‘Have Always Loved Uppi:’ Shiva Rajkumar Praises Upendra At UI’s Teaser Launch

Kannada star Upendra is known for thinking out-of-the-box and bringing in a sense of uniqueness in his films. Not seeming to have been bothered by the failure of his most recent film Kabzaa, Upendra has just released the teaser of his long-anticipated pan-India film UI. The teaser is perhaps the first one in the world, where you do not get to see anything. Yes, you heard that right. UI’s teaser is just a blank screen with a whispered voiceover by Upendra and other unsettling sounds.

You can hear people sobbing, screaming for food, and shouting out for help in the teaser, as well as horses galloping. You can also hear the sounds of brutal fighting, which helps you visualise the dramatic and grim events taking place beyond the dark screen. The teaser was released on Upendra’s birthday yesterday, on September 18. The event took place at Urvashi Theater in Bangalore. Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar was also present.

Speaking on the special occasion, Shiva Rajkumar said that Upendra has always inspired him in his career. He said that he often tried to sport looks in his films that matched that of Upendra’s. Shiva Rajkumar also said that it was Upendra who saw the power in his eyes for the first time and decided to cast him in the 1995 iconic film Om. He reminisced about receiving praises from Rajinikanth for his performance in Om and said that all credit went to Upendra, who had extracted the best out of him through the film. “It can be said that he is the reason behind all my fame. I have always loved Uppi,” said Shiva Rajkumar.

Shiva Rajkumar also hinted at another big collaboration between them. He said that he knew that fans very much wanted another major collaboration between them and said that they would think of one immediately after Upendra finishes filming UI. He also praised the teaser of UI, calling it unique and innovative, while jokingly adding that it was also a test of his patience.

Upendra and Shiva Rajkumar had appeared together in this year’s Kabzaa but the latter just had a small cameo in the film.