Upendra

Writing

Upendra

Born

1968-09-18 (58)

Place of birth

Kundapura, Karnataka

Known for

Writing

Credits

86 titles

Upendra Rao known mononymously as Upendra, is an Indian film actor, director, producer, screenwriter, lyricist and playback singer who works primarily in Kannada cinema. He started his film career as a writer and an assistant director with actor and film director Kashinath. His first directorial venture was Tharle Nan Maga (1992). He is currently one of the highest paid directors and actors in the Kannada cinema industry.

Known for

Weekend With Ramesh poster
5.0

Prominent celebrities in various fields, primarily from Karnataka, are invited to tell the story of their lives. Over steaming cups of coffee, Ramesh Aravind takes the audience on an inside journey with the celebrities through all walks of their lives.

Weekend With Ramesh

2014

Coolie poster
6.2

Deva, once living a quiet life, is shaken when his close friend dies under suspicious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth, he infiltrates a powerful gang operating in the shadows. As he investigates, Deva becomes entangled in a dangerous web of crime, betrayal, and secrets from his own past, forcing him to confront powerful enemies while protecting the ones he loves.

Coolie

2025

The Rana Daggubati Show poster
7.3

Featuring genuine conversations, fun moments and a healthy dose of quirk- this is The Rana Daggubati Show. It’s not just another show, it’s an experience—one that dares to break norms and redefine entertainment by featuring fun and exciting conversations with stars from telugu industry and beyond.

The Rana Daggubati Show

2024

Gowramma poster
7.0

Venky, a boy from a small town, comes to the city in pursuit of computer education. His father wants him to do some productive job and sends him to the city to get a job at a friends place.

Gowramma

2005

45 poster
6.0

A captivating new project by Suraj Production and the Magical Composer’s Debut film, #45Themovie is set to redefine the cinema-watching experience with its unique narrative and compelling performances.

45

2025

Andhra King Taluka poster
5.7

A heartfelt tribute to fan culture, the story follows Sagar, an ardent fan whose life, relationships, and identity revolve around his admiration for his cinematic idol, 'Andhra King' Surya Kumar.

Andhra King Taluka

2025

Film credits

2020s · 9 titles

Coolie poster
6.2

Deva, once living a quiet life, is shaken when his close friend dies under suspicious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth, he infiltrates a powerful gang operating in the shadows. As he investigates, Deva becomes entangled in a dangerous web of crime, betrayal, and secrets from his own past, forcing him to confront powerful enemies while protecting the ones he loves.

Coolie

2025

45 poster
6.0

A captivating new project by Suraj Production and the Magical Composer’s Debut film, #45Themovie is set to redefine the cinema-watching experience with its unique narrative and compelling performances.

45

2025

Andhra King Taluka poster
5.7

A heartfelt tribute to fan culture, the story follows Sagar, an ardent fan whose life, relationships, and identity revolve around his admiration for his cinematic idol, 'Andhra King' Surya Kumar.

Andhra King Taluka

2025

Kabzaa poster
4.4

During the British rule in India, Arakeshwara, an air force soldier and son of a freedom fighter Amareshwara,due to unavoidable circumstances, kills Khaleed, the don of Amarapura and thus gets trapped in the mafia world and later becomes the king of the underworld. However, trouble ensues for Arakeshwara as he has to deal with his rivals and Bhargav Bhakshi, a cop sent by the British to eradicate him and the underworld.

Kabzaa

2023

UI poster
5.7

Set in a fictional world, the story is about the psychological conflict between a king in a town and an extraordinary man, and how that man, through his cunning and master minded plans takes over everything, takes control of the entire town, becomes a dictator.

UI

2024

Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale poster
4.6

Celebrated actor Nayanthara looks back on her journey towards love and superstardom amidst personal struggles and triumphs in this intimate documentary.

Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale

2024

Ghani poster
5.6

The life of a boxer whose passion is sports who has been training since a young age to reach his dreams suddenly things take a tough turn which totally changes his life.

Ghani

2022

Home Minister poster
NR

Home Minister is a Kannada movie, directed by Sujay K Srihari. The film is a family drama with a political backdrop, which stars Upendra and Vedhika in lead roles. Supporting roles include Sadhu Kokila and Avinash. It is produced by Poorna Naidu.

Home Minister

2022

Raktha Kashmira poster
NR

In Bengaluru, a stunt artist runs a Stunt Training School for orphaned children, treating them as his own family. His life is brightened by Ramya, the heroine, whose love adds depth to the story. Meanwhile, terrorists plan a bomb blast. Children from the school stumble upon the plot and are kidnapped to Kashmir, prompting the hero and heroine to race to save them.

