Sukumar says he'd have retired happily if he had directed Upendra's cult classics
The much-awaited teaser launch of the Telugu film 'Seetha Payanam' was graced by acclaimed filmmaker
and Kannada superstar
, who were invited as chief guests in Hyderabad.
The movie introduces
, daughter of actor-director Arjun Sarja, in her debut as the lead actress.
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Sukumar hails Upendra's visionary cinema
As per a Gulte report, Sukumar took the opportunity to praise Upendra, calling him a unique visionary in cinema. He recalled how films like 'Om', 'A', and 'Upendra' had a profound impact on him, describing them as bold and groundbreaking works that left a lasting impression.
The 'Pushpa' director said "I haven't seen any director with the kind of madness and frenzy that Upendra brings to his films.
Om, A, and Upendra, these films blew me away. Honestly, if I had directed them, I would've happily retired. That's how iconic they are."
Upendra's influence on Sukumar's screenwriting
Sukumar also revealed that Upendra's films have deeply influenced his own screenwriting style. He openly admitted that much of the storytelling brilliance seen in his movies today draws inspiration from those cult classics. "Every director has taken inspiration from him.
Whatever screenplay brilliance you notice in my films today is influenced by those three cult classics. I've shamelessly borrowed from him," he said.
On the work front, Sukumar is currently busy with the pre-production of his next big project starring Ram Charan. This film marks a reunion for the director and actor after their blockbuster 'Rangasthalam'.
On the other hand, Upendra was last seen in the sci-fi dystopian thriller 'UI' released in December 2024 and is gearing up for a high-profile role in the much-anticipated Tamil film 'Coolie'. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie stars the legendary Rajinikanth, and Upendra will be playing the character Kaleesha. This marks Upendra's return to Tamil cinema after a long gap since 'Satyam'.
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