Review: Uppu Kappurambu – Missed Opportunity Despite a Strong Concept
Introduction: A Promising Idea That Fails to Deliver
Uppu Kappurambu, directed by Anish Sasi and featuring Keerthy Suresh and Suhas, is a film that aims to blend satire and social commentary. Released directly on Amazon Prime, it attempts to explore community customs and caste-free practices in rural India. However, despite a meaningful core, the film struggles to balance tone and ends up testing viewers’ patience.
Plot Overview: A Village’s Burial Crisis Turns Political
Set in the 1990s in a fictional village called Chitti Jayapuram, the story revolves around a community custom — burying all the deceased, regardless of caste, in a common cremation ground with the cause of death mentioned on the tombstone. Things take a turn when the cremation space runs out, leading to social tension and political games.
Keerthy Suresh plays Aparna, who steps in to lead the village after her father’s death. Suhas portrays Chinna, a humble cremation ground worker whose mother’s dying wish adds emotional depth. The film focuses on whether Aparna can retain her leadership amid opposition from local rivals and whether Chinna can honor his mother’s last wish.
Execution: Good Intentions, Flawed Delivery
While Uppu Kappurambu tries to follow in the footsteps of rooted dramas like Care of Kancharapalem or Mandela, it lacks the organic feel. The humor feels forced, and many scenes come off as unnatural or overly dramatized. The first 20 minutes present the problem, but the story stagnates, failing to build momentum. Repetitive scenes and over-acting from many characters dilute the impact.
Even the emotional core — the idea of respecting one’s last rites — doesn’t hit hard due to weak writing and stretched-out scenes.
Performances: Mixed Bag
Keerthy Suresh shows sparks of brilliance in some scenes, but her character feels misplaced and overly theatrical in others.
Suhas delivers a more grounded performance and fits well in his role.
Babu Mohan returns in a lengthy role and performs confidently.
Shatru, however, plays an irritatingly loud character, likely due to how it was written.
Other supporting actors like Subhalekha Sudhakar and Duvvasi Mohan deliver routine performances.
Technical Aspects: Visually Solid, Narratively Weak
Cinematography by Divakar Mani is the film’s strongest point, beautifully capturing the rustic village.
Music by Sweekar Agasthi is average, while Rajesh Murugesan’s background score adds some emotional weight.
The writing by Vasanth Maringanti starts with a good premise but loses clarity in screenplay and dialogues.
Direction by Anish Sasi lacks grip, especially in comedy timing and emotional impact.
Final Verdict: Watch Only for the Concept
Uppu Kappurambu had the potential to be a thoughtful film with humor and depth. Instead, it ends up being a tiring watch with exaggerated performances and ineffective comedy. The climax adds some emotional value, but it’s not enough to justify the long, dragging middle. If you’re curious about the concept or want to see Keerthy and Suhas in different roles, give it a try — but manage your expectations.
Rating: 2/5
