), '']'' (2007), '']'' (2008), '']'' (2012), '']'' (2012), '']'' (2015), '']'' (2015), and '']'' (2019).
In the late 90s he directed '']'', which portrayed actual ] gangsters, followed by '']'', in which he appeared as Surya. '']'', his next film, starred ], a ] actress. After a decade of acting in ], ] and ] films,<ref></ref> he returned to the role of director with the multi-lingual movie ''],'' which was well-received critically and commercially.<ref></ref>


==Career as a director== == Early life ==
Upendra was born to Manjunath Rao and Anusuya in ], on 18 September 1968. His father was from Thekkatte, ], ], ] in Karnataka, formerly ]. He is the second son of his family, his older brother is Sudheendra Rao. He obtained his ] degree from APS College of Commerce, Bangalore. During his time at the college, he participated in plays and often formed troupes with his friends. His association with actor and director ], a distant relative of his, began during his final year in college.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0kCYzGPnoY|title=Weekend With Ramesh&nbsp;— Episode 15 – September 20, 2014|date=20 September 2014|people=Rao, Upendra|publisher=Zee Kannada|location=India|access-date=22 September 2014}}</ref>
{{discuss|Career as director|Discuss improving this section}}
* Upendra explains that he always views his movies as a normal audience and not as a director, so he wants his movies to be filled with suspense and surprises, where a thought of "What's next??" should be in the minds of audiences till the end of the movie. Also he doesn't want his movies to be categorized like ''Action'' or ''Drama'' or ''Comedy'' etc. Most of the times Upendra tries to keep under wrap, the plot or subject of his movie before its release, as he wants the audiences to see everything on the screen. Even with the titles of his movies, Upendra is cautious enough to choose names which are completely appropriate to the movie but does not disclose anything about the movie before watching the film.<ref name="youtube1"/> He has managed to give some movies whose titles are very different from normal ones. '']'', '']'', '']'' (Hakenkreuz symbol), '']'' (Chemical compound formula of water), '']'' (Vitarka mudra hand symbol) are a few to name.


==Film career==
* Usually Upendra's movies contain dialogues which are strong and humorous. His movies like '']'', '']'', '']'', ''Omkara'', '']'', '']'' and '']'' contain dialogues written by Upendra himself.
=== As a director ===
Upendra assisted filmmaker Kashinath in various departments apart from assisting in writing songs, dialogues, and screenplay for his films. He co-directed a film with Kashinath<!--Which one?-->.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kashinath was a film university in himself: Upendra|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kashinath-was-a-film-university-in-himself-upendra/articleshow/62555313.cms|access-date=2021-07-23|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Upendra started as a director with a typical Kashinath style comedy called '']'' in 1992. The film introduced famed comedian ]. It went on to be a success and has since achieved a cult following.<ref>{{cite web |title=Happy Birthday Upendra: When the Kannada star beat Shah Rukh Khan to romance Deepika Padukone |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/happy-birthday-51-upendra-deepika-padukone-5362471 |website=The Indian Express |access-date=20 September 2023 |language=en |date=18 September 2018 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Upendra directed a horror suspense thriller next called '']'' in 1993. The film featured Kashinath and a young producer and actor, ]. The film was a major box office success, and Upendra came out as an independent director.<ref>{{cite web |title=Upendra's 'Shhh' to release again after 24 years |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/upendra-s-shhh-release-again-after-24-years-68963 |website=The News Minute |access-date=20 September 2023 |language=en |date=25 September 2017}}</ref>


Upendra's next film was a ] titled ''],'' (1995), which he wrote after being inspired by a real incident in the 1980s. ] played a gangster, Sathya, alongside other real-life gangsters who appeared in cameos. ] played the female lead. The film's unique story-telling in the form of multiple ] supporting the plotline won critical praise and was also a major commercial success. This film too went on to attain cult status among Kannada audiences.<ref>{{cite web |last1=George |first1=Nina C. |title=25 years of gangster film 'Om' |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/25-years-of-gangster-film-om-841079.html |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=20 September 2023 |language=en |date=23 May 2020}}</ref>
*'']'' was his maiden venture as a director. This film was ]'s first movie as a lead actor and was a commercial success.


Upendra turned towards a project to direct an extended version of the 1981 film ''Antha'' and called it '']''. The film had ] reprise his role from ''Antha'' as Kanwar Lal. The film was not very successful; it was also controversial for its taunts on some real-life political figures.<ref name=sandalwoodking>{{cite web|title=Uppi ... RealStar from Tharle Nan Maga to Uppi 2|url=http://www.sandalwoodking.com/topic/6802-uppi-realstar-from-tharle-nan-maga-to-uppi2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416214256/http://www.sandalwoodking.com/topic/6802-uppi-realstar-from-tharle-nan-maga-to-uppi2/|archive-date=16 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*His second movie was '']'' with ] in the lead. This horror-suspense thriller also starred ] and introduced Kumar Govind as mainstream hero.


In 1997, Upendra directed '']'', through which he made a successful transition to acting.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> The film is about a love affair between a film director and an actress, in which the actress rejects the director, causing him to become an alcoholic. It further led to the discovery of conspiracies on a reshoot by the director, who vowed revenge.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upendra Movies |url=https://bookmetickets.com/content/upendra-movies/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=bookmetickets.com |language=en}}</ref> There were rumors that it was Upendra's own story, and the actress in the film portrayed his protege ]. This added to the film's popularity and it broke many box office records upon release and went on to become one of the highest grossing Kannada films of its time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chitratara.com/show-content.php?id=2305&ptype=News&title=PRODUCER%20JAGANNATH%20DEPARTS|title='A' film Producer Jagannath Departs|date=19 September 2010|access-date=8 February 2013}}</ref> The film had a 175-day run in ]<ref name="sandalwoodking" /> was also dubbed to ], and repeated its success in ] too, where it had a 100-day run.<ref name="gandhadagudi1">{{cite web|url=http://www.gandhadagudi.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5530&start=2400|title=Kannada stars in other languages – Gandhadagudi Forum|access-date=17 April 2014|archive-date=12 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112100856/http://www.gandhadagudi.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5530&start=2400|url-status=dead}}</ref> The film won accolades from ] personalities like ] and ].<ref name="sandalwoodking" /> Upendra was now a big name in ] and was also popular in ].<ref name="sandalwoodking" /><ref name="ourkarnataka1">{{cite web|url=http://www.ourkarnataka.com/kannada/movie/uppi_updown.htm|title=Upendra ups and downs|access-date=2 January 2005|archive-date=5 June 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040605003250/http://www.ourkarnataka.com/kannada/movie/uppi_updown.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*His next directorial venture '']'' was a movie starring ] and ]. This story explored and exposed Bangalore's mafia scene. The movie was controversial because of presence of numerous famous real-life rowdy sheeters (underworld gang members). It had a very good soundtrack with numbers like "Hey Dinakara", and "College Kumaru" etc., scored by ''Hamsalekha''. The film went on to gain recognition in the National arena.


Upendra's next movie was '']'' with lead ], which was released in 1998. The film performed averagely at the box office but critically well received.<ref name=sandalwoodking/><ref>{{cite news|author=Sunayana Suresh|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/kannada/news-interviews/Vishwaroopam-similar-to-Upendras-Swasthik/articleshow/18346519.cms|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130728194913/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-05/news-interviews/36763851_1_kamal-haasan-s-vishwaroopam-kannada-film-real-star-upendra|url-status=live|archive-date=28 July 2013|title=Vishwaroopam Similar To Upendra's Swasthik|agency=TNN|date=5 February 2013|work=]|access-date=8 February 2013}}</ref>
*His next was '']'', a sequel to the 1982 movie ''Antha'', which starred ] in lead. This movie carried a strong feeling against corruption, where the protagonist is obsessed by the corrupt world and finds a way to change the system through extremist way. The movie also made some controversies because of its taunts on some real life political figures.


