“If I Directed Them, I’d Retire”: Sukumar on Upendra’s Classics

The teaser of Seetha Payanam, the upcoming Telugu film directed by Arjun Sarja, was launched today in Hyderabad. The film marks the debut of Aishwarya Arjun, daughter of Arjun Sarja, as the lead actress. The event saw the presence of acclaimed filmmaker Sukumar and Kannada star Upendra as chief guests.

During the event, Sukumar didn’t hold back his admiration for Upendra, calling him a one-of-a-kind visionary. “I haven’t seen any director with the kind of madness and frenzy that Upendra brings to his films. Om, A, and Upendra, these films blew me away. Honestly, if I had directed them, I would’ve happily retired. That’s how iconic they are,” Sukumar remarked.

The Pushpa director further admitted that Upendra’s work had a profound influence on his own screenwriting style. “Every director has taken inspiration from him. Whatever screenplay brilliance you notice in my films today is influenced by those three cult classics. I’ve shamelessly borrowed from him,” he said with a smile.

On the work front, Sukumar is currently in the pre-production phase of his next film with Ram Charan. The film marks a reunion for the duo after their blockbuster Rangasthalam. Pre-production activities are underway in the UAE, with Mythri Movie Makers bankrolling the project.