Actor-director Upendra (left) with the team of ‘Next Level’ during the launch of the movie.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Kannada star Upendra’s next has been titled Next Level. Aravind Kaushik of Nam Areal Ond Dina and Huliraya fame will direct the movie.
Next Level is a Kannada-Telugu project. The makers launched the project at the Sri Dharmagiri Manjunathaswamy Temple in Bengaluru. Aradhana Ram, daughter of Kannada superstar Malashree, will play the female lead in the movie.
Ardhana debuted with Kaatera (2023), the Darshan starrer that turned out to be a blockbuster. In Next Level, the actor is playing the character of a Chief Minister’s daughter.
Upendra’s nephew, Niranjan Sudheendra, is set to play a prominent role in the movie. Tarun Shivappa, who produced noted films of Victory 2 and Choo Mantar, will bankroll the movie under the banner Tarun Studios.
“Next Level is said to follow the style of Upendra’s hits such as A, Upendra and Raktha Kanneeru, while creating a unique character for the actor that is tailored for today’s generation.
Meanwhile, Upendra last starred in UI (2024), which also marked his return to direction. The movie, produced by Lahari Films, Venus Entertainers, and Zee Studios, was a blend of philosophical metaphors, social commentary, and sci-fi world building.
The Hindu review of the movie said, “The first and the last 15 minutes of UI are the most incredible portions of Kannada cinema in 2024. Apart from the twisted climax, the film is quite easy to comprehend, quashing the talks about the film being a mind-bending drama. Despite indulging a tad too much in his favourite theme, Upendra offers a unique experience with UI, making him one of the most original filmmakers of Kannada cinema.”
The actor also starred in a cameo in Rajinikanth’s Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Upendra played the character of Kaleesha in the magnum opus was rectied,
Published – August 17, 2026 01:49 pm IST
