Priyanka Upendra in Kannada-Hindi bilingual about dilemmas faced by Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers

Young Kannada filmmaker Karen Kshiti Suvarna, who made her debut with the independent short film Hide & Seek that delved into schizophrenia and its consequences, has chosen a similarly serious subject for her feature film debut. Called September 21, the Kannada-Hindi bilingual stars Priyanka Upendra in the lead, and is now ready for release. The team is eyeing an early 2026 theatrical outing, but before that it will be screened at the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa, which takes place between November 20 and 24.

On the eve of Priyanka’s birthday, the team revealed the actress’ first look from the film. According to the makers, for the first time in her career, Priyanka portrays a middle-class woman — a character that she describes as both emotionally complex and deeply human. Priyanka has been quoted as saying that the role in September 21 is one of the challenging ones of her career. She was also all praise for the finesse with which Karen Kshiti handled its sensitive subject.

September 21 is not only about patients of Alzheimer's disease but also the caregivers

September 21 revolves around Alzheimer’s disease and explores the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by both patients and their caregivers. The film underscores the poignant idea that the decisions made by those caring for the patient are often more crucial than the illness itself. The film is based on a story by Rajshekar, while music is by Vinay Chandra and cinematography by Anil Kumar.

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Priyanka is joined by the likes of Pravin Singh Sisodia, Zarina Wahab, Amit Behl, Ajit Shidhaye and Sachin Patekar in pivotal roles. With its heartfelt subject, fresh direction, and a talented cross-industry cast, September 21 promises to be a moving cinematic experience.

Meanwhile, Priyanka was last seen in the Kannada horror film Kamaro 2, in whi ch she played a paranormal investigator. The film, which released in theatres in late August has now made its way to OTT and dropped on Sun NXT (available via OTTplay Premium also) on November 7, 2025. While acting still keeps her busy, Priyanka has been vocal about her desire to step behind the camera and that she has begun the writing process for the same.

FAQs

Q. What is Priyanka Upendra's film September 21 about?

A. September 21, the directorial debut of Karen Kshiti Suvarna, is about the dilemmas faced by patients of Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. The film will be screened at IFFI, following which it will hit theatres in 2026. 

Q. What was Priyanka Upendra's last theatrical release?

A. Priyanka Upendra was last seen onscreen in Kamaro 2, the se quel to Kamarottu Check Post, a horror film in which she played a paranormal investigator. The film is now available to stream on Sun NXT (via OTTplay Premium also)