Multilingual superstar Upendra is set to make a grand comeback with his much-anticipated pan-India project, Next Level, which aims to combine gripping storytelling with state-of-the-art visual effects. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Aravind Kaushik and produced by Tarun Shivappa under the Tarun Studios banner, the film is being billed as one of the most ambitious Kannada productions to date.Aradhana, daughter of veteran multilingual actress Malashree, plays the female lead. After her striking debut in the Kannada blockbuster Kaatera alongside Challenging Star Darshan, she now joins forces with another Sandalwood icon in her second outing. The film’s grand muhurtha (formal launch) will be held in Hyderabad, with several leading Tollywood personalities expected to attend. Filming is planned across multiple locations, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
A standout feature of Next Level will be its extensive use of high-end VFX, with top graphics studios from India and Canada collaborating to deliver a technically advanced product within a tight schedule. The narrative is said to carry the flavour of Upendra’s cult hits like A, Upendra, and Raktha Kanneeru, raising expectations among fans.
Producer Tarun Shivappa, known for films such as Rose, Mass Leader (with Shivarajkumar), Victory 2, Khaki, and Choo Mantar, describes Next Level as one of his most ambitious ventures yet. Cinematography will be handled by Anoop Katukaran, who previously worked on Choo Mantar.