A Quirky Satire That Dares to Laugh at Death, and Lands Gracefully (Mostly)
A Unique Blend of Absurdity and Affection
Set in the fictional village of Chitti Jayapuram in 1992, Uppu Kappurambu is not a Telugu comedy. With a plot revolving around a burial ground running out of space, this film dares to build an entire story on a subject most would avoid. Yet, in the hands of director Ani IV Sasi, this bizarre premise blooms into a clever, heartfelt satire on power, tradition, and the absurdity of social customs.
The screenplay by Vasanth Maringanti is loaded with symbols and layered humour—some land with flair, others wobble under their own ambition. Despite its occasional excesses, the movie manages to stay afloat, thanks to strong performances, a fresh narrative tone, and sincere emotional undercurrents.
Performances That Anchor the Madness
Keerthy Suresh as Apoorva starts off on shaky ground—literally crying and fumbling through her early scenes—but gradually settles into her role with disarming charm. Her transformation from an awkward, reluctant village head to a composed leader adds both laughter and weight to the film. The comedic exaggeration in her early scenes may not work for all, but by the end, you find yourself rooting for her.
Suhas is the silent strength of Uppu Kappurambu. His portrayal of Chinna, the graveyard caretaker, is packed with honesty and emotional depth. His scenes with his mother (a wonderful Rameswari) offer the film its beating heart. Together, they represent the film’s philosophical core: dignity in death, equality in rest.
Visually Zany, Satirically Sharp
The film’s technical team deserves a shout-out. Divakar Mani’s cinematography captures the rustic life of Chitti Jayapuram with a rich, earthy palette. Sweekar Agasthi’s background score doesn’t overpower; instead, it lifts scenes with a gentle playfulness. The production design and costumes are packed with quirky details that reflect the characters’ inner worlds.
Director Ani IV Sasi keeps things moving with an offbeat rhythm, merging slapstick and satire in equal parts. Some gags feel stretched, especially as the film meanders into multiple subplots, but there’s always something visually or narratively engaging on screen.
More Than Just a Comedy
Uppu Kappurambu is more than a collection of jokes. Beneath the silliness lies a layered social critique—of patriarchy, caste hierarchy, legacy politics, and even the absurdities of local governance. The script finds humour in these issues without diluting their seriousness.
The metaphor of “salt and camphor” (Uppu and Kappurambu)—visually similar but vastly different in nature—becomes a gentle nudge toward seeing value in difference and hidden virtues. It’s a poetic touch that gives the film its reflective edge.
Final Verdict: Despite Its Flaws, It’s Worth a Watch
Yes, Uppu Kappurambu stumbles in parts—pacing issues, some overstretched gags, and a few uneven performances—but the film’s heart is in the right place. It tells a unique story with courage, backed by committed performances and a fresh directorial voice.
For those tired of formulaic cinema, this zany satire brings a breath of fresh air, with enough laughs and emotional resonance to make it worth your time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5/5 Stars)
Uppu Kappurambu is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.