Uppena: Did You Know Vijay Deverakonda Was the First Choice for This Blockbuster?
Uppena is one of those rare films that emerged as a blockbuster without big names or pre-release hype. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film catapulted Vaishnav Tej and Kriti Shetty into stardom with its emotional depth and soulful music. But here’s an interesting twist—Vijay Deverakonda was the original choice for the lead role!
Uppena’s Unknown Backstory
The 2021 romantic tragedy Uppena took Tollywood by storm. With Devi Sri Prasad’s unforgettable music and a heart-wrenching climax, the film earned both box office success and critical acclaim.
However, before Vaishnav Tej was brought on board, director Buchi Babu Sana envisioned the story with Vijay Deverakonda in the lead. Vijay, fresh off the success of Arjun Reddy, had already established himself as a top-tier actor. Buchi Babu felt that casting a rising star of Vijay’s stature might overshadow the raw, emotional depth of the script.
Why Vijay Was Not Approached
Despite being impressed with Vijay’s intensity and screen presence, Buchi Babu decided not to approach him. He felt that the film needed a new face—someone with a look and vibe similar to Vijay but without the weight of star power, so the audience could connect with the rawness of the character.
That’s when the team stumbled upon Vaishnav Tej’s profile on social media, and the rest is history. Vaishnav was cast, and Uppena became one of the biggest debut hits in Tollywood.
Music & Impact
Apart from its emotional story, Uppena is also known for its chartbuster music by Devi Sri Prasad. Tracks like Nee Kannu Neeli Samudram and Jala Jala Jalapaatham continue to dominate playlists, amassing millions of views on YouTube.
What’s Next for Buchi Babu?
After the massive success of Uppena, Buchi Babu Sana was supposed to direct Ram Charan in his second project. That film, now officially titled Peddi, is currently in production and is being touted as a massive pan-Indian emotional drama.
