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Uppena

Uppena (transl. High tide) is a 2021 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film written and directed by Buchi Babu Sana in his directorial debut.^[1] Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film stars Panja Vaisshnav Tej in his acting debut, Krithi Shetty, and Vijay Sethupathi as the leads, with music composed by Devi Sri Prasad.^[1] Set in a coastal village in Andhra Pradesh, it follows the story of Aasi, a young fisherman, who falls in love with Bebbeti, the daughter of the authoritarian village headman, leading to intense familial and societal opposition due to class differences.^[2] Released theatrically on 12 February 2021, Uppena emerged as a major commercial success, grossing approximately ₹84 crore worldwide against a budget of ₹22 crore, marking it as one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of the year.^[3] The film received praise for its performances, particularly Vijay Sethupathi's antagonistic role, and its depiction of rural life, while its soundtrack became a chart-topping hit.^[1] It garnered significant accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu at the 69th National Film Awards, affirming its artistic merit beyond box-office appeal.^[4]

Development and Pre-Production

Concept and Script

Buchi Babu Sana, a debutant director hailing from Uppada in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, drew inspiration for Uppena from his personal experiences in the coastal fishermen communities, where economic dependence on the sea intersects with rigid caste hierarchies.^[5] The core concept revolves around a realistic inter-caste romance between a fisherman's son and a girl from an upper-caste landlord family, reflecting observed social dynamics in rural Andhra Pradesh rather than idealized or defiant narratives.^[6] Sana emphasized authentic representations of fishermen's lives, including their hospitality transcending caste lines in daily interactions, while underscoring causal connections between lower economic status—tied to labor-intensive sea work—and entrenched caste barriers that escalate interpersonal conflicts.^[5] The script development process began during the production of Rangasthalam (2018), when Sana, working as assistant director under mentor Sukumar, narrated an initial version of the story, receiving encouragement to refine it fully.^[6] Under Sukumar's guidance, Sana crafted dialogues incorporating local coastal dialects and slang to mirror genuine speech patterns among fishermen, avoiding cinematic exaggerations except for commercial pacing elements.^[6] This approach prioritized empirical observations of social realism, portraying caste as an intrinsic societal force linked to economic disparities, with the narrative structured from the female protagonist's viewpoint to highlight the intensity of love amid these constraints, akin to the unrelenting force of a tidal surge ("uppena").^[5] The script was completed around 2019, setting the stage for production while maintaining fidelity to real-life tensions without romanticizing outcomes.^[6]

Casting Process

Director Buchi Babu Sana selected debutant Panja Vaishnav Tej for the role of Aasi, the resilient fisherman from a lower-caste background, emphasizing the need for a newcomer to authentically portray the character's raw, unpolished demeanor, as established stars were deemed unsuitable for the grounded rural ethos.^[6] Tej's casting followed a recommendation from Sana's mentor Sukumar, who suggested narrating the script to him; Tej approved it after sharing with family, aligning with the film's intent to depict class-based authenticity over star power.^[6] For the female lead Bebbamma, Sana initially considered actress Manisha Raj but replaced her after viewing photographs of Krithi Shetty on social media, determining Shetty's appearance better suited the innocent, village-bred portrayal required for the caste-divided romance.^[7]^[8] Shetty, also a debutant, underwent auditions to secure the role, prioritizing her fresh appeal to evoke the vulnerability of a protected upper-caste daughter.^[9] Vijay Sethupathi was envisioned for the antagonistic role of the authoritative village head and father during script development, chosen for his ability to embody patriarchal dominance and regional power dynamics convincingly, despite Sana's initial reservations about approaching a Tamil star.^[6] Sethupathi declined to dub his own lines, citing that his voice did not match the character's intense persona; the challenge was resolved by employing dubbing artist Bommali Ravi Shankar, who required three days to capture the role's demanding timbre, diverging from his typical one-day workflow.^[10] Supporting roles emphasized performers versed in Telugu coastal and rural nuances to reinforce class and caste realism, though specific selections like comic relief characters favored familiarity with local dialects and mannerisms over broader commercial draws.^[6]

Filming and Technical Aspects

Principal Photography

Principal photography for Uppena commenced in May 2019, following the film's launch earlier that year. The production team focused on coastal locations in Andhra Pradesh, including Kakinada, Uppada Beach, and Addaripeta, to capture the authentic setting of a fisherman community central to the narrative.^[11] These sites provided natural backdrops of beaches, fishing nets, and village lanes, minimizing reliance on constructed sets for visual realism. Vijay Sethupathi joined the shoot in August 2019 to film his antagonist role, after initial schedules involving the lead cast.^[11] Production faced early hurdles, including reported delays in the first shooting block that sparked rumors of Sethupathi's exit due to scheduling conflicts with his Tamil commitments.^[12] These issues were resolved, allowing him to complete his portions without derailing the timeline. The approach prioritized on-location filming in variable coastal conditions, though specific technical details like lighting or camera techniques remain undocumented in production accounts.

Locations and Sets

The principal photography of Uppena utilized natural coastal locations in Kakinada and Uppada, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, to depict fishing village life and maritime activities central to the protagonist's background. These areas, characterized by sandy beaches and fishing harbors, hosted key outdoor sequences, including boat operations and seafront interactions, filmed along the Kakinada-Uppada Beach Road and nearby Adharipeta Beach.^[13]^[14] Filming in these regions began in May 2019, leveraging the authentic infrastructure of local fishing communities, such as traditional boats and shorelines, to establish the economic setting of subsistence fishing.^[13] Subsequent portions shifted to constructed sets at Sarathi Studios in Hyderabad, where village interiors, homes, and community structures were built to replicate Kapu agrarian-fishing settlements without relying on further on-location disruptions.^[13] This combination ensured practical access to verifiable coastal geography while allowing controlled replication of hierarchical village layouts.

Narrative Structure

Plot Summary

Aasi, a fisherman from the lower-caste Pullela community in the coastal village of Uppada, Andhra Pradesh, in 2002, nurtures a childhood crush on Bebbamma (also called Sangeetha), the daughter of Rajanna, a dominant-caste village leader and ZPTC member who prioritizes family honor and social norms.^[15]^[16] Aasi's unrequited affection evolves into mutual romance after he saves Bebbamma from danger, though Rajanna remains oblivious initially due to the vast class and caste gulf separating them.^[17]^[18] Rajanna discovers the relationship and forbids it, enforcing caste purity and arranging Bebbamma's marriage to a suitor from an equivalent background to avert perceived dishonor.^[19]^[20] Defiant, Aasi and Bebbamma elope by boat across the sea, symbolizing their desperate bid for freedom from oppressive traditions, but face hardships in securing shelter and evading detection.^[21]^[22] Rajanna mobilizes villagers for a vengeful pursuit, sparking inter-community violence rooted in honor codes; Aasi's father dies shielding the couple during an ambush.^[23]^[19] The lovers attempt to formalize their union but are cornered in a climactic showdown, where Rajanna's honor-driven rage culminates in extreme violence: he fatally stabs Bebbamma to "restore" family prestige, prompting Aasi to kill Rajanna in retaliation, leaving Aasi to grapple with profound loss amid the resolution of their forbidden love.^[23]^[24]^[25]

