Finding a solution to every problem is what gives one a kick: Upendra

Whenever there is a successful film, a lot of the top stars across industries get roped in to recreate the magic in their own languages. Such is the case of Upendra’s upcoming film Super Ranga. The film, a remake of the Telugu movie Kick, has already been remade in Hindi with Salman Khan in the lead role. However, the makers of the Kannada version have chosen to move away from the word ‘kick’, even as they keep the essence of the story alive with a title that has been derived from the actor’s earlier hits.
“Super Ranga is a take-off from one my hit songs, as well as the names of one of my previous hits — Super. The makers decided it would be better to bring in a bit of my onscreen image into the film with this,” says Upendra, who also states that it happens to be one of those rare films that actors tend to wait for. “It’s the sort of role that gives you a kick, one that comes to you rarely, like once in 10 years or so,” says the actor.
That the film is a remake, one that probably invites the audience to compare the making as well as the performance of the actors, seems to hardly bother the actor. “Even if the audience watches the other two films right before watching Super Ranga, they will enjoy the film in its entirety. With Sadhu Kokila directing the film, I believe that it is our combination that has added to the many ‘real’ Super Rangas, or rather, stars in various departments who have worked on this film. This was a set on which one would see no difference between what was being shot and what was not, because the entire duration of working on this film was a lot of fun,” explains Upendra.
Ask the actor what really gives him a kick in life, and out comes the obviously reply, “...when I direct”. However, apart from work, which is one of Upendra’s obsessions, the actor has been rather inclined toward politics over the last few years. “You see, normal is boring. So only when there is a problem and, therefore, there is a requirement to search for a solution, does life become interesting. I follow politics and look for solutions to the issues people face today, and when I do figure out how I can solve the issue, it gives me a kick,” he explains. While on the topic of politics, rumour has it that the actor has had a keen eye on the way the country’s prime minister has been working. “Looking at Mr Modi’s work since he took charge as PM, it feels like the country has a leader. I am a big fan of the man and the way he has administered his duties till now. In a way, following politics also gives me kick” he states.