In 1999, Upendra made a self-titled film, '']''. Upendra acted in this film as the unnamed protagonist (or antagonist) ''Naanu'' (I or Myself). The film starred three heroines: Damini, ], and ] actress ]. ''Naanu'' was an arrogant character and was very demeaning towards women, bordering on misogyny; which led to a lot of criticism on the film.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> However, the film broke many box office records and went on to be a much bigger hit than ''A'' in both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> The film had a 200-day run in Karnataka,<ref name=gandhadagudi2>{{cite web|url=http://www.gandhadagudi.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6429&p=517867#p517867|title=Topiwala – Gandhadagudi Forum|access-date=17 April 2014|archive-date=19 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419014051/http://www.gandhadagudi.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6429&p=517867#p517867|url-status=dead}}</ref> and its Telugu version had a 100-day run in Andhra Pradesh.<ref name=gandhadagudi1/> Upendra was now not only a remarkably successful director, but also a big star with a large fan base in ] and ].<ref name=sandalwoodking/><ref name=ourkarnataka1/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/moviereviews/upendrasuper_moviereview_printer.php|title=Upendra Super Telugu version|access-date=20 April 2014|archive-date=8 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508174252/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/moviereviews/upendrasuper_moviereview_printer.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since then, Upendra gave up directing and concentrated more on his acting career.
*In his next directional movie '']'', he played the lead role for the first time. It was a psychological love story, with finely framed story from Upendra's real life thoughts about Love. It was basically a debate whether true love exists in this world or not.<ref name="youtube1"></ref> It was presented with an out of the box narration, strong dialogues, beautiful soundtrack numbers like ''Sum Sumne'', ''Mari kannu'', ''Idu one day matchu'' etc. and outstanding performances by both lead actors, despite being their first movie. This movie became a blockbuster in the Kannada film industry and was even received very well by non-Kannada speaking audiences and it also marked the dubut of star music director ]. Later it was dubbed to Telugu and was remade in Tamil.


Upendra came back as a director after 10 years in 2010 with the movie '']''. The movie was released in a record number of theatres all over Karnataka,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/upendra-on-the-success-of-super-news-kannada-kmgpj6fgjic.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212022826/http://www.sify.com/movies/upendra-on-the-success-of-super-news-kannada-kmgpj6fgjic.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 February 2011|title=Upendra on the success of Super|website=] |access-date=8 February 2013}}</ref> was dubbed in ], and released in ]. '']'' was a blockbuster,<ref name=sandalwoodking/> breaking many box office records upon release and had a 175-day theatrical run, becoming one of the highest-grossing and critically acclaimed ] of 2010.<ref name=indiaglitz1>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/hits-and-misses-of-2010-kannada-news-62886|title=Hits and misses of 2010 - Kannada News|date=6 January 2011|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref>
*His next movie was '']''(symbol) with lead '']'' which hit the screens in 1999. Taking a plot with terrorism as its core, it narrates the story of an Indian raised by Pakistani parents living in India, who are later revealed to be terrorists. It was not received as well as his other movies, but it is remembered for its smart narration and innovative screenplay. The soundtrack number ''Idu Yelelu Janumada love'' became a hit.


In 2011, Tamil actor ] attended a private screening of ''Super'' in ]. Rajinikanth watched the film along with Upendra and a couple of friends. "Upendra is a great actor and director. There is hardly anyone in ], who would think like him. Only he can think like that. I like watching Upendra's films, and this was no exception. If I get an opportunity and an impressive script, I'd like to act in a Upendra film in the future," said Rajini.<ref>{{cite news|author=Madhu Daithota|agency=TNN|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/I-like-watching-Upendras-films-Rajinikanth/articleshow/7384776.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410104538/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-30/news-interviews/28367130_1_kannada-film-rajini-uppi|url-status=live|archive-date=10 April 2013|title=I like watching Upendra's films: Rajinikanth|date=30 January 2011|work=]|access-date=18 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Shekhar H Hooli|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2011/rajinikanth-upendra-super-different-film-290111-aid0062.html|title=Rajinikanth describes Upendra's Super as different film|publisher=Oneindia Entertainment|date=29 January 2011|access-date=18 October 2012|archive-date=21 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021035345/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2011/rajinikanth-upendra-super-different-film-290111-aid0062.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*His next film was named after himself as '']'' which again starred himself in the lead and also starred the Bollywood actress ]. The film was a psychological drama which explored human emotions. The film is a story of a commoner and his three emotions, which is metaphorically narrated through the story of the characters played by Upendra and the three heroines. The movie went on to become a much bigger hit than his previous film ]. The movie was also dubbed into Telugu. A Japanese national{{who|date=January 2012}} who saw the film in Bangalore was impressed by it, finding it similar to the story of Buddha, and got it released in Japan.


], Upendra in 2019]]
*Upendra came back as a director after 10 years in 2010 with the movie ''].'' The movie was released in 42 theatres in Bengaluru and 150 theatres all over ] and was also dubbed into Telugu and released in 95 theatres across ], a total of 250 theatres. It tells the story of a ] who, through political manipulations, helps India become a superpower in 2030. The film broke all records when it was released and went on to become the biggest hit of 2010 and also became Upendra's biggest blockbuster.


In 2015, Upendra directed and starred in a sequel to his 1999 film ''Upendra'', titled '']''.<ref name=ibtimes1>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/uppi-2-upendra-2-review-upendra-cooks-delicious-food-it-difficult-digest-643013|title='Uppi 2' (Upendra 2) Review: Upendra Cooks Delicious Food but it is Difficult to Digest!|publisher=IBTimes|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> As it was a sequel to ''Upendra'' and his comeback as a director after 5 years, expectations and the resulting hype was high before it released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/12185-uppi2-in-250-screens.html|title=Uppi2 in 250 Screens}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ytalkies.com/sandalwood-film-news/uppi-2-getting-delayed|title=Why is 'Uppi 2′ getting delayed?|publisher=Ytalkies}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/upendras-directorial-comeback-uppi-2-set-release-soon-638899|title=Upendra's Directorial Comeback 'Uppi 2' Set for Release Soon|publisher=IBTimes}}</ref> The film was simultaneously released in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and the US in over 600 theaters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ytalkies.com/sandalwood-film-news/uppi-2-release-600-theatres|title=Uppi-2 to release in 600 theatres|publisher=Ytalkies}}</ref> Upon release, the film set records for the highest grossing opening day for a Kannada movie.<ref name=ibtimes2>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/uppi-2-box-office-collection-upendra-directorial-makes-fantastic-business-2-days-643061|title='Uppi 2' Box Office Collection: Upendra Directorial Makes Fantastic Business in 2 Days|publisher=IBTimes|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref><ref name=filmbeat>{{cite news|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2015/uppi-2-weekend-box-office-collection-collects-45-crores-194609.html|title=Uppi 2 Weekend (3 Days) Box Office Collection: Collects 45 Crores!|publisher=Filmibeat|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> Although the film got mixed responses because of its confusing storyline and screenplay, it was commercially successful and profitable with a 50-day theatrical run.<ref name=chitraloka>{{cite news|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/12395-uppi-2-completes-50-days.html|title=Uppi 2 Completes 50 Days|publisher=Chitraloka|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> It sold the second-highest number of tickets in online ticket sales on Bookmyshow among Kannada movies in 2015.<ref name=bookmyshow>{{cite web|url=https://in.bookmyshow.com/entertainment/the-best-of-2015/66999|title=The Best of 2015|publisher=Bookmyshow|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> It was also successful outside of India and became the second-highest-grossing Kannada film of all time in US.<ref name=timesofindia>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/RangiTaranga-scores-above-all-Kannada-films/articleshow/49102147.cms|title=RangiTaranga scores above all Kannada films|agency=TNN|work=The Times of India|date=25 September 2015|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref>
*In January 2012 Upendra (@realupendra) had tweeted that he is planning to do a sequel to his 1999 blockbuster movie '']''. He has confirmed this recently in an interview with oneindia that he might take up the project this year.<ref></ref>


On 3 June 2022, 7 years after ''Uppi 2'', Upendra launched his next directorial, '']''.
==Career as an actor==
As an actor, he acted in many commercially successful films. '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']'' are his biggest commercial blockbusters. His other Super Hit films include '']'', '']'', ''Gokarna'', ''Gowramma'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']''. Films like '']'' which was a metaphorical representation of the century old ], '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' were also moderately successful at the box office. His straight ] films like ''Kanyadaanam'' & '']'' were also successful at the box office. For his performance in his first movie itself ('']''), Upendra won the ]. Through his hard hitting unique dilogue delivery in movies like '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', etc Upendra has scored a huge fan following.