Themes and Symbolism

The film Uppena explores the tension between individual romantic impulses and entrenched caste hierarchies, portraying the latter as mechanisms that historically promoted endogamy to preserve group cohesion and resource allocation amid economic disparities. In the narrative, caste divisions manifest through disparities in occupation and social status, with the protagonist's lower-caste fisherman background clashing against the girl's dominant-caste family, reflecting real-world patterns where endogamy has limited genetic admixture and maintained hierarchical stability for over 2,000 years.^[26]^[27] This depiction counters simplistic views of caste as arbitrary prejudice, instead aligning with evolutionary pressures favoring kin selection, where restrictions on inter-caste unions safeguard familial genetic and reputational integrity against dilution.^[28] Honor killings, alluded to in the story's conflicts, underscore this dynamic, rooted in practices that enforce group survival by prioritizing collective welfare over personal fulfillment, as evidenced by the film's inspiration from actual inter-caste violence cases like the 2019 Nalgonda incident.^[29] Central to the symbolism is the title Uppena, denoting "high tide" in Telugu, which evokes uncontrollable emotional surges that disrupt societal norms akin to tidal overflows breaching coastal restraints. This motif illustrates how passionate desires—symbolized by the sea's relentless pull—temporarily override rational social boundaries, paralleling empirical data on inter-caste relationships that often provoke violent backlash to restore equilibrium.^[17] The ocean setting amplifies this, representing both life's cyclical stability under hierarchical order and the peril of unchecked individualism, with tides receding to reveal enduring shorelines of tradition. Empirical studies on endogamy's role in Indian castes highlight similar "restorative" forces, where deviations increase conflict and reinforce barriers to gene flow, mirroring the film's portrayal of passion's fleeting disruption against kin-centric imperatives.^[30] Family honor emerges as a paramount theme, depicted not as mere cultural relic but as a first-principles safeguard for lineage continuity, where parental authority vetoes romantic individualism to avert resource fragmentation and reputational harm. The narrative prioritizes group-level adaptations, such as upholding paruvu (honor tied to caste purity), over atomized desires, echoing causal realities where such structures evolved to enhance kin fitness amid scarcity.^[31] This contrasts egalitarian ideals by grounding honor in verifiable outcomes like sustained endogamous networks that correlate with economic stratification and reduced intra-group variance.^[32]

Music and Sound Design

Soundtrack Composition

Devi Sri Prasad composed the soundtrack, consisting of eight tracks recorded between 2019 and 2020, with the album released on February 18, 2021, by Aditya Music prior to the film's April 2 premiere.^[33]^[34] The songs feature vocalists including Javed Ali, Sarath Santhosh, and Hari Priya, with lyrics primarily by Chandrabose and Sri Mani that employ coastal Andhra Telugu dialect to convey raw emotional longing and romantic tension central to the narrative.^[35] Tracks such as "Dhak Dhak Dhak," released as the second single on March 9, 2020, utilize pulsating, heartbeat-like rhythms to depict the protagonists' initial attraction in a rural setting, fostering authenticity through simple, repetitive melodic structures evocative of everyday coastal life.^[36] Similarly, "Nee Kannu Neeli Samudram" integrates alaap-style improvisations—drawn from traditional Indian vocal forms—with layered modern instrumentation to heighten the sense of oceanic vastness and personal yearning, aligning the music with the film's themes of forbidden desire amid cultural constraints.^[33] This approach preserves regional linguistic and rhythmic nuances, such as dialect-specific phrasing in lyrics like those of "Ranguladdhukunna," avoiding standardization to maintain verisimilitude in portraying fisherman community traditions and emotional realism.^[37] The compositions thus amplify the story's cultural embeddedness without overshadowing the plot's interpersonal dynamics.

Background Score

Devi Sri Prasad composed the background score for Uppena, integrating it seamlessly with the film's post-production phase to underscore narrative tension.^[38] The non-diegetic elements, including rhythmic percussion in conflict-driven sequences, amplify the primal stakes of threats to established social hierarchies without relying on vocal tracks.^[39] Distinct cues, such as those for antagonist entries and pursuits, emphasize the inexorable fallout from defying communal boundaries, heightening realism through atmospheric builds rather than overt emotional cues.^[40] Synching occurred amid extended post-production from late 2020 into early 2021, aligning score layers with edited footage to intensify dramatic peaks while eschewing manipulative orchestration.^[41]

Portrayal of Caste Dynamics

In Uppena, the narrative centers on a romance between Aasi, a member of a fisherman community from the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, and Bebamma, daughter of Raayanam, a zamindar from the landowning Kapu caste.^[17] ^[23] Fisherman communities in Andhra Pradesh, estimated at 6.05 lakh individuals across 1.63 lakh families in 2010, predominantly fall under backward classes and exhibit economic interdependence with dominant agricultural castes through mechanisms like market access for catches and informal credit systems.^[42] ^[43] Kapu households, historically concentrated in land ownership and forming a significant portion of the forward castes in coastal districts, enforce social boundaries that limit such interactions to economic spheres.^[44] The film's depiction highlights these dynamics through everyday village life, where lower-strata fishermen provide labor and resources to Kapu-led households, yet face rigid marital exclusions rooted in caste endogamy.^[15] ^[20] This mirrors empirical patterns in Andhra Pradesh, where fishing castes maintain occupational ties to dominant groups without crossing into alliance formations, as evidenced by persistent intra-caste marriage norms.^[45] Nationally, inter-caste marriages constituted only 5.82% as of 2011, underscoring over 94% adherence to endogamy across communities, including rural Telugu populations.^[46] Rather than idealizing cross-caste harmony, Uppena presents caste as a structural barrier embedded in reciprocal obligations—economic utility without social equality—aligning with historical divisions where Kapu dominance in agrarian economies reinforced separation from artisanal groups like fishermen.^[23] ^[47] Such portrayals avoid egalitarian narratives, reflecting data on sustained caste-based mate selection driven by kinship and community pressures rather than modernization alone.^[48]

Family Honor and Violence

In Uppena, Rajanna's relentless opposition to his daughter Bebbamma's elopement with Aasi embodies paternal authority as a safeguard for lineage continuity, driving him to orchestrate a pursuit involving armed retainers and direct confrontations to reclaim her and avert reputational damage. This narrative frames honor not as abstract sentiment but as a functional enforcer of inheritance norms, where deviation risks diluting familial assets and alliances accumulated over generations in agrarian hierarchies. Rajanna's decisions prioritize collective kin welfare over individual autonomy, reflecting a calculus where unchecked romantic choice could precipitate economic and social fragmentation within the household unit.^[19] The film's violence sequences depict a stepwise escalation—initial warnings yielding to physical coercion and near-lethal clashes—mirroring documented trajectories in real-world honor disputes, where elopement prompts immediate kin mobilization to contain fallout before it spreads to broader networks. These portrayals convey consequences through fractured relationships and moral reckoning, eschewing heroic framing to highlight honor's double-edged role in perpetuating cycles of retribution absent external mediation. Such realism aligns with patterns where familial reprisals serve to reassert boundaries, deterring emulation that might undermine group stability.^[49] Anthropological evidence positions family honor as a pivotal regulator in kinship-based societies predating state monopolies on violence, where reputational mechanisms compelled adherence to exogamy restrictions and resource-sharing protocols, fostering intra-group trust essential for collective defense and subsistence. In these contexts, paternal interventions like Rajanna's ensured adaptive mating strategies that preserved genetic and cultural homogeneity, outperforming uncoordinated individualism in high-threat environments by leveraging kin solidarity for enforcement. Modern state apparatuses, with codified laws and policing, have supplanted these systems, yet their historical efficacy lay in low-cost deterrence via swift, credible threats that maintained cohesion without scalable bureaucracies.^[50] This dynamic parallels empirical data on honor-motivated violence in rural India, where kin-led actions against unsanctioned unions aim to restore equilibrium disrupted by perceived lineage compromise. The National Crime Records Bureau recorded 33 murders explicitly motivated by honor in 2021, concentrated in agrarian regions with strong patrilineal traditions, though experts attribute underreporting to community collusion and misclassification as domestic disputes, inflating true prevalence.^[51]^[52]