Raktha Kashmira

2025

2010s · 18 titles

Nanne Preethse: I Love You poster
3.7

When Santu meets Dharmika after few years of romantic college life, will he win the lost love, or is there something surprise round the corner.

Nanne Preethse: I Love You

2019

Maryade Ramanna poster
NR

Kannada language remake of the 2010 Telugu film Maryada Ramanna.

Maryade Ramanna

2011

Shivam poster
6.0

No synopsis available yet.

Shivam

2015

Rajani poster
NR

A 2011 Kannada action film.

Rajani

2011

Godfather poster
6.6

A 2012 Kannada film

Godfather

2012

Son of Satyamurthy poster
6.8

The son of a rich businessman struggles to save his father's wealth after his demise. However, he faces many challenges when he becomes the sole breadwinner of his family.

Son of Satyamurthy

2015

Ragini IPS poster
7.5

A female IPS officer is fighting against corruption and corrupt people.

Ragini IPS

2014

No artwork available
7.0

A 2013 Kannada movie.

Topiwaala

2013

Brahma poster
NR

Brahma, a notorious gangster, escapes to Malaysia. He meets a girl who falls in love with him instantly. Everything changes when Brahma returns to India followed by the girl.

Brahma

2014

Katari Veera Surasundarangi poster
2.0

A man gets killed and finds himself in front of Yama, the god of death. In heaven, when he falls for Lord Indra's daughter, he is promptly sent back to Earth. Now, he sets out to avenge himself.

Katari Veera Surasundarangi

2012

Mukunda Murari poster
10.0

A shopkeeper takes God to court when his shop is destroyed by an earthquake

Mukunda Murari

2016

Upendra Matte Baa poster
NR

Upendra Matte Baa (Come again Upendra) is a 2017 Indian Kannada-language supernatural drama film directed by N. Arun Lokanath (Loki). The film stars Upendra in dual roles along with Prema and Sruthi Hariharan. The film's cinematography was handled by Swamy J. Gowda. The soundtrack and film score were composed by V. Sridhar. After the death of a flirtatious zamindar named Upendra Raju, Yama sends his soul back to earth to fix the quarrels of his family.

Upendra Matte Baa

2017

Arakshaka poster
3.0

Arun Kumar, an IPS officer, goes to investigate the disappearance of a patient, Stephen Raj, in a mental asylum only to stumble upon a web of secrecy surrounding the institution.

Arakshaka

2012

Kalpana 2 poster
8.0

Raghava has Nyctophobia. Raghava, who loves Nandhini, is a cinematographer for a TV channel and wants to shoot a fake haunted house, in order to increase TRP ratings. To their misfortune, they are haunted, not by one but by five ghosts.

Kalpana 2

2016

Super poster
6.4

Super (Kannada: ಸೂಪರ್) (originally known only by Vitarka Mudrā hand symbol) is a 2010 Indian multilingual film written and directed by Upendra. This utopian film garnered extraordinary reception from critics and the general public for its revolutionary concept of a contrasting futuristic India set in the year 2030, and the contemporary image of India. With the title of the film depicted only by a symbol, it features Upendra and Nayantara in lead roles and is produced by Rockline Venkatesh, while V. Harikrishna has scored the music. Raking in more than Rs 100 million through satellite television and audio rights even before release, it was declared a superhit in Kannada where it grossed a record Rs 25 million in first three days of the opening weekend. The film grossed over 50 crore (US$9.05 million) and has been declared one of the biggest blockbusters of Kannada cinema.

Super

2010

Shrimathi poster
NR

A 2011 Kannada romantic drama.

Shrimathi

2011

Uppi 2 poster
7.0

Neenu leads a selfless life helping others in need without expecting anything in return. In the meantime, the police and an underworld don are on the lookout for him over a multi-crore property.

Uppi 2

2015

Kalpana poster
3.3

Raghava is a fun-loving youngster who enjoys playing cricket with his friends. But at night he is afraid of ghosts and is always confined to his home under the care of his mother (Umashri). His brother (Achyuth Rao), sister-in-law (Shruthi) and their children live together in the same house. When Raghava and his friends go in search of another ground to play cricket, they find an abandoned field, which, it turns out, is haunted. At home, his mother and sister-in-law witness some strange happenings. With the help of a temple priest, they confirm the presence of a ghostly spirit haunting their home. Raghava begins to act funny and shows effeminate behaviour which is when the presence of the ghost is identified. The film goes on to unravel the mystery of the ghostly Kalpana and her relationship with Raghava.

Kalpana

2012

2000s · 24 titles

Gowramma poster
7.0

Venky, a boy from a small town, comes to the city in pursuit of computer education. His father wants him to do some productive job and sends him to the city to get a job at a friends place.

Gowramma

2005

Preethse poster
NR

Preethse is a 2000 psychological thriller Kannada film starring Upendra, Shivrajkumar and Sonali Bendre.

