Real Star Upendra: Malayalam cinema has its own fragrance; that is why…

In Kochi as part of the last leg of the 45 teaser promotions, Real Star Upendra, who is also a filmmaker, with hits like Tharle Nan Maga, Om , A, Upendra, Super , Uppi 2 among o thers to his credit, was asked about his take on the greatness of Malayalam cinema, considering that the industry has been consistently churning out good movies year-on-year. Turns out, this was something that Upendra’s co-star in 45, Hattrick Hero Shivarajkumar had also discussed with him on their flight on the way to Kochi.

Upendra a fan of the originality in Malayalam cinema

And their consensus was that Malayalam filmmakers had absolutely perfected the art of portraying the nativity of Kerala onscreen and being real with their stories. The crux of Malayalam cinema, he reckoned, is in the originality of story-telling. “Whatever the tale that is told, it is very local, original, and has its own fragrance. That is why it stands apart from other language films,” said Upendra, adding that he appreciated films like Aavesham and Manjummel Boys in recent times.

Upendra, who was last seen in UI, his return to direction after nearly a decade, is yet to announce another directorial, given that it received mixed response. The film’s yet to make it to OTT, even. 45 will be his first major release since UI came out in December 2024. Incidentally, the actor is also a part of Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which is also releasing for Independence Day 2025 and clashing with 45.

45, meanwhile, is Kannada cinema’s magical composer Arjun Janya’s (whose latest hit includes the soundtrack of Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi), directorial debut. The film, according to Arjun, was inspired by the tragic loss of his brother during the Covid pandemic and is a tale that transpires over a time period of 45 days. Said to have a touch of Sanatana Dharma, this could mean the 45 days after a person’s death, before the soul moves to the afterlife or is reincarnated.