If you’re looking for a refreshing departure from conventional Telugu cinema, Uppu Kappurambu (streaming now on Amazon Prime Video) is a must-watch. Directed by Ani I. V. Sasi and penned by Vasanth Maringanti, this film successfully blends dark comedy with pointed social satire, all centered around the most unlikely of crises: a village running out of space in its graveyard.
Uppu Kappurambu Plot: The Absurdity of Mortality
The film is set in the fictional village of Chitti Jayapuram, where the century-old custom of burying the dead is suddenly challenged. The main crisis is brought to the fore by Chinna (Suhas), the dedicated and philosophical graveyard caretaker. With only four burial plots remaining, panic sets in, forcing the community to confront its own rigid customs and class divides.
This logistical nightmare falls squarely on the shoulders of Apoorva (Keerthy Suresh), the new, utterly inexperienced, and wonderfully quirky village head. The film cleverly uses the scarcity of final resting spots to satirize human ego, patriarchy, and the relentless need to assert status, even in death. The title, drawn from a Vemana poem comparing salt and camphor—alike in appearance but different in essence—beautifully underpins the film’s central theme of finding true worth beneath the surface.
Performances: Suhas Shines, Keerthy Suresh Gets Quirky
Suhas delivers arguably the film’s standout performance as Chinna. He brings a quiet, grounded dignity to the role of a gravedigger who understands mortality better than anyone. His emotional sincerity acts as the film’s backbone, particularly in scenes involving his ailing mother (Talluri Rameswari).
Keerthy Suresh embraces a different, more exaggerated comedic style as Apoorva. While her initial, manic energy might be jarring for some viewers accustomed to her previous roles, she skillfully evolves her character from a bumbling, unwilling leader into an empathetic figure. Her commitment to the quirky demands of the role is commendable, proving her versatility in this Telugu dark comedy. Supporting actors like Babu Mohan and Shatru add necessary friction as the political agitators trying to undermine Apoorva’s authority.
Direction and Technicals
Ani I. V. Sasi’s direction maintains a light, farcical tone while ensuring the satire lands effectively. The screenplay, penned by Vasanth Maringanti, is the true star, crafting an offbeat premise that feels both bizarre and pressingly relevant. While critics have noted that the pace is occasionally sluggish, particularly in the first half, the emotional payoff and the sharpness of the social commentary in the second half largely redeem these minor flaws. The cinematography by Divakar Mani warmly captures the rural, 1990s setting of Chitti Jayapuram.
| Role/Department | Key Contributors |
|---|---|
| Director | Ani I.V. Sasi |
| Writer | Vasanth Maringanti |
| Lead Actors | Keerthy Suresh (Apoorva), Suhas (Chinna) |
| Supporting Cast | Babu Mohan, Shatru, Talluri Rameshwari, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Ravi Teja (special appearance?), Vishnu O.I., Duvvasi Mohan, Sivannarayana, Prabhavathi Varma |
| Narrator | Rana Daggubati (voiceover) |
| Music | Sweekar Agasthi |
| Cinematography | Divakar Mani |
| Editing | Sreejith Sarang |
| Producer | Radhika Lavu |
Final Take: An Intriguing OTT Watch
Uppu Kappurambu is a unique, thought-provoking comedy that uses death to talk about life, inequality, and tradition. If you enjoy films that utilize absurdity for clever social commentary, this is one of the more interesting new Telugu movie releases available for streaming. Don’t miss this engaging dramedy, exclusively available to watch Uppu Kappurambu on Amazon Prime Video.