Preethse

2000

Auto Shankar poster
3.2

Auto Shankar is a 2005 Kannada film.

Auto Shankar

2005

Anatharu poster
NR

Abandoned at birth, Rudra lives and works in a graveyard and is socially challenged. When he lands in prison, he meets Sathya, who truly cares for him, but Sathya's death unleashes the demon in Rudra.

Anatharu

2007

Naanu Naane poster
NR

A 2002 Kannada film.

Naanu Naane

2002

Super Star poster
NR

Devyani falls in love with Ricky despite being warned by an astrologer that marriage will bring her misfortune. Her life turns miserable when a mentally ill person, who resembles Ricky, stalks her.

Super Star

2002

Masti poster
NR

A social worker turns don: plausible emotions, briskly paced narrative and slick photography. Upendra plays Sidaapaaji, or Masti, a character inspired by a real-life ’60s Bangalore mafia don. In spite of his turn towards violent crime, Masthi has a softer side, and loves a girl (Jennifer) whom he rescues from a forced marriage. Will she be able to steer him away from the world of vice?

Masti

2007

Gokarna poster
NR

A 2003 Kannada film.

Gokarna

2003

Kutumba poster
NR

A 2003 Kannada film.

Kutumba

2003

Hollywood poster
7.9

Hollywood is India's First Robot sci-fi feature film. The plot follows a scientist who creates a humanoid robot named "US 47" to help win over a girl, but the robot eventually falls in love with her and turns against its creator.

Hollywood

2002

Aishwarya poster
5.0

Abhishek's been betrayed in love, and doesn't like girls. Aishwarya walks into his life and love starts to blossom, which is forever.

Aishwarya

2006

Parodi poster
NR

A remake of the 1994 Hindi film Krantiveer, it follows a rebellious youth (Vijay) who combats social injustice and corruption in his community after being disowned by his family.

Parodi

2007

H2O poster
7.0

A 2002 Kannada film.

H2O

2002

Omkara poster
NR

A 2004 Kannada movie.

Omkara

2004

Oke Maata poster
NR

A 2000 Telugu film.

Oke Maata

2000

Lava Kusha poster
NR

Lava Kusha is a 2007 Kannada film directed by Om Saiprakash. The film stars Upendra, Shivaraj Kumar, Charmi Kaur and Jennifer Kotwal in lead roles. Music was composed by Gurukiran.

Lava Kusha

2007

Neethone Vuntanu poster
NR

Ravi, a software engineer, and Aparna, a girl nicknamed Subba Laxmi, engage in online chatting and fall in love. However, when they first plan to meet, he mistakes Aparna's sister, Vidya, for her.

Neethone Vuntanu

2002

Satyam poster
6.2

A cop, doesn't believe in finishing criminals in fake encounters but in a judicial way. A powerful politician hires an assassin to get rid of his competitors.

Satyam

2008

Thandege Thakka Maga poster
7.5

A 2006 Kannada film

Thandege Thakka Maga

2006

Buddhivantha poster
7.0

A 2008 Kannada film.

Buddhivantha

2008

Nagarahavu poster
NR

Ajay Sharma is set out to kill Madan Chopra and destroy his family, who is responsible for Ajay's father, Vishwanth's death. Will Ajay succeed?

Nagarahavu

2002

No artwork available
NR

A 2009 Kannada film.

Dubai Babu

2009

Toss poster
NR

Film starring Raja, Upendra and Kamna Jethmalani

Toss

2007

Mast Maja Maadi poster
NR

A 2008 Kannada film.

Mast Maja Maadi

2008

1990s · 4 titles

Series credits

Behind the camera

UI poster
5.7

Set in a fictional world, the story is about the psychological conflict between a king in a town and an extraordinary man, and how that man, through his cunning and master minded plans takes over everything, takes control of the entire town, becomes a dictator.

UI

2024

UI poster
5.7

Set in a fictional world, the story is about the psychological conflict between a king in a town and an extraordinary man, and how that man, through his cunning and master minded plans takes over everything, takes control of the entire town, becomes a dictator.

UI

2024

UI poster
5.7

Set in a fictional world, the story is about the psychological conflict between a king in a town and an extraordinary man, and how that man, through his cunning and master minded plans takes over everything, takes control of the entire town, becomes a dictator.

UI

2024

Upendra poster
6.5

Naanu, who always speaks the truth, is married to Swathi. However, he is soon pursued by Rathi and is forced to accept her love but finds it difficult to let go of his obsession with Keerthi.

Upendra

1999

Upendra poster
6.5

Naanu, who always speaks the truth, is married to Swathi. However, he is soon pursued by Rathi and is forced to accept her love but finds it difficult to let go of his obsession with Keerthi.

