Among this week’s OTT releases, Uppu Kapparambu made its digital debut, drawing attention for its unusual premise and star-studded cast. Featuring Keerthy Suresh and Suhas in lead roles, this comedy-drama explores an eccentric village story set in the 1990s. Here’s a closer look at how the film fares.
Storyline:
Set in the whimsical village of Chitti Jayapuram in 1990, the film follows Aparna (Keerthy Suresh), an innocent and clueless young woman unexpectedly chosen as the village president. Struggling to understand her role, Aparna finds herself entangled in the strange politics and superstitions of the village elders.
Meanwhile, Chinna (Suhas), a kind-hearted village shepherd, is dealing with a personal crisis. With only four burial plots left in the village cemetery, panic spreads among the villagers eager to reserve spots for themselves. Adding to the tension, Chinna’s mother battles cancer, and her dying wish becomes central to the story. The film follows how Aparna navigates her duties and how Chinna supports her during this critical time.
Strengths:
Director I.V. Sasi deserves praise for choosing such a unique and emotionally layered concept. Suhas delivers another stellar performance with his trademark natural charm and emotional depth. His portrayal of a dutiful son and empathetic villager anchors the film’s emotional moments.
Keerthy Suresh presents a refreshing side of her acting. While she has played rural characters before, this role lets her explore innocence and comic timing with a fresh perspective, reminiscent of her early Mahanati days. Her performance feels authentic and endearing for the most part.
Veteran actor Babu Mohan makes a welcome return, adding nostalgic value, while supporting actors like Shatru, Madhubabu, and Talluri Rameshwari leave a decent mark in their brief roles.
Shortcomings:
Despite its promising storyline, Uppu Kapparambu doesn’t fully connect with all audiences. The film’s quirky tone and sensitive themes may feel odd or disconnected to some. The first half suffers from slow pacing and unnecessary scenes, disrupting narrative flow.
Keerthy Suresh’s role, although strong, feels overdone in a few moments and could have benefited from more nuanced writing. Talluri Rameshwari’s character shows potential but lacks emotional depth and completion. Some minor characters seem irrelevant, contributing to occasional dullness.
Technical Aspects:
The production design successfully brings out the rustic charm of the village. Cinematography adds richness to the setting, capturing the humor and tension well. The background score and songs are decent, complementing the tone of the film. However, editing could have been tighter, especially in the first half.
Director I.V. Sasi presents a commendable vision, though the execution wavers. With better narrative consistency and character development, the film could have reached greater emotional impact.
Verdict:
Overall, Uppu Kapparambu is a light-hearted emotional comedy with a fresh concept and strong performances from Suhas and Keerthy Suresh. While it has its flaws and uneven pacing, the film manages to entertain, especially when approached with modest expectations. It’s a decent weekend pick for OTT viewers looking for something offbeat and rooted in Indian village folklore.