Controversies

Critics from progressive outlets, such as The News Minute, have faulted Uppena for its depiction of extreme violence and traumatic narrative twists, arguing that these elements undermine female agency and perpetuate a disturbing reliance on shock value to sustain interest, particularly in sequences portraying patriarchal control over romantic choices.^[23] This perspective frames the film's portrayal of honor-driven aggression as endorsing toxic masculinity rather than critiquing it, with reviewers noting how female characters' decisions appear constrained by male-dominated social structures, reflecting broader concerns about media reinforcing gender hierarchies.^[23] In response, defenders, including filmmakers and reviewers in outlets like The Times of India and The New Indian Express, have praised Uppena for challenging entrenched toxic masculinity in Telugu cinema, an industry often characterized by glorification of machismo, by centering the emotional and social toll of inter-caste romance on male protagonists who confront their impulses.^[53]^[20]^[54] They contend that the film's unsparing depiction of violence as a consequence of caste and family honor serves as a realistic cautionary tale, aligning with causal dynamics where such unions provoke backlash due to entrenched social norms rather than fabricating empowerment fantasies.^[54] Debates have centered on the screenplay's balance between clichés and authenticity, with some 2021 reviews acknowledging predictable elements in the inter-caste love trope and extended runtime—clocking at 147 minutes with noted boring stretches—yet lauding the dialogue's raw, unfiltered realism in capturing patriarchal enforcement and its evolutionary persistence through kin-based resource protection.^[18]^[23] This realism is bolstered by empirical data on inter-caste marriages in India, which remain rare at approximately 5.82% as of 2011, often incurring high social costs including familial opposition and violence, thus rendering the film's tragic resolution a plausible reflection of prevailing realities over idealized outcomes.^[46]^[55] Such portrayals, proponents argue, prioritize causal fidelity to societal barriers over narrative contrivance, even as critics from left-leaning sources decry them for lacking progressive subversion.^[31]

Religious and Cultural Backlash

Certain online communities and pro-Hindu outlets accused Uppena of harboring virulently anti-Hindu content by subverting traditional dharma through its portrayal of an inter-caste romance between a fisherman and the daughter of a village headman from a higher stratum.^[56] Critics in these forums argued that the narrative exaggerated caste politics prevalent in Telugu regions to delegitimize Hindu social structures, framing endogamy and familial honor as mere oppressive relics rather than stabilizing cultural mechanisms rooted in varna principles.^[57] Commentators specifically highlighted scenes invoking customs like mangalsutra symbolism and ritual restrictions—echoing broader debates on traditions such as Sabarimala—as vehicles for cultural subversion, claiming the film's romantic idealization undermined dharma's emphasis on hierarchical duties and community cohesion.^[57] They contended this approach ignored empirical patterns where Hindu endogamy has historically preserved social order amid diverse sub-castes, instead promoting a warped politicization that aligned with leftist critiques of indigenous norms.^[56] Opposing viewpoints maintained that Uppena's tragic denouement, where defiance of caste boundaries culminates in familial violence and loss, ultimately reinforced varnashrama-like consequences, portraying inter-caste unions as disruptive to cultural equilibrium rather than endorsing their normalization.^[56] These defenders praised the film's rooted depiction of coastal Andhra customs and honor dynamics as authentic to Hindu motifs, arguing it highlighted dharma's retributive logic over subversive intent. The Central Board of Film Certification cleared the film for theatrical release on February 12, 2021, without documented demands for alterations to its cultural elements.

Release Strategy

Theatrical Distribution

Uppena was released theatrically on February 12, 2021, across cinemas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, after its planned April 2, 2020, debut was delayed by COVID-19 lockdowns and theater closures.^[1] ^[58] Mythri Movie Makers, the production house, handled distribution in these primary Telugu markets, rejecting pre-release bids including a reported ₹18 crore offer for regional rights to prioritize direct theatrical control amid recovering post-pandemic attendance.^[59] The rollout occurred as Indian states progressively eased restrictions, with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana permitting cinema operations under guidelines that included mandatory face masks, thermal screenings, and sanitization between shows; occupancy limits had risen to full capacity by January 2021 provided protocols were followed, though initial screenings emphasized staggered timings and ventilation to mitigate virus transmission risks.^[60] ^[61] This approach facilitated broad penetration into both urban multiplexes and rural single-screen theaters, key venues for Telugu audiences during the phased industry reopening.^[62]

Promotional Campaigns

The promotional efforts for Uppena centered on leveraging the star power of Vijay Sethupathi alongside debutants Panja Vaisshnav Tej and Krithi Shetty, while teasing the film's raw depiction of coastal Andhra village life, caste barriers, and familial conflicts. The official teaser, released on January 13, 2021, featured sweeping rustic visuals of fishing communities and foreshadowed the intense interpersonal dynamics, generating initial online traction through its authentic portrayal of regional settings.^[63] The theatrical trailer, unveiled by actor N. T. Rama Rao Jr. on February 4, 2021, intensified pre-release anticipation by emphasizing Sethupathi's commanding presence as the vengeful father figure and the unyielding rural honor code driving the narrative's tension.^[64] This launch capitalized on Sethupathi's established draw from Tamil cinema, positioning the film as a high-stakes debut vehicle backed by producer Mythri Movie Makers.^[65] Audio promotions played a key role in sustaining momentum, with singles like "Dhak Dhak," released earlier in production, amassing over 50 million YouTube views by May 2020 and evoking the film's coastal rhythms through Devi Sri Prasad's score.^[66] "Ranguladdhukunna," dropped on November 11, 2020, and launched by Mahesh Babu, further fueled buzz with its melodic nod to traditional rural courtship, aligning with the story's grounded emotional core.^[67] A grand pre-release event on February 6, 2021, in Hyderabad, hosted with Chiranjeevi as chief guest, highlighted director Buchi Babu Sana's intent to depict unvarnished village existence—drawing from his coastal Andhra roots—focusing on authentic caste interactions and honor-driven violence rather than idealized romance.^[68] Speeches at the event underscored the film's commitment to emotional realism over commercial gloss, reinforcing its appeal to audiences familiar with such socio-cultural terrains.^[69]