Upendra

1999

Omkaram poster
7.6

Satya, the son of a pious priest turns into a rowdy and enters into the underworld for the sake of love.

Omkaram

1997

Omkaram poster
7.6

Satya, the son of a pious priest turns into a rowdy and enters into the underworld for the sake of love.

Omkaram

1997

Tarle Nan Maga poster
NR

The story revolves around a miserly couple Parandamaiah Urbagal and Subbalakshmi, who want their son Santhosh Urbagal to marry a rich girl, for want of dowry.

Tarle Nan Maga

1992

Hollywood poster
7.9

Hollywood is India's First Robot sci-fi feature film. The plot follows a scientist who creates a humanoid robot named "US 47" to help win over a girl, but the robot eventually falls in love with her and turns against its creator.

Hollywood

2002

Om poster
5.7

Satya, the son of a priest, leads a straightforward life until he meets the girl of his dreams. His love for her drags him into the world of crime, making him lose everyone he is close to.

Om

1995

Om poster
5.7

Satya, the son of a priest, leads a straightforward life until he meets the girl of his dreams. His love for her drags him into the world of crime, making him lose everyone he is close to.

Om

1995

Swasthik poster
7.0

The story revolves around an Indian police informant who is raised by a family of Pakistani descent. As the movie unravels, it is revealed that the informant's parents are terrorists.

Swasthik

1998

Swasthik poster
7.0

The story revolves around an Indian police informant who is raised by a family of Pakistani descent. As the movie unravels, it is revealed that the informant's parents are terrorists.

Swasthik

1998

Shhh! poster
6.9

When a movie crew arrives to shoot their film at an estate, they are haunted by the supernatural elements of the lonely house on the estate. Things get worse when the people of the estate and crew start disappearing.

Shhh!

1993

Shhh! poster
6.9

When a movie crew arrives to shoot their film at an estate, they are haunted by the supernatural elements of the lonely house on the estate. Things get worse when the people of the estate and crew start disappearing.

Shhh!

1993

Operation Antha poster
NR

A 1995 Kannada film

Operation Antha

1995

Operation Antha poster
NR

A 1995 Kannada film

Operation Antha

1995

Katari Veera Surasundarangi poster
2.0

A man gets killed and finds himself in front of Yama, the god of death. In heaven, when he falls for Lord Indra's daughter, he is promptly sent back to Earth. Now, he sets out to avenge himself.

Katari Veera Surasundarangi

2012

A poster
5.8

A film director fades away from the industry after the failed love with the heroine of his movie. After being rehabilitated, he learns that some people conspired his fall and decides to take revenge.

A

1998

A poster
5.8

A film director fades away from the industry after the failed love with the heroine of his movie. After being rehabilitated, he learns that some people conspired his fall and decides to take revenge.

A

1998

Super poster
6.4

Super (Kannada: ಸೂಪರ್) (originally known only by Vitarka Mudrā hand symbol) is a 2010 Indian multilingual film written and directed by Upendra. This utopian film garnered extraordinary reception from critics and the general public for its revolutionary concept of a contrasting futuristic India set in the year 2030, and the contemporary image of India. With the title of the film depicted only by a symbol, it features Upendra and Nayantara in lead roles and is produced by Rockline Venkatesh, while V. Harikrishna has scored the music. Raking in more than Rs 100 million through satellite television and audio rights even before release, it was declared a superhit in Kannada where it grossed a record Rs 25 million in first three days of the opening weekend. The film grossed over 50 crore (US$9.05 million) and has been declared one of the biggest blockbusters of Kannada cinema.

Super

2010

Super poster
6.4

Super (Kannada: ಸೂಪರ್) (originally known only by Vitarka Mudrā hand symbol) is a 2010 Indian multilingual film written and directed by Upendra. This utopian film garnered extraordinary reception from critics and the general public for its revolutionary concept of a contrasting futuristic India set in the year 2030, and the contemporary image of India. With the title of the film depicted only by a symbol, it features Upendra and Nayantara in lead roles and is produced by Rockline Venkatesh, while V. Harikrishna has scored the music. Raking in more than Rs 100 million through satellite television and audio rights even before release, it was declared a superhit in Kannada where it grossed a record Rs 25 million in first three days of the opening weekend. The film grossed over 50 crore (US$9.05 million) and has been declared one of the biggest blockbusters of Kannada cinema.

Super

2010

Uppi 2 poster
7.0

Neenu leads a selfless life helping others in need without expecting anything in return. In the meantime, the police and an underworld don are on the lookout for him over a multi-crore property.

Uppi 2

2015

Raa poster
NR

Sridhar, a womaniser, meets his match when he tries to seduce Shanthi, who refuses to fall for him. Later, he learns that Shanthi has a hidden motive for resisting his advances.

Raa

2001