===Acting career===
In contrast to the many ] movies where the hero usually has a stereotypical 'good-boy' character, Upendra's roles have both negative and positive aspects. His character in the film '']'' had many negative shades such as hatred towards women. In the film ''](2001)'', Upendra plays a playboy who seduces girls into his bed and leave them frustrated by doing nothing. In the film '']'', he plays one such character who is initially the protagonist but later transforms into the antagonist of the film. In the films '']'' and '']'', he stops at nothing to achieve his goal and goes on committing series of murders. His character in '']'' was extremely egoistic with many negative shades. In the film '']'', Upendra plays an underworld gangster. In the film '']'' he plays a most wanted conman who marries four women one after another to rob them of their wealth. Thus Upendra has proved that a hero can have both positive and negative aspects.
==== Cameo appearances ====
Upendra first appeared on screen making an appearance in ]'s 1989 comedy film, '']''. He appeared as Lord ] in the song "Come On Come On Kaamanna". In '']'', also directed by Kashinath, he made a cameo appearance. In his directorial debut, '']'' (1993), Upendra made another cameo appearance, like a mad man in the attire of a police officer barging into a film set. In his 1995 directorial '']'', he appears as a man urinating on a roadside wall and explains of India's ways to a complaining Mandakini (played by Sangeetha).


==== 1998–2005 ====
Upendra has acted with several Bollywood actresses like ] in the film '']'', ] in the film '']'', ] in '']'', ''] in the film '']'', ] in the film '']'', ] in the film '']'' (her debut film), and ] in the film '']''.
From 1998 to 2005, Upendra starred in eight 100 days hits in eight years, such as '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''.<ref name=sandalwoodking/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandalwoodking.com/topic/5309-shankar-nag-discussion/page-18|title=Shankar Nag Discussion – Shivu Adda|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419011509/http://www.sandalwoodking.com/topic/5309-shankar-nag-discussion/page-18|archive-date=19 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In 1998, Upendra directed and starred in ''A'', which was his fifth film as a director but his first lead role as a hero. The film had a 175-day run<ref name=gandhadagudi2/> and became a trend-setting blockbuster in ],<ref name=sandalwoodking/> with its Telugu dubbed version running for 100 days in ].<ref name=gandhadagudi1/> Around this time, he received an offer from ] to make a film for them, which did not materialize.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bellave |first1=Pradeep |title=He's 'different' |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/mar24/ent1.htm |publisher=Deccan Herald |access-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020329132513/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/mar24/ent1.htm |archive-date=29 March 2002 |date=24 March 2002}}</ref> Due to Upendra's newly found popularity in Telugu, Telugu director ] cast him in the 1998 Telugu film '']'' alongside ] and ], which also became a commercial success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/upendra_interview.php|title=TC Star Interviews – Upendra|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406205239/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/upendra_interview.php|archive-date=6 April 2012}}</ref> In 1999 Upendra again directed and starred in his self-titled film ''Upendra'' which starred ] actress ]. The film went on to become a bigger hit than ''A'', both in Karnataka as well as in Andhra Pradesh.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> The film had a 200 days run in Karnataka<ref name=gandhadagudi2/> and 100 days run in Andhra Pradesh.<ref name=gandhadagudi1/> In 2000, Upendra starred opposite Bollywood actress ] in the psychological thriller '']'' which was a remake of Bollywood film '']''. ''Preethse'' became Upendra's third consecutive blockbuster<ref name=sandalwoodking/> that ran for 175 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gandhadagudi.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=28|title=Upendra – Gandhadagudi Forum|access-date=17 April 2014|archive-date=19 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419015215/http://www.gandhadagudi.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=28|url-status=dead}}</ref> With three back-to-back highly received films, Upendra became well known in ] and ].<ref name=sandalwoodking/> Due to the success of the Telugu dubbed versions of his Kannada films and ''Kanyadanam'', he starred in the Telugu films '']'', '']'' and '']''. ''Raa'' was a typical Upendra style film in which he plays a womanizing playboy. Upendra starred opposite his future wife ] for the first time in this film. While ''Raa'' written by him was a box office success,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idlebrain.com/trade/tsynop/tradestory27.html|title=Cycle Stand – Telugu Cinema Trade Story|publisher=IdleBrain|date=13 November 2001|access-date=21 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929190214/http://idlebrain.com/trade/tsynop/tradestory27.html|archive-date=29 September 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/nallamalupubujji.html|title=Nallamalupu Bujji interview – Telugu Cinema interview – Telugu film producer|publisher=IdleBrain|date=29 September 2008|access-date=21 July 2012}}</ref> the other two films were box office failures causing Upendra to take a break from straight Telugu films.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/upendra_interview.php |title=TC Star Interviews - Upendra |work=]|date=10 July 2007 |accessdate= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406205239/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/upendra_interview.php |archive-date=6 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Personal life==
On Dec 14 2003, Uppi married former Miss Kolkata Priyanka Trivedi who met him first on the sets of the ] movie ] and then on the sets of ]. Upendra and his wife reside in Banashankari III Stage in Bangalore with their two children.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article1773550.ece |title=The 'Super' man in your neighborhood - Upendra |publisher=The Hindu |date= |accessdate=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/19915/banner-300x250.swf |title=Upendra & Priyanka - When two cultures merge |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>


In 2002, Upendra acted in less-received films such as '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']'' for not meeting expectations and having average run at the box office.<ref name=sandalwoodking/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/flash-back/3154-2002-year-round-up.html|title=Kannada films 2002 – Round up}}</ref>
==Other projects==
In 2004, Upendra ventured into advertising through his own startup agency 'UppiAds'. Upendra has been associated with ] since 1999, and his iconic punch line ‘Yella Ok. Cool drink yaake?’ as part of the United Breweries ad campaign is still memorable to the people of Karnataka a decade later.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2012/upendra-ub-export-association-150312.html |title=Upendra-UB Export celebrate a decade long association |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> Upendra also endorsed Lunars Footwear and the ].<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/headlines/y2k11/jan/janmam26.php |title=Emani endorsements |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>


From 2003 to 2005 he starred in 5 back-to-back films that each ran for 100 days such as ''Kutumba'', ''Raktha Kanneeru'', ''Gokarna'', ''Gowramma'', and ''Auto Shankar''; all of which were well received at the box office.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> Only two films of Upendra in this time were received poorly: '']'' and ''News''.<ref name=sandalwoodking/>
Upendra is also a lyricist. Many of his songs contain normal slang, which is contrary to the popular practice, where only textual words are used in songs. Some of his popular tracks appear in films, including ''MTV subbulaxmi ge'' ('']''), ''Dil ilde'' ('']''), ''Chitranna chitrana'' ('']''), and ''Thu nan makla'' ('']'').


==== 2006–2009 ====
==Filmography==
Upendra had a less successful phase from 2006 to 2009, as most of his films during this period went unnoticed at the box office such as '']'', ''Tandege Takka Maga'', '']'', '']'', '']'' (Telugu), '']'', '']'' (Tamil), '']'' and ''Rajini''.<ref name=sandalwoodking/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/52982.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120012200/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/52982.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 January 2010|title=Kannada films 2009 – Hits and misses|website=IndiaGlitz|date=25 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kannadawood.com/2010/01/super-hit-and-super-flop-kannada-films.html|title=Kannada films 2009 – BO Report|date=January 2010}}</ref>
===As director===

The only commercial well-received films he acted in during this period were the candy floss romantic comedy '']'', which ran for 75 days,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cineloka.co.in/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1496&p=124426|title=Upendra – Achievements & Accolades|access-date=17 April 2014|archive-date=19 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419014150/http://cineloka.co.in/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1496&p=124426|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the moderately successful '']'' which ran for 70 days.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> Upendra received praise and critical acclaim for his performance in ''Anatharu''.