Home Media and Digital Rights

The digital rights to Uppena across all languages were sold to Netflix in December 2020 for approximately ₹7.4 crore (US$1 million), a record sum for a Telugu film at the time that underscored its anticipated post-theatrical value.^[70] ^[71] This acquisition by the streaming platform highlighted the film's commercial leverage beyond cinemas, with Netflix securing exclusive streaming rights prior to production delays from the COVID-19 pandemic. After its theatrical debut on February 12, 2021, Uppena premiered on Netflix on April 14, 2021, enabling wider accessibility for audiences unable or unwilling to attend theaters amid ongoing pandemic restrictions.^[72] ^[73] The OTT rollout facilitated viewership expansion, though specific streaming metrics remain undisclosed by the platform.^[2] Physical home media releases, such as DVD or Blu-ray, received limited distribution, with catalog listings confirming availability but no reports of substantial sales volumes or dedicated marketing campaigns.^[74] Industry analyses on Telugu cinema piracy during this period note broader revenue erosions from illegal streams, but no quantified impacts specific to Uppena's digital phase have been documented in available reports.^[75]

Reception and Impact

Critical Evaluations

Critics delivered mixed verdicts on Uppena, with ratings averaging around 3 out of 5 stars across publications such as The Times of India (3/5), The New Indian Express (3/5), and 123telugu.com (3.25/5).^[20]^[54]^[76] Reviews highlighted technical strengths like Devi Sri Prasad's music and cinematography evoking coastal romance, but faulted the screenplay for predictability and uneven pacing.^[17]^[76] Performances drew consistent praise, particularly debutant Panja Vaisshnav Tej's portrayal of the earnest fisherman Aasi, noted for emotional depth and promise in a demanding role.^[17]^[76] Vijay Sethupathi's turn as the possessive father Rayanam was lauded as terrific and menacing, anchoring the film's intensity with nuanced menace.^[17]^[20] Krithi Shetty's Bebbamma impressed with innocence and climactic conviction, balancing the leads' chemistry effectively.^[54]^[76] In contrast, screenplay critiques emphasized thematic familiarity and structural flaws, with The Hindu calling it predictable and lacking originality in its caste-conflict template.^[17] The Times of India noted the narrative's beats as overly familiar, though executed to sustain engagement, while editing could have been sharper to address second-half drag.^[20] The New Indian Express observed an anger-driven core revitalizing the age-old romance but reliant on leads' charm, with predictable elopement tropes diluting tension.^[54]^[76] By 2021, consensus affirmed technical competence in visuals and score elevating predictable themes of class divide and honor, yet urged bolder narrative innovation beyond routine emotional arcs.^[17]^[20]

Commercial Performance

_Uppena, released on February 12, 2021, achieved significant box office success primarily in the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where it grossed over ₹70 crore in its first week alone, with the bulk of earnings from these regions.^[77] The film's opening weekend in Telugu states collected approximately ₹40 crore gross, marking one of the strongest debuts for a Telugu romantic drama post-pandemic.^[78] By the end of its run, trade estimates placed the worldwide gross at around ₹85 crore, with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana contributing the majority through distributor shares exceeding ₹47 crore.^[79] Produced on a modest budget of approximately ₹22 crore, Uppena delivered a high return on investment, with profits estimated at over ₹30 crore based on worldwide shares of ₹51.5 crore.^[80] This success was bolstered by sustained collections driven by positive word-of-mouth, as evidenced by its performance beyond the opening week, including ₹47.97 crore in shares from Telugu states within two weeks.^[81] Regional breakdowns highlighted robust turnout in rural-dominated areas like Ceded (₹7.9 crore share) and Uttarandhra (₹8.57 crore share), reflecting alignment with the film's thematic appeal to grassroots audiences.^[82] Trade analysts classified it as a hit, attributing its economic viability to efficient pre-sales and organic audience pull rather than star-driven hype.^[79]

Audience Responses

Audiences responded positively to Uppena's emotional climax and musical score, with many viewers highlighting the second half's intensity and Devi Sri Prasad's compositions as standout elements that evoked strong sentiments.^[83]^[84] On IMDb, the film garnered a 6.5/10 rating from 4,566 users, reflecting broad appreciation for its rustic narrative and performances amid a predictable storyline.^[85] Social media platforms like Twitter saw netizens praising the debut efforts of director Buchi Babu Sana and lead actors, often describing the film as a heartfelt romantic drama that resonated with Telugu viewers through its coastal village setting and themes of love transcending barriers.^[86]^[87] Reactions proved divided on the film's depiction of violence and caste dynamics, with some audiences lauding the climactic confrontation as cathartic and a realistic portrayal of honor-driven retaliation against oppressive hierarchies, emphasizing traditional valor in defending personal dignity.^[88] Others decried the graphic brutality—particularly the antagonist's fate—as insensitive and potentially endorsing vengeance over restraint, arguing it sensationalized caste-based conflicts without nuanced resolution.^[23] Polarization extended to caste realism, where supporters viewed the inter-class romance and societal backlash as grounded in empirical rural Telugu experiences, while detractors found the narrative offensive for reinforcing stereotypes or undermining cultural norms, including claims of anti-Hindu undertones in ritualistic elements.^[56] In early 2021, clips from high-tension sequences trended on platforms, amplifying discussions on valor versus excess in such portrayals.^[86]

Awards and Recognition

National Film Awards

Uppena was conferred the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu at the 69th National Film Awards, recognizing outstanding cinematic works from 2021, with the list of winners officially announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on August 24, 2023.^[89] The award, presented to producers Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers, as well as debut director Buchi Babu Sana, includes the Swarna Kamal (Silver Lotus) medallion and a cash prize of ₹100,000 each to the recipients.^[90] This category evaluates films on criteria such as artistic excellence, technical proficiency, and authentic depiction of regional culture and social dynamics. The selection of Uppena highlights the jury's appreciation for a directorial debut that integrates rural Telugu coastal life, inter-caste romance, and themes of vengeance and redemption through naturalistic performances and location shooting, prioritizing narrative integrity over sensationalism. Sana, in response to the win, publicly thanked his mentor Sukumar for inspirational guidance and credited the production team for enabling a vision rooted in real human experiences rather than contrived plots.^[91]^[92] This accolade signifies a milestone for Telugu cinema, affirming the National Awards' mechanism for spotlighting films that employ grounded, causality-driven storytelling to address entrenched societal issues like class disparities, thereby fostering credibility for non-mainstream approaches amid industry trends favoring high-octane spectacles. The recognition bolsters prospects for independent voices in regional filmmaking, demonstrating that empirical portrayal of cultural realism can achieve national validation without ideological overlay.

