Telugu movie Uppu Kappurambu, which released on Prime Video today, offers a blend of quirky humor and incisive social commentary.
The film, which was directed by Ani IV Sasi, tackles weighty subjects like patriarchy, communal divisions, and death with dignity while encasing them in a unique, humorous story.
Keerthy Suresh's character Apoorva, who unexpectedly takes over as village chief after her father dies in service, is at the centre of the narrative. Raised to assume the position, she is informed that it is the 'easiest job ever' - until a real-world emergency shows up at her door.
Storyline
She is told that there is no more room for burials by Chinna, the caretaker of the village cemetery (played by Suhas). A small disagreement soon turns into a major one, revealing ingrained gender biases and social tensions.
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The main antagonists, Madhubabu (Shatru) and Bheemayya (Babu Mohan), stand in for the establishment and are committed to undermining Apoorva just because she is a woman in a position of authority.
Uppu Kappurambu skillfully exposes the ridiculousness of social conventions and the pettiness of prejudice as Apoorva attempts to negotiate these political minefields and resolve the graveyard dilemma.
Keerthy Suresh's performance
Even though Keerthy Suresh's exaggerated performance causes the film to falter in its opening moments, it soon finds its rhythm as Apoorva gets used to her new role.
Eventually, Keerthy gives her character a grounded warmth that makes her development seem both real and strong. Suhas is particularly noteworthy as Chinna. His realistic portrayal and nuanced comedic timing serve as the film's emotional and narrative fulcrum.
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His relationship with Keerthy gives the film's bizarre dynamic legitimacy, and the main source of the story's appeal is their collaborative efforts to solve problems.
The theme of Uppu Kappurambu
Uppu Kappurambu's universal theme—the difficulties of surviving in a culture where even necessities like a place to bury oneself are politicized—is what makes it so compelling.
Despite being set in a ridiculous village with cartoonish characters, the themes it tackles—communal division, misogyny, and resistance to change—are current and genuine. Uppu Kappurambu eventually conveys a heartfelt and humorous message, despite its sporadic exaggerated moments and erratic pacing.
This movie manages to provide both social insight and entertainment value. Conclusion: Uppu Kappurambu is a funny, witty satire that is deeper than it first appears. It's worth the ride, so persevere past the sluggish start.
Rating: 3 Stars
Director: Ani I.V Sasi
Cast: Keerthy Suresh, Suhas, Babu Mohan, Shatru, Talluri Rameshwari
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