''],'' which was Upendra's only release in 2008, was considered as his big comeback. The film was declared a blockbuster<ref>{{cite web|date=30 December 2008|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hollywood/article/43964.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019143743/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hollywood/article/43964.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 October 2013|title=Kannada films 2008 Report}}</ref> and ran for 100 days;<ref>{{cite news|date=6 January 2009|website=Oneindia|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2009/buddhivantha-100-days-060109.html|title=Buddhivatha completes 100 days|access-date=16 April 2014|archive-date=21 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021035347/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2009/buddhivantha-100-days-060109.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> it became the top box office grosser of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/2008-Top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-kannada-jdwmUxcjhci.html?html=5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819162326/http://www.sify.com/movies/2008-Top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-kannada-jdwmUxcjhci.html?html=5|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-08-19|title=Upendra's 'Buddhivantha' – The Top Grosser of 2008|website=]}}</ref> ''Budhivanta''{{'}}s Telugu dub was also well-received and ran for 50 days in Andhra Pradesh.<ref name=gandhadagudi1/>

==== 2010–present ====
], Bangalore, in 2019]]
2010 marked Upendra's comeback to directing after 10 years. After several ups and downs in his acting career, Upendra came back to direct and act in the 2010 film '']'' in which he starred alongside Tamil actress ] and ]. The movie was released in a record number of theatres all over ]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/-super--fabulous-in-collection--kannada-news-62151|title=Upendra's Super released in record number of theaters|website=IndiaGlitz|date=7 December 2010}}</ref> and was also dubbed into ] and released in ]. ''Super'' broke many box office records upon release and completing 175 days of the run, becoming one of the highest-grossing critically acclaimed ] of 2010.<ref name=indiaglitz1/>

Upendra then starred in films like '']'' (2011) opposite his wife ] and ] actress ], and '']'' (2012). In 2012, Upendra starred in several commercially successful films such as ] ] '']'' which was well-received<ref name=oneindia2>{{cite web|website=Oneindia|title=Best Kannada Actor of 2012|date=17 January 2013|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2012/best-kannada-actor-2012-102054.html|access-date=8 February 2013|archive-date=1 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101160116/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2012/best-kannada-actor-2012-102054.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and became the second-highest-grossing film of the year,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cms.mumbaimirror.com/portalfiles/22/25/201212/Image/top%20ten%201st%20part.jpg|title=Top 10 Grossers of 2012|work=Mumbai Mirror|access-date=15 April 2014|archive-date=16 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416182145/http://cms.mumbaimirror.com/portalfiles/22/25/201212/Image/top%20ten%201st%20part.jpg|url-status=dead}}</ref> followed by '']'' which performed above average,<ref name=oneindia2/> and the horror-comedy film '']'' which performed average at the box office.<ref name=oneindia2/>

Upendra's films from 2013 to 2015 such as '']'' (2013), '']'' (2014), '']'' (2014) and '']'' (2015) performed poorly in theatres.<ref name=sandalwoodking/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/Uppis-course-correction/articleshow/21200780.cms|title=Uppi's course correction|work=Bangalore Mirror|date=1 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/average-and-top-flops-of-2014-kannada-news-121894.html|title=Average and Top Flops of 2014|website=IndiaGlitz|date=27 December 2014}}</ref>

In 2015, Upendra starred alongside ] in the ] film '']'' that was directed by ]. The film was declared a hit, grossing {{INR}}92 crores and netting over {{INR}}60 crores at the global box office,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/Allu-Arjun-turns-down-Rs-12-cr-dance-deal/articleshow/47709006.cms|title=Allu Arjun turns down Rs. 12 cr dance deal|last=Pudipeddi|first=Haricharan|work=Bangalore Mirror|date=17 June 2015|access-date=18 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618061959/http://www.bangaloremirror.com/entertainment/south-masala/Allu-Arjun-turns-down-Rs-12-cr-dance-deal/articleshow/47709006.cms|archive-date=18 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> becoming the seventh-highest-grossing Telugu film of all time worldwide.<ref name="3 week">{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/allu-arjuns-so-satyamurthy-enters-list-of-alltime-top-ten-moneyspinners/544466-71-177.html|title=Allu Arjun's 'S/O Satyamurthy' enters list of all-time top ten moneyspinners|author=IANS|author-link=Indo-Asian News Service|publisher=]|date=8 May 2015|access-date=8 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508135826/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/allu-arjuns-so-satyamurthy-enters-list-of-alltime-top-ten-moneyspinners/544466-71-177.html|archive-date=8 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2016, Upendra starred in a sequel to his earlier hit horror film '']'' titled as '']'' which became an average grosser at the box office.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/sandalwood-2016-highest-grossing-kannada-movies-2016-box-office-709450|title=Sandalwood 2016: Highest-grossing Kannada movies of 2016 at the box office|work=International Business Times|date=22 December 2016}}</ref> He also starred along with ] in the remake of Bollywood film '']'' titled as ''],'' which became a box office success and had a 50-day run.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/14118-mukunda-murari-and-santhu-straight-forward-completes-50-days.html|title=Mukunda Murari And Santhu Straight Forward Completes 50 Days|work=Chitrolka|date=16 December 2016|access-date=8 February 2017|archive-date=26 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126111234/https://www.chitraloka.com/news/14118-mukunda-murari-and-santhu-straight-forward-completes-50-days.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2017, he starred in the remake of '']'' titled '']''. In 2019, he starred in '']'', which released to positive reviews.

In 2022, he starred in '']'' and made a comeback to Telugu cinema with '']'' in a brief role portraying ]'s father.

In 2023, he starred in '']'', which had a similar theme to the ]. The film was a box office failure.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}

==== Upcoming projects ====
His upcoming films include '']'' and ''Buddhivantha-2''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-05-24|title=Upendra's next titled 'Buddhivantha 2'|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/upendra-s-next-titled-buddhivantha-2-102357|access-date=2021-07-23|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref>
He is also set to play an important role in director ]'s '']'' (2025) starring ], it would mark his return to ] after '']'' (2008) starring Vishal.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-09-01|title='Coolie': Upendra plays Kaleesha in Rajinikanth's film|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/coolie-upendra-plays-kaleesha-in-rajinikanths-film/articleshow/112969746|access-date=2024-09-01|website=]|language=en}}</ref>

== Political career ==
{{main|Uttama Prajaakeeya Party}}
]
He started the political party Uttama Prajaakeeya Party in 2018, under the concept of "Prajaakeeya"{{mdash}}which represents the workers. Although he has strictly kept himself away from contesting in any elections, UPP had candidates across all the constituencies in ] in the ].<ref name="ref-ibt1">{{cite news |title=Karnataka assembly elections 2018: Upendra, Ramya, other Sandalwood star campaigners and contestants – IBTimes India |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/karnataka-assembly-elections-2018-upendra-ramya-other-sandalwood-star-campaigners-contestants-765150 |access-date=17 June 2019 |date=28 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="ref-bng1">{{cite news |title=Uttama Prajakeeya Party Candidate list – LS 2019 – Bangalorean |url=https://www.bangalorean.com/politics/uttama-prajakeeya-party-candidate-list-ls-2019/ |access-date=17 June 2019 |date=1 April 2019 |archive-date=19 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419095803/https://www.bangalorean.com/politics/uttama-prajakeeya-party-candidate-list-ls-2019/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Craft and style ==
Upendra's films have been praised and criticized for their unusual plotlines and screenplay.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-11-28|title=He's 'different' - Deccan Herald|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/F4C73A8E8DD5F735E5256B8A0020E922|access-date=2021-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128133756/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/F4C73A8E8DD5F735E5256B8A0020E922|archive-date=28 November 2012}}</ref> During a radio interview, Upendra expressed his disappointment at being labeled as a "different director" and explained that most of his directorial ventures deal with the things that he had undergone in his real life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2010/upendra-not-different-director-031210.html |title=Upendra says, "I'm not at all different director."|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707181730/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2010/upendra-not-different-director-031210.html |archive-date=7 July 2012|work=Oneindia|date=3 December 2010}}</ref> He said, in regards to his non-linear narrative, that "when one wants to capture the upheavals in one's mind, it becomes a jumble. Our mind is like that, always confused."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/11/11/stories/2005111104250100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420020602/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/11/11/stories/2005111104250100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-04-20|work=]|title=Entertainment Bangalore : Uppi's hardly uppity|last=bgbnd}}</ref>

The subject of the films coupled with Uppi's novel approach made headlines for mixed reasons. Upendra added that in his self-titled film he explored human nature which "ended with “Aham Brahmaasmi", where I wanted to say rise above I."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-importance-of-being-uppi/article1419579.ece|title=The importance of being Uppi|date=28 June 2008|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
===Family===
On 14 December 2003, Upendra married actress and former Miss Kolkata ], who first starred opposite him in the ] movie '']'' and then in '']''. Upendra and his family now reside in Bengaluru.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/upendra-wedding-comes-as-a-shocker/articleshow/361510.cms|title=Upendra wedding comes as a shocker!|date=16 December 2003|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref>