Other Honors

Uppena received the Gaddar Award for Third Best Feature Film at the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards for 2021, recognizing its contributions to Telugu cinema as presented by the Government of Telangana.^[93] Panja Vaisshnav Tej earned the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut – Telugu for his lead performance as Aasi, marking his entry into the industry with a role depicting a fisherman from coastal Andhra.^[94] Similarly, at the 10th South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2022, Tej was awarded Best Debutant Actor (Telugu) for the same portrayal.^[95] Krithi Shetty was honored with the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – Telugu for her role as Beena, the village headman's daughter central to the film's romantic conflict.^[94] She also received the SIIMA Award for Best Debutant Actress (Telugu) at the 2022 ceremony for this debut performance.^[95]

Legacy

Remakes and Adaptations

In April 2020, actor Vijay Sethupathi acquired the remake rights for the Tamil version of Uppena, in which he portrayed the antagonist, with intentions to produce and potentially reprise his role.^[96]^[97] Rumors circulated that Tamil superstar Vijay's son, Jason Sanjay, would make his acting debut as the lead, launching under his father's production banner, capitalizing on the original's appeal of forbidden romance amid social hierarchies.^[98]^[99] However, as of 2025, no production updates have materialized, suggesting the project stalled amid shifting industry priorities and the debutant's potential pivot to original scripts.^[100] Producer Boney Kapoor announced plans for a Hindi remake in March 2024, citing director Buchi Babu Sana's storytelling on class and passion conflicts as universally resonant beyond regional contexts.^[101]^[102] The project is slated to feature Kapoor's daughter Khushi Kapoor in the female lead, with direction by an assistant to filmmaker Sukumar, aiming to adapt the core narrative of hierarchical opposition to youthful love while tailoring to Hindi audience sensibilities.^[103]^[104] No filming commencement or casting for male lead has been confirmed by 2025, reflecting typical delays in Bollywood remakes of South Indian successes due to script localization and star availability.^[105] These remake efforts underscore Uppena's thematic portability—inter-class romance defying entrenched social norms—but highlight execution challenges, as unproduced announcements often falter against market saturation with original content.^[98] No official adaptations in other formats, such as television series directly derived from the film, have been verified, distinguishing it from coincidental titles like the unrelated Telugu soap opera Uppena.

Broader Cultural Influence

Uppena's stark portrayal of caste-enforced honor killings and rural power dynamics ignited debates on the empirical realities of traditional honor codes versus their romanticized or critiqued depictions in media. Conservative viewers, including those on platforms critical of perceived cultural erosion, accused the film of anti-Hindu bias for framing caste guardians as irrational antagonists, thereby challenging the rationality of honor-based violence in inter-caste romances.^[56] This backlash underscored a preference for social realism—depicting unvarnished causal chains of rural caste conflicts—over sanitized narratives that might soften such practices to align with progressive sensitivities.^[17] The film's national recognition elevated debutant directors tackling non-urban, caste-centric stories, signaling institutional validation for voices prioritizing regional authenticity amid Telugu cinema's urban-dominated output.^[4] Post-release analyses noted Uppena as a rare rural drama amid sparse such productions, fostering subtle shifts toward exploring economic inequality and social strata without diluting their harsh implications.^[106] Its commercial dominance, grossing over ₹100 crore, empirically validated audience appetite for these themes, influencing discourse on cinema's role in confronting persistent casteism rather than evading it.^[4]

