Exclusive Interview : Upendra Is A Perfectionist, Says His UI Co-Star Nidhi Subbaiah

In an exclusive interview, multilingual actress Nidhi Subbaiah shared her experiences of working on the much-anticipated movie UI, directed by and starring Upendra.

The mega-budget movie is hitting the screens this Friday in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi languages. As the countdown for its release is on, she has opened up about her role, her admiration for Upendra, and more in this interview with Oneindia.

How was the experience working in UI?
It was fascinating and very different. I had to stay constantly alert throughout. It was such an exciting and interesting experience.

Can you share details about your role in UI?
I can't reveal anything right now. The team has given strict instructions to keep the details under wraps until the release. All I can say is that it's a unique role.

How is Upendra different from other directors you've worked with?
I've always been a huge fan of Uppi Sir and the strong messages he conveys in his directorial films. His ability to tell profound stories through his movies is incredible. In the world of UI, he envisioned me in a particular role, and I'm both happy and grateful that he chose me. Working with him has been a long-time dream of mine, and I feel truly fortunate.

What was your first reaction when you received a call from Upendra?
I was in Goa with friends when someone from his team called me. My phone was by the beach, and I noticed two missed calls. When I finally spoke to the team, they told me Uppi Sir wanted to meet me immediately. I dropped everything, booked a flight to Bengaluru, and met him the very next day.

He narrated the story to me, and I had an out-of-body experience during the narration. I kept thinking, 'Is this really Uppi Sir narrating a story to me?' It was surreal. I took a break from my trip, came to Bengaluru, and returned to Goa only after wrapping up the narration.

We shot for about three weeks across Bengaluru and Hyderabad. I spent around 25-30 days on set, and it was an amazing journey.

This has been a long-awaited opportunity for you, hasn't it?
Absolutely. Back in 2013, I received two offers to work with Uppi Sir. Unfortunately, I had to turn them down because I was under a three-film contract with a Bollywood production house. Missing those projects was tough, but now I finally got to work with him. I'm beyond happy.

Did you learn anything new from Upendra?
We worked on some very important scenes, shot in a unique way. While I can't reveal much, I can say it was a huge learning experience. Uppi Sir, as a director, is incredibly patient and calm. He treats everyone on set like family, explaining scenes with such care and positivity. The atmosphere on set was so supportive that we genuinely looked forward to shooting every day.

How demanding is he as a director?
He's a perfectionist but also collaborative. Despite his vast experience in the industry, he always asks for our inputs on scenes. He ensures everyone is involved in the process, which creates a fantastic working environment. Most scenes were wrapped up in just one or two takes because of how well he directed us. His approach made it easy for me to deliver my best.

People are calling this your second innings in the industry. What are your thoughts?
Why is it that only actresses are asked about comebacks? Do we ask male actors why they do one movie in 3-4 years? I don't understand this labeling. For me, it's not a comeback. I'm just being selective and taking my time. I plan to keep acting for as long as I live.

What do you look for when choosing a project?
The script is the foundation. If a script makes me feel bored during the narration, I know the audience will feel the same in the theater. I also want roles that challenge me as an artiste-I'm greedy for those. Beyond that, the director's vision and the production house play a significant role in my decision.

What are your upcoming projects?
I've completed a movie with Diganth titled Yedagai Apagatake Karana. The shooting and dubbing are done, and the movie will be releasing soon.