=== Endorsements ===
Upendra has endorsed a number of brands.<ref name=gandhadagudi3>{{cite web|url=http://gandhadagudi.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4965&start=90|title=Brand Ambassadors of Kannada Film Industry|access-date=13 April 2014|archive-date=10 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110001908/http://gandhadagudi.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4965&start=90|url-status=dead}}</ref> Upendra has been the brand ambassador of the ], Lunars Footwear, SK Super TMT, ] (replaced by ] in ]), ] (MTR), ], ] Navaratna Brand, ] (Nandini), ] News Daily.<ref name=gandhadagudi3/>

== Filmography ==
{{Main|Upendra filmography}}

== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
! Year ! Year
! Film ! Film
! Award
! Lead Actor(s)
! Category
! Gross Box Office <!-- Always provide reference to Reliable Source -->
! Awards ! Result
! Notes ! Ref.
|- |-
|rowspan="3"| 1999
|| 1992 || '']'' || ] || || || Appears as narrator, writer, lyricist, Debut film as director
|rowspan="3"|'']''
|rowspan="2"| ]
| Best Male Actor
| {{won}}
|rowspan=2|<ref name=oneindia4>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2013/udaya-film-awards-pics-upendra-radhika-winners-list-104563.html|title=Udaya film Awards won by Upendra|date=4 March 2013|access-date=31 March 2014|archive-date=21 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021035309/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2013/udaya-film-awards-pics-upendra-radhika-winners-list-104563.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- |-
| Best Director
|| 1993 || '']'' || ] || || || Cameo appearance, writer, lyricist
| {{nom}}
|- |-
| ]
|| 1995 || '']'' || ] || || ], ] || Voice-over, writer
| ]
| {{nom}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/324A4A470734BB1E6525694000620184|title=Filmfare Awards 1999|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323102405/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/324A4A470734BB1E6525694000620184|archive-date=23 March 2012}}</ref>
|- |-
| rowspan="2" | 2000
|| 1995 || '']'' || ] || || || Cameo appearance, writer, lyricist
| rowspan="2" |'']''
| rowspan="2" | ]
| ]
| {{won}}
|rowspan=2|<ref name="hindu2000">{{cite news|url=http://hindu.com/thehindu/2000/04/15/stories/09150651.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013145530/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2000/04/15/stories/09150651.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 October 2011|title=Filmfare Awards 2000|work=]|date=20 April 2000}}</ref>
|- |-
| ]
|| 1998 || '']'' || Himself || {{INR}}20 Crore<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.supergoodmovies.com/10665/sandalwood/upendra-magic-chalegakya-super-on-friday-news-details |title=Upendra Magic Chalegakya - 'Super' On Friday! |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> || ] || Writer, lyricist
| {{won}}
|- |-
|rowspan=2| 2003
|| 1999 || '']'' || ] || || || Writer, lyricist
|rowspan=2| '']''
| ]
| Best Male Actor
| {{won}}
|<ref name=oneindia4/>
|- |-
| ]
|| 1999 || '']'' || Himself || || ] (1999), ] || Writer, lyricist
| ]
| {{nom}}
|<ref name=oneindia4/>
|- |-
|rowspan=3| 2004
|| 2010 || '']'' || Himself || {{INR}}35 crore<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/62848.html |title=Super Collects more than Rs 30 Crore in fifth week |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> || ], ], ], ] - Favorite Film Award, ] - Favorite Director Award.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/239848/puneet-kalyani-actors-upendras-super.html |title=Upendra’s ‘Super’ tops State Awards |publisher=Deccan Herald |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> || Writer, lyricist
|rowspan=3|'']''
|}
| Hello Gandhinagara Awards 2004