References

[1]
Uppena (2021) - IMDb
Rating 6.5/10 (4,566) The son of a fishing community falls for a village head's daughter, but they face violent opposition from the girl's doggedly old-fashioned father.Full cast & crew · Uppena · Ratings · Release info
[2]
Watch Uppena | Netflix
The son of a fishing community falls for a village head's daughter, but they face violent opposition from the girl's doggedly old-fashioned father.
[3]
Uppena - Sacnilk
Box Office Collection ; ₹ 84.1 Cr, ₹ 70 Cr, ₹ 81.6 Cr ...
[4]
Panja Vaishnav Tej and Krithi Shetty's 'Uppena' wins National ...
Aug 24, 2023 · Panja Vaishnav Tej and Krithi Shetty's 'Uppena' wins National Award for Best Telugu Film in the Regional Category. 'Uppena' is not just a film; ...
[5]
Uppena: Vaishnav Tej, Kriti Shetty on acting alongside Vijay ...
Feb 12, 2021 · The film delves into casteism and the lives of fishermen in coastal Andhra Pradesh. In an interview to Firstpost, the lead pair and the director Buchibabu Sana ...
[6]
Interview with Buchi Babu Sana about Uppena - Idlebrain
Feb 5, 2020 · Uppena is a film from the female protagonist's point of view. I tried to show that a woman's love is as fierce and deep as 'uppena'. Do you have ...
[7]
Shocking revelations about Uppena | cinejosh.com
Jul 11, 2021 · However, Buchi Babu after seeing Kriti Shetty's photos on social media felt that Kriti would suit the role. He met his mentor Sukumar and told ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[8]
Did You Know? Krithi Shetty replaced Manisha Raj as the heroine of ...
Feb 23, 2021 · '2 Countries' actress Manisha Raj was roped in as the female lead opposite Panja Vaishnav Tej. However, due to unknown reasons, she was later replaced by ...
[9]
Krithi Shetty Reveals about Her Audition For Uppena - YouTube
Feb 9, 2021 · Krithi Shetty Reveals about Her Audition For Uppena on Telugu FilmNagar. #Uppena Latest 2021 Telugu Movie ft.
[10]
Why Vijay Sethupathi didn't dub for 'Uppena'? Director Buchi Babu ...
Feb 11, 2021 · Director Buchi Babu Sana revealed that Vijay himself said that his voice won't suit the character of Rayanam and so, they went ahead with a dubbing artist.
[11]
Uppena: Tamil star Vijay Sethupathi joins the sets for his second ...
Aug 20, 2019 · The first look of Uppena was released a couple of months ago, and it featured Panja Vaisshnav Tej overlooking at sea with fishing net in hand.Missing: principal photography
[12]
Did Vijay Sethupathi walk out of Uppena? - IBTimes India
Aug 2, 2019 · Vijay Sethupathi has reportedly walked out of what could be his second Telugu film, Uppena, as the flick's first schedule of the shoot got ...
[13]
Uppena to be shot across the country - Tamil News - IndiaGlitz.com
After having been shot in Uppada, Kakinada for a major part till now, the setting has shifted to specially erected sets at Sarathi Studios, Hyderabad and ...
[14]
Uppena Movie Shooting Location | Kakinada-Uppada Beach Road
Feb 6, 2022 · Uppena Movie Shooting Location | Kakinada-Uppada Beach Road | Kakinada Beach | Uppada Beach | Andhra · Comments.Missing: principal photography
[15]
'Uppena' Movie Review: Musical But Not Magical - Great Andhra
Rating 2.8 · Review by Venkat ArikatlaFeb 12, 2021 · The story is set in 2002. In Uppada, a seaside town in Andhra Pradesh, Aasi aka Aashirvadam (Vaisshnav Teja) is a fisherman. The youngster has ...
[16]
Uppena | Telugu Movie News - Times of India
Mar 15, 2021 · The story of ''Uppena'' revolves around a fisherman (Aasi) and a collegegoer Bebbamma whose love is not accepted by the girl's ZPTC father (Rayanam)
[17]
'Uppena' movie review: Romance on the high seas - The Hindu
Feb 12, 2021 · The story has been told over decades and will still ring true. A poor boy falls in love with a rich girl and her father will not tolerate it.
[18]
Uppena review by jeevi - Vaishnav Tej, Vijay Sethpathi, Krithi Shetty
Feb 12, 2021 · Uppena is a film that tells the consequences of a love story between a rich girl and poor boy who are separated by the caste/religion divide in the society.
[19]
Uppena (2021) - Plot - IMDb
A fishing community's son falls for a village head's daughter, facing opposition. They elope, are kidnapped, and the father is moved by her love, leading to ...
[20]
Uppena Movie Review: A predictable tale that's executed well
Rating 3.0 · Review by Neeshita NyayapatiFeb 12, 2021 · Uppena is a predictable love story about class divide, where a fisherman's love is threatened by the father of the girl he loves. It questions ...
[21]
A routine tale with a crazy twist! - Deccan Chronicle
Feb 12, 2021 · The couple is deeply in love but unable to take their relationship forward because of the clashes between the two villages. Their social ...
[22]
About the movie Uppena. : r/Ni_Bondha - Reddit
Mar 18, 2022 · It's about a casteist or rich father who cannot accept his daughters love because the boy is from a different caste or poor family.
[23]
'Uppena review': A deeply disturbing tale that relies on one violent ...
Feb 14, 2021 · If inspiration from Malayalam and Tamil films resulted in the creation of Colour Photo, Buchi Babu's Uppena seems to have crossed international ...Missing: origin | Show results with:origin
[24]
Despite the clichés, Bucchi Babu Sana's 'Uppena' (Panja Vaisshnav ...
Apr 23, 2021 · VJS apparently okayed the script because he loved the dialogues, specifically his. And then politely refuses to dub, saying his voice ...
[25]
Uppena: Focus on Leaked Climax - Great Andhra
Feb 9, 2021 · Three versions of climax are in circulation: 1. Vijay Sethupathi chops the hands of Vaishnav Tej and thus the film ends. 2. Heroine kills the ...
[26]
India's caste system goes back 2,000 years, genetic study finds
Aug 8, 2013 · Hindus in India have historically been born into one of four major castes, with myriad subdivisions within each caste. Even today, in some parts ...
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Genetic Evidence on the Origins of Indian Caste Populations - PMC
Moreover, the affinity to Europeans is proportionate to caste rank, the upper castes being most similar to Europeans, particularly East Europeans. These ...
[28]
A gender-based theory of the origin of the caste system of India
The theory explains the core features of the caste system: its hereditary and hierarchical nature, and its insistence on endogamy (marriage only within castes).
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Panja Vaisshnav Tej-Vijay Sethupathi Uppena inspired by ...
May 13, 2019 · Panja Vaisshnav Tej-Vijay Sethupathi's Uppena inspired by Nalgonda honour killing? Buchi Babu Sana, a former protege of director Sukumar, is ...
[30]
Impact of restricted marital practices on genetic variation in an ...
Jun 23, 2012 · Social stratification in India is evident as social classes that are defined by endogamous groups known as castes. Within a caste, there exist ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[31]
Uppena movie review: Vaishnav Tej, Kriti Shetty's romantic drama ...
Feb 12, 2021 · In a way, Uppena is the story of two characters, Aasi and Sangeetha, who are chasing a distant dream, where the horizon itself feels real.
[32]
[PDF] A Gender-Based Theory of the Origin of the Caste System of India
May 5, 2014 · Nowadays, there are thousands of sub-castes (called jatis) within each varna, and the caste system essentially operates at the level of the jati ...
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‎Uppena (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Album by Devi Sri ...
Feb 18, 2021 · Listen to Uppena (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Devi Sri Prasad on Apple Music. 2021. 8 Songs. Duration: 27 minutes.Missing: details | Show results with:details
[34]
Uppena Songs Download - Telugu Songs Online @JioSaavn
Uppena is a Telugu album released in 2020. There are a total of 8 songs in Uppena. The songs were composed by Devi Sri Prasad, a talented musician.Eswara · Nee Kannu Neeli Samudram · Ninne Naa Ninne · Dhak Dhak Dhak
[35]
DHAK DHAK DHAK LYRICS – Uppena | Sarath Santhosh x Hari Priya
Dhak Dhak Dhak Lyrics from Uppena is trending Telugu song sung by Sarath Santhosh, Hari Priya featuring Vaishnav Tej, Krithi Shetty. The music of this new ...
[36]
Uppena 'Dhak Dhak Dhak': It's a heart-beat song
Mar 9, 2020 · The song 'Dhak Dhak Dhak' is out and it is a heart-beat song. It's all about the lead pair Panja Vaisshnav Tej and Krithi Shetty feelings as the love just ...
