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CINEMA

Upendra: The Director Who Made Kannada Cinema Weird, and Loved for It

He directed Om, one of the most influential Kannada gangster films, then made a series of strange, self-referential films in which he starred. Fans call him Real Star.

QUICK ANSWER

  • Upendra is a Kannada director and actor known as Real Star, famous for unconventional, provocative films.
  • He directed Om (1995), a gangster classic starring Shivarajkumar, and directed and starred in A (1998), Upendra (1999) and Super (2010).
  • He founded the Uttama Prajaakeeya Party in 2018.
Tariq Sallam, founder of The City 24/7 Tariq Sallam October 9, 2026 • 2 min read
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A moody film set with a vintage movie camera, a clapperboard and a chair hanging in mid-air, film reels across a checkered floor and an ornate mirror reflecting another room

Upendra's films are known for their unconventional storytelling.

“You never know what an Upendra film will do next. That is the point.”

• On Upendra's style

Upendra is a Kannada film director and actor whose unconventional films made him one of the most distinctive figures in Indian cinema. He directed Om (1995), a gangster film starring Shivarajkumar filmed partly with real Bengaluru underworld figures, and then directed and starred in A (1998), Upendra (1999) and Super (2010), known for unusual structures and provocative themes. He also founded a political party in 2018.

His films are part of Bengaluru's pop culture and cult cinema. This profile keeps to the well-documented record.

Quick Information

A director who made films nobody else would, and then cast himself in them. Bengaluru's cult cinema is largely his fault.

Born
September 18, 1968
Nickname
Real Star
Directed
Om (1995), A (1998), Upendra (1999), Super (2010), UI (2024)
Om
Gangster classic starring Shivarajkumar
Style
Non-linear stories, provocative themes, self-reference
Politics
Founded Uttama Prajaakeeya Party in 2018
One memorable fact
Om is often said to have featured real former underworld figures from Bengaluru

What Is Om?

A 1995 Kannada gangster film directed by Upendra and starring Shivarajkumar, which became a cult classic and one of the most influential Kannada films of its era.

Why Are Upendra's Films Called Unconventional?

Because they break storytelling rules, with non-linear plots, direct address to the audience and provocative ideas. A (1998) is often cited as the best example.

A LESSER-KNOWN FACT

Om has been re-released in theatres many times since 1995, which is unusual for any Indian film.

Why Does Upendra Belong in People of Bangalore?

THEIR BANGALORE CONNECTION

His films, from Om onwards, are part of Bengaluru's cinema culture and its sense of humour about itself.

HOW I PUT THIS TOGETHER

I haven't interviewed Upendra for this piece. It's pieced together from online research: published interviews, news reports, books and official records, cross-checked against each other. If you know Upendra and spot something I've got wrong, tap the WhatsApp icon at the bottom right and tell me, and I'll fix it.

FAQs

Who is Upendra?

A Kannada director and actor known for unconventional films like Om, A and Upendra.

Who starred in Om?

Shivarajkumar, directed by Upendra.

Why is Upendra called Real Star?

It is the nickname fans gave him.

A Kannada Film Fan?

If you have a favourite Upendra film everyone new to Bengaluru should watch, Click the WhatsApp icon at the bottom right of your screen and tell me. That is also the easiest way to reach The City 24/7 about anything at all, including nominating someone for People of Bangalore.

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Same city, new stories, always.

Tariq Sallam, founder of The City 24/7

Tariq Sallam

FOUNDER, THE CITY 24/7

placeBangalore calendar_monthSince 1991 groupsPeople. Places. Possibilities.

Tariq Sallam is the founder of The City 24/7, a platform dedicated to celebrating everything Bangalore. Having lived in the city since 1991, he has witnessed its remarkable journey from a laid-back Garden City to one of India’s most dynamic and innovative cities.

Passionate about its people, businesses, neighbourhoods, food, culture and hidden gems, Tariq believes every corner of Bangalore has a story worth telling. When he’s not writing or interviewing inspiring Bangaloreans, you’ll find him exploring the city. And through The City 24/7, he invites you to discover Bangalore with him, one story at a time.

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