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Upendra’s UI review: a dystopian journey of metaphors and self-introspection

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Upendra's UI film features stunning VFX and metaphors addressing societal issues.

Upendra’s latest directorial venture, UI, released in theatres on December 20, 2024, after a two-year production process. The film marks his return to direction after a nine-year hiatus, his last directorial being the 2015 Kannada hit Uppi 2. Known for his unique narrative style, Upendra’s films have always been a blend of the unconventional and the thought-provoking. Does UI live up to the expectations set by his previous work? Let’s dive into the details.

The story of UI unfolds in an imaginary, dystopian world, bringing together individuals of various castes, creeds, and nationalities. In this one cohesive setting, Upendra addresses universal societal problems, reflecting on the condition of humanity. The film’s narrative is intricate and layered, making it challenging to explain without diving into spoilers. The deeper questions regarding the movie’s message are left to the viewers to interpret—what exactly is Upendra trying to convey with this thought-provoking journey?

As anticipated from Upendra’s directorial work, UI offers a narrative that leaves the audience pondering long after the credits roll. Using metaphors as a tool, the film explores socio-political issues while encouraging self-introspection. While the storytelling and performances may feel a bit old-school, the socio-political commentary and satirical tone add intrigue, keeping the audience engaged throughout. Overall, UI stands as a testament to Upendra’s distinctive style, fitting into his “director’s genre.”

Here is the first look teaser of UI:

The technical aspects of the film play a significant role in elevating its storytelling. The set designs are visually stunning, capturing the diversity of the imagined world. The VFX is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. Although some songs may not fully resonate, their lyrics complement the storytelling effectively. One song, in particular—“Cheap Song”—teased in the pre-release promotions—stands out as a memorable addition. The background score, composed by B Ajaneesh Loknath, adds depth and emotion to the film.

Upendra’s performance is the film’s focal point, with him leading the charge and carrying much of the narrative on his shoulders. Reeshma Nanaiah, though having limited screen time, delivers a solid performance. Supporting actors like Ravishankar, Sadhu Kokila, and Achyuth Kumar also fit seamlessly into their roles, though the film places more emphasis on the characters’ symbolic meaning rather than the individual performances.

The metaphorical elements in UI are the strongest aspect of the film. While it is less convoluted than some of Upendra’s previous works such as A and Uppi 2, this simplicity works in its favor. The film communicates its complex messages effectively without overburdening the audience. Upendra has also taken to X, engaging with fans about the movie, eagerly awaiting their interpretations and analysis of the film’s deeper meanings.

With its visual grandeur, UI is undoubtedly a cinematic experience that should be seen on the big screen. However, the film’s rich, message-driven narrative may prompt viewers to return multiple times to truly understand its layers. Produced by G Manohar and KP Shreekanth under the banner of Lahari Films, the film benefits from exceptional VFX work by Naveen Manohar. The music by B Ajaneesh Loknath further elevates the film’s immersive experience.

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Coldplay concert in Mumbai: Bollywood singer Jasleen Royal performs We Pray with Chris Martin, video surfaces

“Thank you Mumbai, I love you.” She dazzled the audience in a shimmering black outfit, complemented by smoky makeup and wavy hair.

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On Saturday night, Bollywood singer Jasleen Royal surprised fans by opening a Coldplay concert at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, enhancing the British rock band’s performance with her unique flair. She commenced the show with a heartfelt rendition of her song “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan.”

The highlight of the evening occurred when she joined Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin, for a duet of “We Pray,” a track from their latest album, “Moon Music.” The night was filled with surprises, as Chris Martin infused an Indian essence into the concert. He entertained fans by reading placards from the audience, expressing gratitude with “Shukriya” and exclaiming “Jai Shri Ram,” which elicited enthusiastic applause. Martin even engaged the crowd by inquiring about the meaning of the phrase.

Jasleen took to Instagram to share moments from the evening, posting clips from her performance and rehearsals. Accompanying a snippet with Chris Martin, she expressed her gratitude with the caption, “Thank you Mumbai, I love you.” She dazzled the audience in a shimmering black outfit, complemented by smoky makeup and wavy hair.