[37]
Ranguladdhukunna Lyrical Video | Uppena | Krithi Shetty | DSP
Nov 11, 2020 · Listen and enjoy #Ranguladdhukunna, the beautiful lyrical video from Uppena! Featuring Panja Vaisshnav Tej and Krithi Shetty, with music by ...Missing: pride regional
[38]
Uppena Soundtrack (2021) - FilmMusic.com
Feb 18, 2021 · Uppena soundtrack from 2021, composed by Various Artists, Devi Sri Prasad. Released by Aditya Music in 2021 containing music from Uppena ...
[39]
Rockstar Devi Sri Prasad is Back - Telugu360
Jun 21, 2025 · DSP's background score is an asset for the film and the songs are situational and are impressive. Devi Sri Prasad is back with back-to-back hits ...
[40]
Uppena BGM Jukebox HD - YouTube
Oct 18, 2021 · ... Uppena BGM JUKEBOX Free Download HD ______ Credits : Original Background Music is composed by Music Director Devi Sri Prasad for Uppena ...Missing: production 2020-2021
[41]
I Became Fidaa To Uppena Story: DSP
Feb 6, 2021 · The music for Uppena scored by Rockstar Devi Sri Prasad created huge euphoria around the film and Nee Kannu Neeli Samudram stands out best.
[42]
Marine Fisheries in Andhra Pradesh State.
As per CMFRI census, 2010, the marine fishermen population in 9 coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh estimated at 6.05 lakh with 1.63 lakh fishermen families and ...
[43]
[PDF] MARINE FISHERMEN IN ANDHRA PRADESH: AN ANALYSIS
Oct 1, 2021 · Andhra Pradesh has 6.05 lakh marine fishermen, with 1.5 lakh sea-going. The state has 974 KM of coastline and 33,227 Sq.km of continental shelf.
[44]
[PDF] 195 - National Commission for Backward Classes
Jul 4, 2002 · According to him, the total population of Kapu caste is 1,70,00,000. Nearly 75% of the Kapu people are agricultural labourers, rickshaw pullers, ...
[45]
Whose education matters? An analysis of inter caste marriages in ...
The rate of inter caste marriages in India is only 5.82% even in 2011, and there has been no secular increase in this rate over the previous four decades.
[46]
[PDF] WHOSE EDUCATION MATTERS? AN ANALYSIS OF INTER CASTE ...
Feb 18, 2020 · Even in 2011, the rate of inter caste marriages in India was as low as 5.82%. In this paper we explore whether education has any relationship ...
[47]
Tag: Uppena - Rigobertha Reviews
May 7, 2023 · The director used this bar to highlight the caste dynamics, as the liquor here is reserved for upper-class men. ... caste is portrayed.
[48]
[PDF] Does Endogamous Marriage Impact Women's Fertility Gaps in India?
May 29, 2024 · Panel data from the India Human Development Survey from 2011-2012 shows that 95% of marriages in India are between individuals belonging to the ...
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Uppena (2021) Telugu movie explained in English - YouTube
May 5, 2021 · Uppena (2021) Telugu movie explained in English In this video, I ... story so watch till the end of this video to find the twist that ...<|separator|>
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The coevolution of kinship systems, cooperation, and culture - CEPR
Sep 21, 2017 · Some societies, they argue, consist of many disjoint tightly structured, cohesive in-groups. These groups form dense social kinship networks.
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Honor Killings in India - RACE IAS
NCRB statistics: 25 cases (2019) and 33 cases (2021). Actual numbers are believed to be far higher, as many cases are underreported or misclassified due to ...
[52]
[PDF] government of india - Ministry of Home Affairs
Mar 11, 2025 · (b) whether the increasing cases of honour killings that have taken place ... (a) & (b): National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles statistical ...Missing: rural | Show results with:rural
[53]
Filmmakers laud Vaisshnav Tej, Krithi Shetty, Vijay Sethupathi's ...
Feb 14, 2021 · Filmmakers laud Vaisshnav Tej, Krithi Shetty, Vijay Sethupathi's Uppena for challenging toxic masculinity | Telugu Movie News - The Times of ...Missing: debates | Show results with:debates
[54]
'Uppena' movie review: An age-old love story revitalised by ...
Feb 13, 2021 · For an industry that is built upon machismo, Uppena is an important and original film. It's a film that makes its women look at the men in their ...Missing: Minute critique
[55]
[PDF] Whose Education Matters? An Analysis Of Inter Caste Marriages In ...
Sep 18, 2017 · Increase in years of education of the husband's mother by 10 years would lead to an increase in the probability of inter caste marriage by 1.86 ...
[56]
New Telugu film 'Uppena' is virulently anti-Hindu, say moviegoers
Feb 16, 2021 · So the basic plot seems centred on a current favourite theme of Bharat's movie makers – a girl belonging to an 'upper caste' falls in love with ...
[57]
New Telugu film 'Uppena' is virulently anti-Hindu, say moviegoers
Feb 17, 2021 · Caste politics is a real thing in the Telugu states (or it used to be) especially Andhra, but these moviemakers go overboard most of the times.Missing: portrayal dynamics movie
[58]
Uppena Box Office Collection Day 3: Vaisshnav Tej's Debut Film To ...
Feb 15, 2021 · The romantic-drama has earned more than Rs 50 crore in just three days, whereas the net collection till date is Rs 28 crore plus.
[59]
Uppena Producers Unmoved By A Whopping Rs 18 Cr Offer!
Feb 2, 2021 · Recently, a young distributor offered Rs 18 Cr for the theatrical rights of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is a tempting offer but the ...
[60]
Cinema halls can operate at 100% capacity, Shri Prakash ... - PIB
Jan 31, 2021 · He added that sanitisation and COVID protocols will have to be adhered to but people can buy food from the stalls inside the theatres. He ...Missing: Uppena theatrical
[61]
Coronavirus | Cinemas allowed to seat more people - The Hindu
Jan 27, 2021 · Fresh guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry on January 27, 2021 permit opening of cinema halls and theatres at a higher capacity than ...Missing: Uppena protocols
[62]
Telugu film 'Uppena' sets cash registers ringing - Mint
Feb 17, 2021 · Telugu film Uppena has built on the box office recovery initiated by south Indian language films post the covid-19 lockdown.Missing: distributors | Show results with:distributors
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Uppena Movie Official Teaser | Panja Vaisshnav Tej | Krithi Shetty
Jan 13, 2021 · Uppena Movie Official Teaser on Mythri Movie Makers. #Uppena is a latest Telugu movie ft. Panja Vaisshnav Tej, Vijay Sethupathi, ...Missing: vision | Show results with:vision
[64]
Jr NTR launches the trailer of Vijay Sethupathi, Vaisshnav Tej, Krithi ...
Feb 4, 2021 · The trailer of debutant director Buchi Babu Sana's Uppena, starring Vaisshnav Tej, Krithi Shetty and Vijay Sethupathi in the lead roles, ...Missing: principal | Show results with:principal
[65]
Vijay Sethupathi, Vaisshnav Tej, Krithi Shetty star in Buchi Babu ...
Feb 4, 2021 · Uppena marks the silver screen debut of Vaisshnav Tej, Krithi Shetty and is slated to release on 13 February. ... Happy to present #UppenaTrailer.<|control11|><|separator|>
[66]
Uppena song crosses 50 million views | Telugu Movie News
May 12, 2020 · The song has vocals by Javed Ali and the lyrics were penned by Shreemani and Raqueeb Alam. It crossed 50 million views on YouTube. Dhak Dhak ...
[67]
Mahesh Babu to release Ranguladdhukunna song from ''Uppena ...
Nov 8, 2020 · The song, Ranguladdhukunna, from Uppena, will be out on November 11 and will be unveiled by Superstar Mahesh Babu. The announcement was made by ...
[68]
Makers raise curiosity about climax of 'Uppena' - Telugu - IndiaGlitz
Feb 8, 2021 · 'Uppena' will hit the screens on February 12. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, its pre-release buzz has been strong.
[69]
'I don't make films to impress; I make them to stir emotions' - The ...
May 15, 2025 · Director Buchi Babu Sana, known for his emotionally resonant village narratives, reflects on his journey from coastal Andhra to filmmaking.Missing: inspiration | Show results with:inspiration
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For What Price Uppena Sold To Netflix? - Gulte
Feb 24, 2021 · Netflix has managed to bag Uppena digital rights for a whopping 1 million USD ie about 7.4 Crore. This is certainly a lucrative deal for Mythri Movie Makers.
[71]
Netflix bags Uppena rights for a record price - Telugu360
