‘Uppena’ marks the debut of Panja Vaisshnav Tej, Krithi Shetty as well as Sukumar’s associate Butchi Babu Sana as a director. The film is in the news for over a year as it got delayed due to the lockdown. Promising a heart-wrenching love saga, the visuals and songs created high expectations on the movie.

Story/Plot

Set in coastal  Andra Pradesh, the story dates back to 2002. Fisherboy Aasi (Vaisshnav Tej) keeps loving Bebamma(Krithi Shetty) since his childhood. Bebamma’s father Raayanam (Vijay Sethupathi) is busy with his ambitious business plans and a self-centred personality who puts honour and pride above anything. Over the years, the lead pair develops strong bonding and end up falling in love with each other.

However, the social disparity comes in between their love as Raayanam comes to know about it. And he tries his best to fail the love of his daughter. How the duo fight against the odds and whether they end up on a happy note or not is the rest of the story.

Technical Performances

Director Butchi Babu had envious backing to make a promising debut as any director would ever dream off. Sukumar, Devi Sri Prasad, Vijay Sethupathi, Mega family support, huge production house and so on. He delivered his best as a director. But, a little more effort on writing could have helped him emulate his boss’ who had a dreamy debut with ‘Arya’.

Cinematography by Shamdat Sainuddin needs a special mention as the visuals gifted grandeur to the film. Devi Sri Prasad’s soulful music actually breathed life into the movie. Apart from the songs, the background score also lifted the film.

Artistes Performances

As a debutant, Vaisshnav Tej’s performance is refreshing and he never makes you feel that this is his first film as a hero. He definitely pulled off his role with much authenticity. Meanwhile, Krithi Shetty will have the last laugh with her beauty, brilliant performance and sweet expressions.

Vijay Sethupathi’s presence on the screen certainly paid off. In fact, he elevated the film with his subtle yet impactful performance. Actor Sai Chand who played the father of Tej, stole the show whenever he got the opportunity.

Highlights

Visuals
Music
Young Pair

Final Verdict
May not be up to the expectations. But certainly more than a watchable film.