| Best Actor
===As actor===
| {{won}}
{| class="wikitable"
|rowspan=2|<ref name="chitraloka2004">{{cite web|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/awards/2918-hello-gandhinagara-awards-2004.html|title=Hello Gandhinagara Awards 2004|access-date=13 April 2014|archive-date=5 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905011210/https://www.chitraloka.com/awards/2918-hello-gandhinagara-awards-2004.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- |-
| Hello Gandhinagara Awards 2004
! Year
| Best Dialogue
! Film
| {{won}}
! Role
! Language
! Run in theaters
! Notes
|- |-
| ]
|rowspan="1"| 1989 || ''Anathana Avanthara'' || || ] || || cameo appearance (Lord ] in a song)
| ]
| {{nom}}
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reachouthyderabad.com/news/Filmfare_awards.htm|title=51'st Filmfare Awards Nominations|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019150441/http://www.reachouthyderabad.com/news/Filmfare_awards.htm|archive-date=19 October 2013}}</ref>
|- |-
|rowspan=3| 2008
|rowspan="1"| 1991 || ''Ajagajanthara'' || || Kannada || || cameo appearance
|rowspan=3|'']''
| ]
| Special Award For Performance
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gandhadagudi.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5740&start=2025|title=Gandhadagudi Forum – Upendra Suvarna Award for Anatharu|access-date=31 March 2014|archive-date=13 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413062810/http://www.gandhadagudi.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5740&start=2025|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- |-
| ]
|rowspan="1"| 1993 || '']'' || || Kannada || || Cameo appearance
| ]
| {{nom}}
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reachouthyderabad.com/news/Filmfare_awards.htm|title=55'th Filmfare Awards Nominations|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019150441/http://www.reachouthyderabad.com/news/Filmfare_awards.htm|archive-date=19 October 2013}}</ref>
|- |-
| ]
|rowspan="1"| 1995 || '']'' || || Kannada || || Cameo Appearance
| Best Male Actor
| {{nom}}
|<ref name=chinokino1>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chinokino.com/2013/03/2013-udaya-film-awards-winners.html|title=2013 Udaya Film Awards – winners|first=David|last=Eng}}</ref>
|- |-
| 2009
|rowspan="2"| 1998 || '']'' || Surya || Kannada & Telugu || 25 weeks || Highest Grossing ] of 1998
|'']''
| ]
| ]
| {{nom}}
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reachouthyderabad.com/news/Filmfare_awards.htm|title=56'th Filmfare Awards Nominations|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019150441/http://www.reachouthyderabad.com/news/Filmfare_awards.htm|archive-date=19 October 2013}}</ref>
|- |-
|rowspan=8| 2011
| ''Kanyadanam'' || || ] || || Debut movie in Telegu, The film was a box office success.<ref name="He's 'different'">{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/F4C73A8E8DD5F735E5256B8A0020E922 |title=He's 'different' |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>
|rowspan=10|'']''
|rowspan=3| ]
| Best Screenplay
| {{won}}
|rowspan=3|<ref name=chinokino1/>
|- |-
| Best Director
|rowspan="1"| 1999 || '']'' || Naanu || Kannada & Telugu || 25 weeks<ref name="He's 'different'"/> || Highest Grossing film of 1999<ref name="He's 'different'"/> The film starred bollywood actress ] opposite Upendra.
| {{nom}}
|- |-
| Best Male Actor
|rowspan="2"| 2000 || '']'' || Chandru || Kannada || 25 weeks || Highest Grossing film of 2000<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://m.rediff.com/movies/2000/jan/31preet.htm |title=Kannada Blockbuster Preethse - Mindless Entertainment! |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> The film starred the bollywood actress ] opposite Upendra.
| {{nom}}
|- |-
|rowspan=2| ]
| Oke Mata || Sooryam || Telugu || ||
| Favorite Director Award
| {{won}}
|rowspan=2|<ref name=oneindia5>{{cite news|website=]|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2011/puneet-radhika-suvarana-film-awards-290611-aid0062.html|title=Suvarna Film Awards 2011|author=Shekhar Hooli|date=29 June 2011|access-date=31 March 2014|archive-date=17 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217145236/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2011/puneet-radhika-suvarana-film-awards-290611-aid0062.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- |-
| Favorite Film
|rowspan="1"| 2001 || '']'' || Sridhar || Telugu || 75 days<ref name="He's 'different'"/><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/nallamalupubujji.html |title=Producer of 'Raa' Nallamalupu Bujji Interview |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> ||
| {{won}}
|- |-
|rowspan=3| ]
|rowspan="6"| 2002 || '']''|| Udayashankar || Kannada, ], Telugu || 75 days<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgFunGaXZXs&feature=relmfu |title=Upendra explains that H2O completed 75 days of run and was a moderate success |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> ||
| ]
| {{nom}}
|rowspan=3|<ref name=autogenerated1>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/58th-south-filmfare-awards-nominees-10839|title=58th South Filmfare Awards - Winners|website=www.ndtv.com}}</ref>
|- |-
| ]
| ''Neethone Vuntanu'' || Ravi || Telugu || ||
| {{nom}}
|- |-
| ] for "Sikka Patte"
| '']'' || Praveen,<br>Deependra || Kannada & Telugu || 50 days ||
| {{nom}}
|- |-
|rowspan=2| 2012
| '']'' || Ajay || Kannada || ||
| ]
| ]
| {{won}}
|rowspan=2|<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|website=]|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/state-awards-for-puneet-upendra-news-kannada-melll5ecccb.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924203045/http://www.sify.com/movies/state-awards-for-puneet-upendra-news-kannada-melll5ecccb.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=Karnataka State Film Awards 2012|date=11 April 2012}}</ref>
|- |-
| ]
| ''Naanu Naane'' || Raja || Kannada || ||
| ]
| {{won}}
|- |-
| 2012
| '']'' || Upendra, <br>Surendra,<br>Robot US47 || Kannada & Telugu || 50 days<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.indiaeveryday.in/karnataka/news-is-endhiran-inspired-by-uppis-hollywood-1171-1819563.htm |title=Is Endhiran inspired by Uppi's Hollywood ? |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> ||
|'']''
| ]
| Special Appreciation Award
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinokino.com/2012/06/2012-south-indian-international-movie.html|title=SIIMA Awards 2012 Results|date=24 June 2012}}</ref>
|- |-
|rowspan=2| 2013
|rowspan="3"| 2003 || '']''||Vijay || Kannada || 125 days<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.viggy.com/english/current_kutumba125days.asp |title=Kutumba marks successful 125 days |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> ||
|rowspan=2|'']''
| ]
| Best Male Actor
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2013/udaya-film-awards-pics-upendra-radhika-winners-list-104563.html|title=Udaya film Awards 2013 Results|access-date=31 March 2014|archive-date=21 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021035309/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2013/udaya-film-awards-pics-upendra-radhika-winners-list-104563.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- |-
|]
| '']'' || Mohan || Kannada & Telugu || 120 days || Highest Grossing film of 2003<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.viggy.com/english/current_2003_review.asp |title=2003 - yearly roundup of kannada films |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>
| Best Male Actor
| {{nom}}
|
|- |-
|2013
| ''Gokarna'' || Sidda || Kannada || 25 weeks<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/interview/6066.html |title=Rakshita explains 'Gokarna' was a good money spinner at the box office |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> ||
|'']''
|]
|Critics Award for Best Actor
|{{won}}
|<ref name="SIIMA Awards 2012">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news-interviews/Shivarajkumar-is-Best-Actor-Priya-Mani-Best-Actress-at-SIIMA/articleshow/22573778.cms|title=Shivarajkumar is Best Actor; Priya Mani Best Actress at SIIMA|date=14 September 2013|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref>
|- |-
|2013
|rowspan="1"| 2004 ||'']'' || Sathya || Kannada || 50 days<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://kannada.oneindia.in/movies/news/2012/07/upendra-om-prakash-rao-upcoming-movie-trivikrama-066326.html |title=Upendra's Om was a Super Hit, Omkara a Decent Hit; Now teams up with Om Prakash Rao |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> ||
|'']''
|Bangalore Times Film Awards
| Best Male Actor in a Negative Role
| {{nom}}
|
|- |-
|2014
|rowspan="3"| 2005 || ''Gowramma''|| Venkat Swamy || Kannada || 125 days ||
|'']''
|]
|Best Actor
|{{nom}}
|<ref name="SIIMA Awards 2012"/>
|- |-
|2016
| ''News'' || Guru || Kannada || ||
|'']''
|]
|Best Actor in a Supporting Role
|{{nom}}
|<ref>{{cite web|title=SIIMA 2016 Telugu movie nominations revealed; 'Baahubali,' 'Srimanthudu' lead the list5|website=]|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-2016-telugu-movie-nominations-revealed-baahubali-srimanthudu-lead-list-680040|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526120833/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-2016-telugu-movie-nominations-revealed-baahubali-srimanthudu-lead-list-680040|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 May 2016}}</ref>
|- |-
|rowspan=3|2016
| '']'' || Shankar || Kannada || 100 days<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.viggy.com/english/current_namma_basava_100days.asp |title=Namma Basava & Auto Shankar hit the 100 days mark |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> || The film starred ] opposite Upendra.
|rowspan=3|'']''
|rowspan=3|]
|Best Film
|{{nom}}
|rowspan=3|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://siima.in/2016/winners.html|title=5th SIIMA WINNERS LIST|access-date=24 June 2020|archive-date=14 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714054004/http://siima.in/2016/winners.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- |-
|Best Director
|rowspan="3"| 2006 || '']''|| Rao Bahaddur Upendra || Kannada || ||
|{{won}}
|- |-
|Best Actor
| ''Tandege Takka Maga'' || || Kannada || ||
|{{nom}}
|-
| '']'' || Abhishek Hegde || Kannada || 75 days<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.webindia123.com/movie/2006/regional/kannada/index.htm |title=Upendra-Deepika Padukone starrer 'Aishwarya' among the Hit Kannada films of 2006 |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> || It was the Debut film of the bollywood actress ].
|-
|rowspan="5"| 2007 || ''Parodi'' || Vijay || Kannada || ||
|-
| '']'' || Siddappaji || Kannada & Telugu || ||
|-
| '']'' || Neelakanta || Telugu || ||
|-
| '']'' || Rudra || Kannada || 9 weeks<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2008/2007-superstar-ganesh-040108.html |title=Kannada films of 2007 - Roundup |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> ||
|-
| ''Lava Kusha'' || Chakri || Kannada || ||
|-
|rowspan="3"| 2008 || '']'' || Manickvel || ] || ||
|-
| '']'' || Joseph Fernandez, <br>Panchamrutha, <br>Zakir Hussain, <br> Vijay Mithal, <br> Samarasimha Reddy, <br> Sri Sri Sri Bhagavan Ranjaneesh Swamy, <br> Shyam Prasad || Kannada & Telugu || 100 days || Highest Grossing film of 2008,<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/2008-Top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-kannada-jdwmUxcjhci.html?html=5 |title=Upendra's 'Buddhivantha' - The Top Grosser of 2008 |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> released as ''Buddhimanthudu'' in Telugu.
|- '']'' || || tamil, Telugu || leading role''|| ||
|-
| ''Mast Maja Maadi'' || Himself || Kannada || || Special appearance
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2009 || '']'' || Babu || Kannada || ||
|-
| ''Rajani'' || Rajani || Kannada || ||
|-
|rowspan="1"| 2010 || '']'' || Subhash Chandra Gandhi|| Kannada & Telugu || 25 weeks ||
|-
|rowspan="1"| 2011 || '']'' || Raj Kumar || Kannada || ||
|-
|rowspan="5"| 2012 || '']'' || Arun, <br>Vishnu || Kannada || ||
|-
|'']'' || Upendra, <br>Mohan || Kannada || 50 days || One of the ],<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2012/sandalwood-kannada-films-half-yearly-report-097069.html |title=Anna Bond and Katari Veera - Biggest Hits of 2012 so far |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> first full length 3D film in ].
|-
|'']'' || || Kannada || || One of the most anticipated films of the year, Releasing in August 2012. The film's music has been composed by ], which is his first Kannada film music composition. The internationally acclaimed composer was honored by the bigwigs of Kannada cinema industry at the film's audio release event in Bangalore.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/godfather-audio-release-ar-rahman-honoured/264435-71-205.html |title=Godfather audio release: AR Rahman honoured |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>
|-
|'']'' || || Kannada || || Shooting in Progress.
|-
|'']'' || || Kannada || || Shooting in Progress.
|-
|rowspan="1"| 2013 || '']'' || || Kannada || || Pre-Production, To be directed by ]<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2012/upendra-om-prakash-trivikrama-097037.html |title=Upendra-Om Prakash Rao team up for Trivikrama |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>
|- |-
|} |}


==Other awards== ; Other honours
* 2015 Honorary Doctorate from ]
* ] - ''Special Award for Performance'' - '']''
* ]


==References== == See also ==
*]
{{reflist}}


==External links== == References ==
{{Reflist}}
*{{IMDb name|id=1962192|name=Upendra}}


== External links ==
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. -->
{{commons category}}
| NAME =Upendra
*
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =Uppi
* {{IMDb name|1962192}}
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =Director, writer, actor

| DATE OF BIRTH =18 October 1967
{{Upendra}}
| PLACE OF BIRTH =Kundapur, Karnataka
{{Authority control}}
| DATE OF DEATH =

| PLACE OF DEATH =
{{DEFAULTSORT:Upendra}}
}}
] ]
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Latest revision as of 07:04, 26 December 2024

Indian actor and politician This article is about the Kannada actor and director. For the film, see Upendra (film).