The concert, organized by BookMyShow Live, was a sensory delight featuring Coldplay classics like “Fix You” and “A Sky Full of Stars.” In a playful moment, Martin gave a shoutout to Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah, joking, “Hold on, we have to finish the show because Jasprit Bumrah wants to come and play backstage. He says he needs to bowl at me now.” Despite Bumrah’s absence, the mention delighted the audience.

Before the concert, Martin and his partner, actor Dakota Johnson, added a spiritual dimension to their visit by wearing traditional Indian attire during a trip to the Shri Babulnath Temple.

Coldplay’s India tour is set to continue with performances in Mumbai on January 19 and 21, followed by two shows in Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26. Additionally, local authorities issued a notice to Chris Martin regarding safety measures, stating that children should not be allowed on stage or into the venue without proper hearing protection, and that sound levels must not exceed 120 decibels.

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Mumbai Police arrest Saif Ali Khan attacker, claim accused is Bangladeshi

He pointed out credible evidence for these suspicions, such as the lack of valid Indian documentation and items seized that suggest his nationality.

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On Sunday, the Mumbai Police stated that the individual arrested for the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is suspected to be a Bangladeshi national, a conclusion drawn from evidence found among his possessions. In a media briefing, police confirmed that the attacker had taken on the name Vijay Das upon entering India.

DCP Zone 9, Dixit Gedam, identified the suspect as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a 30-year-old man who allegedly entered Saif Ali Khan’s residence with the intent to rob. Gedam indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the accused is of Bangladeshi descent, having entered India illegally and subsequently changed his name.

Reports indicate that he arrived in Mumbai approximately 5 to 6 months ago, initially residing in the city before moving to its outskirts. The suspect was employed by a housekeeping agency, according to police sources.

“On January 16, at around 2 am, an attack occurred at Saif Ali Khan’s residence. An FIR was filed, and the suspect was arrested soon after. His identity as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, aged 30, has been confirmed. He broke into the home with robbery in mind. He will be presented in court, where a request for custody will be made, and further investigations will follow,” Gedam stated while raising concerns regarding the suspect’s Bangladeshi background.

He pointed out credible evidence for these suspicions, such as the lack of valid Indian documentation and items seized that suggest his nationality.

Previous reports indicated that the suspect had been using multiple aliases, including Vijay Das and Bijoy Das. The main suspect was intercepted in the early hours of Sunday in Thane West, Maharashtra.

Actor Saif Ali Khan was reportedly assaulted multiple times in his upscale apartment located in Mumbai’s Bandra area during a burglary attempt in the early hours of Thursday.

The actor resides on the 12th floor of the ‘Satguru Sharan’ building. At the time of the incident, Saif Ali Khan was at home with his wife, fellow actor Kareena Kapoor, and their two children, four-year-old Jeh and eight-year-old Taimur.

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Finalists set for showdown in Bigg Boss 18 finale hosted by Salman Khan: See date and streaming details inside

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Salman Khan hosting the Bigg Boss 18 finale with contestants in the background

The climax of Bigg Boss 18 is set for an explosive finish with the finale airing live on January 19. Fans of the show are eager to see which among the top 5 contestants will clinch the title in what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the season. Hosted by Bollywood icon Salman Khan, the finale will be available for streaming on Colors TV and Jio Cinema starting at 9:30 PM, expected to last for an exhilarating three hours.

This season’s top finalists are Rajat Dalal, Vivian Dsena, Karanveer Mehra, Chum Darang, and Avinash Mishra. With a unique blend of talents and personalities, these finalists have captivated the audience, each bringing something special to the competition.

The build-up to the finale has seen a flurry of activity, with fans ardently supporting their favorite contestants. Voting trends currently show Rajat Dalal leading with a significant margin, holding 41% of the votes, closely followed by Vivian Dsena with 29%. The voting lines remain open on the JioCinema platform until noon on the day of the finale, allowing fans to make their final push for their preferred contestant.

The anticipation for this finale is heightened by the exclusive insights from Google Gemini AI, which predicts Rajat Dalal as the likely winner, given his strong viewer engagement and popularity throughout the season.

As the final moments draw near, the excitement and tension are palpable, promising to make this finale a memorable event in the history of Bigg Boss. Don’t miss the chance to witness the end of an era live, as the contestants face off one last time to win the prestigious title and close out yet another thrilling chapter of this beloved reality series.

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