Kannada actor Upendra’s next project has been named Next Level. Aravind Kaushik, known for Nam Areal Ond Dina and Huliraya, will direct the film. Next Level is a Kannada-Telugu production. The project was launched at the Sri Dharmagiri Manjunathaswamy Temple in Bengaluru. Aradhana Ram, daughter of Kannada star Malashree, has been cast as the female lead. Aradhana made her debut in the 2023 blockbuster Kaatera. In Next Level she portrays the daughter of a chief minister. Upendra’s nephew Niranjan Sudheendra will play a key role. Tarun Shivappa, producer of Victory 2 and Choo Mantar, is financing the film under Tarun Studios. The story is expected to follow the style of Upendra’s earlier successes such as A, Upendra and Raktha Kanneeru while introducing a character suited to contemporary audiences. Upendra’s most recent film was UI in 2024, which he also directed. The movie combined philosophical themes, social commentary and science-fiction elements. A review in The Hindu noted that the opening and closing segments stand out as highlights of Kannada cinema this year. Upendra also appeared in a cameo role as Kaleesha in the Rajinikanth film Coolie directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.