A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. It may require cleanup to comply with Misplaced Pages's content policies, particularly neutral point of view. Please discuss further on the talk page. (June 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Upendra
Upendra at KLE Society's Law-College, Bangalore
BornUpendra Rao
(1968-09-18) 18 September 1968 (age 56)
Koteshwara, Kundapura taluk, Udupi District, Mysore State (present-day Karnataka), India
Other namesUppi
Occupations
  • Actor
  • director
  • producer
  • screenwriter
  • playback singer
  • lyricist
  • politician
Years active1989 – present
WorksFull list
Political partyUttama Prajaakeeya Party
Spouse Priyanka Upendra ​(m. 2003)
Children2

Upendra Rao (born 18 September 1968) is an Indian actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, playback singer, lyricist and politician who worked primarily in Kannada films. He has also worked in a few Telugu and Tamil films. In 2017, He joined the political party Karnataka Pragnyavanta Janata Paksha, before quitting the party in 2018 due to internal differences and formed another party named Uttama Prajaakeeya Party (UPP), which was based on the principles of Prajākīya (citizen-centric administration). He received an Honorary Doctorate from Angkor University in 2015.

He started his film career as a writer and an assistant director with actor and film director Kashinath. His first directorial venture was Tharle Nan Maga (1992). In the mid-1990s, Upendra directed Om (1995) which emerged as a blockbuster at the box office and became a cult film. He later made the film in Telugu as Omkaram. This was followed by A, in which he debuted as an actor. The film went to be a major success and catapulted him to new heights of fame. His next film was the psychological thriller Upendra (1999), which became a cult film. After a decade of acting, he returned to directing with Super, which was well-received critically and commercially.

Upendra is known for his works in films such as Preethse (2000), Super Star (2002), Kutumba (2002), Gokarna (2002), Hollywood (2002), Raktha Kanneeru (2003), Gowramma (2005), Aishwarya (2006), Anatharu (2007), Budhivanta (2008), Kalpana (2012), Godfather (2012), S/O Satyamurthy (2015), Uppi 2 (2015), and I Love You (2019).

Early life

Upendra was born to Manjunath Rao and Anusuya in Bengaluru, on 18 September 1968. His father was from Thekkatte, Koteshwara, Kundapur Taluk, Udupi district in Karnataka, formerly Mysore State. He is the second son of his family, his older brother is Sudheendra Rao. He obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree from APS College of Commerce, Bangalore. During his time at the college, he participated in plays and often formed troupes with his friends. His association with actor and director Kashinath, a distant relative of his, began during his final year in college.

Film career

As a director

Upendra assisted filmmaker Kashinath in various departments apart from assisting in writing songs, dialogues, and screenplay for his films. He co-directed a film with Kashinath. Upendra started as a director with a typical Kashinath style comedy called Tharle Nan Maga in 1992. The film introduced famed comedian Jaggesh. It went on to be a success and has since achieved a cult following. Upendra directed a horror suspense thriller next called Shhh! in 1993. The film featured Kashinath and a young producer and actor, Kumar Govind. The film was a major box office success, and Upendra came out as an independent director.

Upendra's next film was a crime drama titled Om, (1995), which he wrote after being inspired by a real incident in the 1980s. Shiva Rajkumar played a gangster, Sathya, alongside other real-life gangsters who appeared in cameos. Prema played the female lead. The film's unique story-telling in the form of multiple flashback sequences supporting the plotline won critical praise and was also a major commercial success. This film too went on to attain cult status among Kannada audiences.

Upendra turned towards a project to direct an extended version of the 1981 film Antha and called it Operation Antha. The film had Ambareesh reprise his role from Antha as Kanwar Lal. The film was not very successful; it was also controversial for its taunts on some real-life political figures.

In 1997, Upendra directed A, through which he made a successful transition to acting. The film is about a love affair between a film director and an actress, in which the actress rejects the director, causing him to become an alcoholic. It further led to the discovery of conspiracies on a reshoot by the director, who vowed revenge. There were rumors that it was Upendra's own story, and the actress in the film portrayed his protege Prema. This added to the film's popularity and it broke many box office records upon release and went on to become one of the highest grossing Kannada films of its time. The film had a 175-day run in Karnataka was also dubbed to Telugu, and repeated its success in Andhra Pradesh too, where it had a 100-day run. The film won accolades from Bollywood personalities like Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor. Upendra was now a big name in Kannada cinema and was also popular in Andhra Pradesh.

Upendra's next movie was Swasthik with lead Raghavendra Rajkumar, which was released in 1998. The film performed averagely at the box office but critically well received.

In 1999, Upendra made a self-titled film, Upendra. Upendra acted in this film as the unnamed protagonist (or antagonist) Naanu (I or Myself). The film starred three heroines: Damini, Prema, and Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon. Naanu was an arrogant character and was very demeaning towards women, bordering on misogyny; which led to a lot of criticism on the film. However, the film broke many box office records and went on to be a much bigger hit than A in both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The film had a 200-day run in Karnataka, and its Telugu version had a 100-day run in Andhra Pradesh. Upendra was now not only a remarkably successful director, but also a big star with a large fan base in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Since then, Upendra gave up directing and concentrated more on his acting career.

Upendra came back as a director after 10 years in 2010 with the movie Super. The movie was released in a record number of theatres all over Karnataka, was dubbed in Telugu, and released in Andhra Pradesh. Super was a blockbuster, breaking many box office records upon release and had a 175-day theatrical run, becoming one of the highest-grossing and critically acclaimed Kannada films of 2010.

In 2011, Tamil actor Rajinikanth attended a private screening of Super in Bangalore. Rajinikanth watched the film along with Upendra and a couple of friends. "Upendra is a great actor and director. There is hardly anyone in Indian Cinema, who would think like him. Only he can think like that. I like watching Upendra's films, and this was no exception. If I get an opportunity and an impressive script, I'd like to act in a Upendra film in the future," said Rajini.

Film director Shashank, Upendra in 2019

In 2015, Upendra directed and starred in a sequel to his 1999 film Upendra, titled Uppi 2. As it was a sequel to Upendra and his comeback as a director after 5 years, expectations and the resulting hype was high before it released. The film was simultaneously released in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and the US in over 600 theaters. Upon release, the film set records for the highest grossing opening day for a Kannada movie. Although the film got mixed responses because of its confusing storyline and screenplay, it was commercially successful and profitable with a 50-day theatrical run. It sold the second-highest number of tickets in online ticket sales on Bookmyshow among Kannada movies in 2015. It was also successful outside of India and became the second-highest-grossing Kannada film of all time in US.

On 3 June 2022, 7 years after Uppi 2, Upendra launched his next directorial, UI.

Acting career

Cameo appearances

Upendra first appeared on screen making an appearance in Kashinath's 1989 comedy film, Anantana Avantara. He appeared as Lord Kamadeva in the song "Come On Come On Kaamanna". In Ajagajantara, also directed by Kashinath, he made a cameo appearance. In his directorial debut, Shhh! (1993), Upendra made another cameo appearance, like a mad man in the attire of a police officer barging into a film set. In his 1995 directorial Operation Antha, he appears as a man urinating on a roadside wall and explains of India's ways to a complaining Mandakini (played by Sangeetha).

1998–2005

From 1998 to 2005, Upendra starred in eight 100 days hits in eight years, such as A, Upendra, Preethse, Kutumba, Raktha Kanneeru, Gokarna, Gowramma and Auto Shankar.