Dec 15, 2020 · Going with the update, Netflix acquired the digital rights of all the languages of Uppena for a record price. The film is high on expectations ...
[72]
Uppena OTT release date: Telugu film to release on Netflix on this ...
The list mentions that Uppena will be releasing on Netflix on 14 April. Apart from featuring impressive performances by Vaishnav Tej and Krithy Shetty, Uppena ...
[73]
Official OTT release dates of Jathi Ratnalu and Uppena - Yo Vizag
Last week, it was announced that Uppena will begin streaming on OTT giant Netflix from 14 April, Amazon Prime Video, on Wednesday, revealed the release date of ...
[74]
Uppena (2021) - Blu-ray.com
The plot revolves around the romantic love journey of two youngsters. Their smooth love story gets affected due to the situations and things take a dangerous ...
[75]
Piracy, the unwritten villain of Telugu films Premium - The Hindu
Jul 18, 2025 · Piracy crackdown in Telugu film industry intensifies as cyber crime police arrest technician for recording and leaking films.Missing: Uppena | Show results with:Uppena
[76]
Review : Uppena – Gritty Romance - 123telugu.com
Feb 13, 2021 · The couple gets deep in love but a serious problem between the two villages changes the story upside down. Seeing this, the couple takes a crazy ...
[77]
'Uppena' mints Rs 70 crore in first week: Vaishnav Tej and Vijay ...
Feb 19, 2021 · The romantic-drama featuring Vijay Sethupathi in a prominent role has notched up a worldwide gross of over Rs 70 crore in the opening week.
[78]
Telugu film Uppena strikes gold at the box-office, stuns the trade ...
Feb 15, 2021 · Telugu film Uppena, starring newcomers Vaishnav Tej and Krithi Shetty, has set the box-office on fire with a phenomenal opening of over ₹40 crore gross in its ...Missing: distributors | Show results with:distributors
[79]
Uppena Total World Wide Collections - T2BLive
Mar 19, 2021 · Uppena Completed its box office run with stupendous collections all over, movie extremely exceeded all expectations and collected over 30cr ...
[80]
Uppena Box Office Collection | Day Wise | Worldwide - Sacnilk
Mar 12, 2021 · Uppena Box Office Collection Day Wise ; Day 1 [1st Friday], ₹ 13.97 Cr, - ; Day 2 [1st Saturday], ₹ 9.74 Cr, -30.28% ; Day 3 [1st Sunday], ₹ 11.63 ...
[81]
Worldwide collections of 'Uppena' in two weeks - The Hans India
Feb 28, 2021 · ... film which has earned 47.97 crores share at the box office in both the Telugu States in 2 weeks. Nizam : Rs 14.05 Cr. Ceeded : Rs 7.70 Cr. UA ...
[82]
Uppena - TrackTollywood
AREA, SHARE, GROSS. Nizam, ₹ 15.2 Cr, ₹ --. Ceded, ₹ 7.9 Cr, ₹ --. Uttarandhra, ₹ 8.57 Cr, ₹ --. Guntur, ₹ 3.1 Cr, ₹ --. East Godavari, ₹ 5.15 Cr, ₹ --.
[83]
What do you appreciate the most about the recent Tollywood movie ...
Feb 25, 2021 · If u love rom coms,then Uppena is the best choice.The movie starts as a usual rom-com but makes u emotional throught the second half.Best movie ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[84]
"Uppena," released on February 12, 2021, is a Telugu-language ...
Aug 7, 2025 · The film was made on a budget of approximately ₹22 crores and became a massive commercial success, grossing around ₹83 crores worldwide. It ...
[85]
Uppena (2021) - Ratings - IMDb
The IMDb rating is weighted to help keep it reliable. Learn more. IMDb RATING. 6.5/10. 4.6K. YOUR RATING. Rate. User ratings. Filter by Country.
[86]
Uppena Twitter Review: Vaishnav Tej Starrer Gets A ... - Filmibeat
Feb 12, 2021 · #Uppena A decent 1st half and below average 2nd half with an interesting climax! Film has its moments but the movie is too predictable until the ...
[87]
Team Uppena thanks audience for receiving the film well
Feb 13, 2021 · Talking to the media, director Sukumar, whose associate Buchi was, said, “The response feels like a tsunami and there are such positive vibes ...
[88]
Uppena (2021) directed by Buchi Babu Sana • Reviews, film + cast
Rating 3.0 (2,101) The romantic drama rides on an age old cliched love story set around caste, class and patriarchy. A bold emotional final 20 mins shifts its shade entirely.Missing: length | Show results with:length
[89]
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1951758
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69th National Film Awards: 'RRR', 'Pushpa - The Rise' lead as ...
Aug 24, 2023 · Debut director Buchi Babu Sana's Uppena was declared the Best Feature Film in Telugu language. Telugu writer Purushothama Charyulu won the award ...<|separator|>
[91]
'Uppena' director Buchi Babu thanks mentor Sukumar ahead of ...
Oct 18, 2023 · As Telugu film 'Uppena' receives the Best Film Award at the 69th National Film Award, director Buchi Babu Sana thanked his mentor Sukumar.
[92]
Director Buchi Babu Sana thrilled with Uppena's National Award ...
Oct 17, 2023 · Uppena was adjudged the Best Telugu Film at the 69th National Awards.
[93]
Mythri Movie Makers Sweep Gaddar Awards - Great Andhra
May 31, 2025 · ... Gaddar Telangana Film Awards, winning four major honors for their landmark films. While Srimanthudu (2015), Janatha Garage (2016), and Uppena ...
[94]
Winners List : 67th Parle Filmfare Awards South 2022 with Kamar ...
Oct 10, 2022 · Krithi Shetty (Uppena). Best Debut Male. Filmfare Awards South 2022 Telugu Best Debut Male - Vaishnav Tej For Uppena. Vaishnav Tej (Uppena) ...
[95]
SIIMA 2022 Winners
SIIMA 2022 Winners ; BEST ACTOR IN A NEGATIVE ROLE, Srikanth, Akhanda ; BEST DEBUTANT ACTOR, Vaishnav Tej, Uppena ; BEST DEBUTANT ACTRESS, Krithi Shetty, Uppena.
[96]
Vijay Sethupathi secures Tamil remake rights of his Telugu film ...
Apr 22, 2020 · Reports suggest that actor Vijay Sethupathi has acquired the Tamil remake rights of Telugu film, Uppena, in which he plays the antagonist.Missing: adaptations | Show results with:adaptations
[97]
Did Vijay Sethupathi acquire the Tamil remake rights of Panja ...
Apr 22, 2020 · According to gossip mills, the 42-year-old Kollywood actor has secured the Tamil remake rights of Uppena and is contemplating to bankroll ...Missing: adaptations | Show results with:adaptations
[98]
Will Vijay launch his son Jason Sanjay in the Tamil remake of ...
Feb 19, 2021 · ... film debut with the Tamil remake of Uppena. Telugu film Uppena starring debutant Panja Vaisshnav Tej is doing well in the theatres. The movie ...Missing: adaptations | Show results with:adaptations
[99]
EXCLUSIVE: Vijay's son Jason Sanjay to debut with Uppena ...
Apr 22, 2020 · Vijay's son Jason Sanjay is set to make his acting debut through the Tamil remake of the Telugu love story, Uppena, which is loosely inspired by Nalgonda ...
[100]
Is it true that Tamil actor Vijay's son Jason Sanjay will be making his ...
Apr 24, 2020 · Yes, the news is true. Uppena was supposed to release on April 2 and Vijay Sethupathi plays the villain in that film.
[101]
Uppena Remake In Hindi; Netizens Non-Stop Comedy - Gulte
Mar 23, 2024 · The Bollywood producer heaped praises on director Buchi Babu who is the captain of #RC16 and stated that he wants to remake the filmmaker's Uppena in Hindi.
[102]
Will The Bollywood Remake Of Emotional Love Story Work?
Mar 22, 2024 · Three years back, director Buchi Babu Sana made 'Uppena' with Vaisshnav Tej and Krithi Shetty as the lead actors.
[103]
Uppena Hindi remake - Khushi Kapoor's film will be directed by ...
Mar 22, 2024 · Uppena Hindi remake - The Kushi Kapoor starrer to be directed by Sukumar's assistant | Exclusive.
[104]
Kushi Kapoor to star in Uppena remake in Hindi - Telugu News
Mar 22, 2024 · Recent reports suggest that Kushi Kapoor, Sridevi's younger daughter and Janhvi Kapoor's sister, is set to star in the 'Uppena' remake.
[105]
Uppena Remake In Hindi; Netizens Non-Stop Comedy - India Herald
Mar 29, 2024 · movies : When Global Star Ram Charan s new movie, which was only released a few days ago, her father, Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor, ...Missing: adaptations | Show results with:adaptations
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Uppena (TV series) - Wikipedia
Uppena is an Indian Telugu language soap opera premiered on 4 April 2022 airing on Gemini TV every Monday to Saturday and ended on 22 June 2024.
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Uppena Telugu Movie Review with Rating | cinejosh.com
Rating 2.8 · Review by RamBabu ParvathaneniFeb 12, 2021 · Uppena Review Rating Analysis: Telugu cinema is witnessing very few films based on rural backdrop and after a long time a rustic film Uppena ...Missing: narratives post-