Uppu Kappurambu (2025) Movie: Keerthy Suresh and Suhas Turn Death Into Comedy Gold

Uppu Kappurambu brings together the talented duo of Keerthy Suresh and Suhas in a story that finds humor in the most unexpected places. Directed by Ani I.V. Sasi, this film takes a bold approach to storytelling by centering its narrative around death, burial space, and community unity.

Set in the fictional village of Chitti Jaya Puram during the 1990s, the film explores a bizarre yet relatable problem that many small communities face. With a screenplay by Vasanth Maringanti, the movie delves into layered subtexts touching upon gender, caste, money, and power dynamics, all wrapped in a comedic package.

Plot and Storyline

The story unfolds in Chitti Jaya Puram, a village that faces an unusual crisis, their cemetery has run out of burial space. This seemingly mundane problem becomes the catalyst for a series of hilarious and heartwarming events that test the community’s unity and resourcefulness.

Apoorva (Keerthy Suresh), the newly appointed village head, teams up with Chinna (Suhas), the graveyard’s caretaker, to find creative solutions to this pressing issue. What makes the plot particularly engaging is how it transforms a morbid subject into a vehicle for exploring human nature and social dynamics.

The narrative cleverly balances dark humor with genuine emotional moments, creating a story that feels both absurd and deeply human. The 1990s setting adds another layer of authenticity, allowing the filmmakers to explore themes of tradition versus modernity.

Cast Performance

Keerthy Suresh delivers another compelling performance as Apoorva, showcasing her versatility as an actress who can seamlessly transition between comedy and drama. Her portrayal of the determined village head is both authoritative and endearing, proving once again why she’s considered one of Telugu cinema’s most reliable performers.

Suhas, who has been making waves in Telugu cinema with his choice of unconventional projects, shines as Chinna. His comedic timing is impeccable, and he manages to bring depth to what could have been a one-dimensional character.

The supporting cast deserves special mention for their contributions. Subhalekha Sudhakar and Babu Mohan bring their decades of experience to their respective roles, adding authenticity to the village setting. However, some performances suffer from overacting, particularly in scenes that require more subtle emotional beats.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Ani I.V. Sasi deserves credit for attempting such an unconventional story and bringing it to life with apparent sincerity. His direction shows flashes of brilliance, particularly in how he handles the film’s more absurd moments without losing sight of its emotional core.

The cinematography by Divakar Mani captures the rural setting effectively, creating a visual atmosphere that supports the story’s themes. Sweekar Agasthi’s music complements the film’s tone well, providing a soundtrack that enhances both the comedic and emotional moments.

However, the direction occasionally feels uncertain about its own tone. While the film aims to be both a satire and a heartwarming comedy, it sometimes struggles to balance these elements effectively.

What I Liked and What Could Be Better

What Works:

• The film’s unique premise sets it apart from typical Telugu comedies
• Strong central performances by Keerthy Suresh and Suhas
• Effective use of the 1990s setting to explore themes of tradition and change
• Genuine moments of humor that arise naturally from the characters

What Could Be Better:

• Inconsistent pacing, particularly in the middle act
• Some overacted performances that break immersion
• Tonal imbalances between comedy and drama
• Certain comedic sequences feel forced rather than organic

I found the movie’s greatest strength lies in its willingness to explore unconventional territory while maintaining a fundamentally optimistic outlook on human nature. However, it occasionally sacrifices narrative coherence for the sake of individual comedic moments.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

Uppu Kappurambu has received mixed to positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 5.3/10, indicating a polarized response from viewers. Critics have praised the film’s originality and the lead performances while noting issues with execution and pacing.

123Telugu described it as a quirky, fun, and emotional film with a fresh premise that works only in parts, highlighting both the film’s strengths and its limitations. The Hollywood Reporter India was more positive, calling it a charming comedy that blends warmth, whimsy, and originality.

However, some critics have noted that the film feels torn between ambitious eccentricity and comforting safety, suggesting that it could have been more daring in its approach to the subject matter. The general consensus seems to be that while the film has its moments of brilliance, it doesn’t quite achieve the full potential of its intriguing premise.

Rating: 3/5