In 1998, Upendra directed and starred in A, which was his fifth film as a director but his first lead role as a hero. The film had a 175-day run and became a trend-setting blockbuster in Karnataka, with its Telugu dubbed version running for 100 days in Andhra Pradesh. Around this time, he received an offer from Amitabh Bachchan Corporation to make a film for them, which did not materialize. Due to Upendra's newly found popularity in Telugu, Telugu director E. V. V. Satyanarayana cast him in the 1998 Telugu film Kanyadanam alongside Srikanth and Rachana, which also became a commercial success. In 1999 Upendra again directed and starred in his self-titled film Upendra which starred Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon. The film went on to become a bigger hit than A, both in Karnataka as well as in Andhra Pradesh. The film had a 200 days run in Karnataka and 100 days run in Andhra Pradesh. In 2000, Upendra starred opposite Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre in the psychological thriller Preethse which was a remake of Bollywood film Darr. Preethse became Upendra's third consecutive blockbuster that ran for 175 days. With three back-to-back highly received films, Upendra became well known in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Due to the success of the Telugu dubbed versions of his Kannada films and Kanyadanam, he starred in the Telugu films Oke Maata, Raa and Neethone Vuntanu. Raa was a typical Upendra style film in which he plays a womanizing playboy. Upendra starred opposite his future wife Priyanka Trivedi for the first time in this film. While Raa written by him was a box office success, the other two films were box office failures causing Upendra to take a break from straight Telugu films.

In 2002, Upendra acted in less-received films such as H2O, Super Star, Hollywood, Nagarahavu and Naanu Naane for not meeting expectations and having average run at the box office.

From 2003 to 2005 he starred in 5 back-to-back films that each ran for 100 days such as Kutumba, Raktha Kanneeru, Gokarna, Gowramma, and Auto Shankar; all of which were well received at the box office. Only two films of Upendra in this time were received poorly: Omkara and News.

2006–2009

Upendra had a less successful phase from 2006 to 2009, as most of his films during this period went unnoticed at the box office such as Uppi Dada M.B.B.S., Tandege Takka Maga, Parodi, Masti, Toss (Telugu), Lava Kusha, Sathyam (Tamil), Dubai Babu and Rajini.

The only commercial well-received films he acted in during this period were the candy floss romantic comedy Aishwarya, which ran for 75 days, and the moderately successful Anatharu which ran for 70 days. Upendra received praise and critical acclaim for his performance in Anatharu.

Budhivanta, which was Upendra's only release in 2008, was considered as his big comeback. The film was declared a blockbuster and ran for 100 days; it became the top box office grosser of the year. Budhivanta's Telugu dub was also well-received and ran for 50 days in Andhra Pradesh.

2010–present

Upendra with a fan on stage during his visit to KLE Society's Law College, Bangalore, in 2019

2010 marked Upendra's comeback to directing after 10 years. After several ups and downs in his acting career, Upendra came back to direct and act in the 2010 film Super in which he starred alongside Tamil actress Nayantara and Tulip Joshi. The movie was released in a record number of theatres all over Karnataka and was also dubbed into Telugu and released in Andhra Pradesh. Super broke many box office records upon release and completing 175 days of the run, becoming one of the highest-grossing critically acclaimed Kannada films of 2010.

Upendra then starred in films like Shrimathi (2011) opposite his wife Priyanka Trivedi and Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, and Aarakshaka (2012). In 2012, Upendra starred in several commercially successful films such as 3D fantasy film Katari Veera Surasundarangi which was well-received and became the second-highest-grossing film of the year, followed by Godfather which performed above average, and the horror-comedy film Kalpana which performed average at the box office.

Upendra's films from 2013 to 2015 such as Topiwala (2013), Brahma (2014), Super Ranga (2014) and Shivam (2015) performed poorly in theatres.

In 2015, Upendra starred alongside Allu Arjun in the Telugu film S/O Satyamurthy that was directed by Trivikram Srinivas. The film was declared a hit, grossing ₹92 crores and netting over ₹60 crores at the global box office, becoming the seventh-highest-grossing Telugu film of all time worldwide.

In 2016, Upendra starred in a sequel to his earlier hit horror film Kalpana titled as Kalpana 2 which became an average grosser at the box office. He also starred along with Sudeep in the remake of Bollywood film OMG titled as Mukunda Murari, which became a box office success and had a 50-day run.

In 2017, he starred in the remake of Soggade Chinni Nayana titled Upendra Matte Baa. In 2019, he starred in I Love You, which released to positive reviews.

In 2022, he starred in Home Minister and made a comeback to Telugu cinema with Ghani in a brief role portraying Varun Tej's father.

In 2023, he starred in Kabzaa, which had a similar theme to the KGF series. The film was a box office failure.

Upcoming projects

His upcoming films include UI and Buddhivantha-2. He is also set to play an important role in director Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie (2025) starring Rajinikanth, it would mark his return to Tamil cinema after Satyam (2008) starring Vishal.

Political career

Main article: Uttama Prajaakeeya Party
Upendra promoting his political party ′Uttama Prajaakeeya Party′

He started the political party Uttama Prajaakeeya Party in 2018, under the concept of "Prajaakeeya"—which represents the workers. Although he has strictly kept himself away from contesting in any elections, UPP had candidates across all the constituencies in Karnataka in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.

Craft and style

Upendra's films have been praised and criticized for their unusual plotlines and screenplay. During a radio interview, Upendra expressed his disappointment at being labeled as a "different director" and explained that most of his directorial ventures deal with the things that he had undergone in his real life. He said, in regards to his non-linear narrative, that "when one wants to capture the upheavals in one's mind, it becomes a jumble. Our mind is like that, always confused."

The subject of the films coupled with Uppi's novel approach made headlines for mixed reasons. Upendra added that in his self-titled film he explored human nature which "ended with “Aham Brahmaasmi", where I wanted to say rise above I."

Personal life

Family

On 14 December 2003, Upendra married actress and former Miss Kolkata Priyanka Trivedi, who first starred opposite him in the Telugu movie Raa and then in H2O. Upendra and his family now reside in Bengaluru.

Endorsements

Upendra has endorsed a number of brands. Upendra has been the brand ambassador of the United Breweries, Lunars Footwear, SK Super TMT, Royal Challengers Bangalore (replaced by Puneeth Rajkumar in IPL 3), Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR), Bangalore Electricity Supply Company, Emani Navaratna Brand, Karnataka Milk Federation (Nandini), Udayavani News Daily.

Filmography

Main article: Upendra filmography

Awards and nominations

Year Film Award Category Result Ref.
1999 A Udaya Film Awards Best Male Actor Won
Best Director Nominated
46th Filmfare Awards South Best Director Nominated
2000 Upendra 47th Filmfare Awards South Best Director Won
Best Film Won
2003 Nagarahavu Udaya Film Awards Best Male Actor Won
50th Filmfare Awards South Best Actor Nominated
2004 Raktha Kanneeru Hello Gandhinagara Awards 2004 Best Actor Won
Hello Gandhinagara Awards 2004 Best Dialogue Won
51st Filmfare Awards South Best Actor Nominated
2008 Anatharu Suvarna Film Awards Special Award For Performance Won
55th Filmfare Awards South Best Actor Nominated
Udaya Film Awards Best Male Actor Nominated
2009 Budhivanta 56th Filmfare Awards South Best Actor Nominated
2011 Super Udaya Film Awards Best Screenplay Won
Best Director Nominated
Best Male Actor Nominated
Suvarna Film Awards Favorite Director Award Won
Favorite Film Won
58th Filmfare Awards South Best Director Nominated
Best Actor Nominated
Best Playback Singer- Male for "Sikka Patte" Nominated
2012 Karnataka State Film Awards Karnataka State Film Award for Best Director Won
Karnataka State Film Awards Karnataka State Film Award for Best Film Won
2012 Shrimathi 1st SIIMA Awards Special Appreciation Award Won
2013 Kalpana Udaya Film Awards Best Male Actor Won
Suvarna Film Awards Best Male Actor Nominated
2013 Katariveera Surasundarangi 2nd SIIMA Award Critics Award for Best Actor Won
2013 Godfather Bangalore Times Film Awards Best Male Actor in a Negative Role Nominated
2014 Topiwala 3rd SIIMA Awards Best Actor Nominated
2016 S/O Satyamurthy 5th SIIMA Awards Best Actor in a Supporting Role Nominated
2016 Uppi 2 5th SIIMA Awards Best Film Nominated
Best Director Won
Best Actor Nominated
Other honours

See also

References

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External links

Works of Upendra
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