Priyanka Upendra on regional cinema's global reach: 'Quality matters most'
Synopsis
Priyanka Upendra argues that Indian regional cinema's global footprint is no recent novelty—it traces back to Satyajit Ray. As she preps for her emotionally layered role in 'September 21', she makes clear: international recognition matters less than the integrity of the craft itself.
Key Takeaways
Actress Priyanka Upendra states that Indian regional cinema has enjoyed global recognition since the era of Satyajit Ray .
She emphasises that artistic quality and performance standards matter more to her than international appreciation.
Upendra plays Kamala , a Tamil Brahmin caregiver in the drama "September 21" , directed by Karen Kshiti Suvarna .
She approaches emotional scenes by channelling authentic emotions while consciously disconnecting after filming to reset for the next day's work. "September 21" releases on 22 May , produced by Visica Films , FMD Productions , HumaraMovie , and Filmsmax .
Actress Priyanka Upendra has underscored that Indian regional cinema has enjoyed global recognition since the era of filmmaker Satyajit Ray, and that artistic integrity remains paramount even as international audiences embrace regional storytelling.
In an exclusive conversation, Upendra stressed that while international appreciation is encouraging, the focus for artists must remain on the calibre of content and performance. "Recognition abroad is wonderful, but as artists, we also strive to meet our own creative standards," she said.
On the trajectory of regional cinema
Upendra noted that Indian cinema has consistently found audiences beyond borders, a legacy stretching back decades. She positioned global recognition not as a recent phenomenon but as a continuation of a tradition established by auteurs like Ray. The shift, she suggested, is one of scale and accessibility rather than novelty.
Her role in 'September 21'
Upendra will appear in the forthcoming drama "September 21", directed by Karen Kshiti Suvarna and produced by Visica Films, FMD Productions, HumaraMovie, and Filmsmax. She plays Kamala, a Tamil Brahmin caregiver from a modest background navigating emotional and personal struggles.
Describing the character, Upendra said: "She is emotionally strong and deeply caring. Her journey reflects both her past and present struggles, but at her core, she is a compassionate and resilient woman."
The craft of emotional scenes
Upendra revealed her approach to portraying emotionally demanding sequences. "I try to channel real emotions because they cannot be faked entirely," she explained. "However, after pack-up, I consciously disconnect and refresh myself, as the next day could be a completely different scene."
She also noted that her interpretation of Kamala diverged from conventional character preparation. "Unlike typical roles, I did not focus on appearance here. As a caregiver, my character is not concerned with looks, so I consciously avoided that mindset and focused entirely on performance and emotion," she added.
Release and expectations
The film is slated to release on 22 May. Industry observers will track whether "September 21" resonates with audiences seeking character-driven regional narratives, a segment that has expanded significantly in recent years.
Point of View
She anchors it in lineage—Satyajit Ray, not Netflix. That's a quiet but significant pushback against the notion that global platforms have 'discovered' Indian storytelling. The real story is not about Western validation but about whether regional narratives can sustain artistic rigour while scaling. Her insistence on emotional authenticity over appearance-focused preparation also signals a broader shift in how regional actors approach character work—less star-centric, more craft-centric.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Priyanka Upendra say about regional cinema's global recognition?
Priyanka Upendra states that Indian regional cinema has enjoyed global recognition since the era of filmmaker Satyajit Ray, and that this is not a recent phenomenon. She emphasises that while international appreciation is encouraging, artistic quality and creative standards matter most to her as an artist.
What character does Priyanka Upendra play in 'September 21'?
She plays Kamala, a Tamil Brahmin caregiver from a modest background. The character is emotionally strong and deeply caring, navigating both past and present struggles with compassion and resilience.
When does 'September 21' release?
The film is scheduled to release on 22 May. It is directed by Karen Kshiti Suvarna and produced by Visica Films, FMD Productions, HumaraMovie, and Filmsmax.
How does Priyanka Upendra approach emotionally demanding scenes?
She channels real emotions during filming, as she believes emotions cannot be entirely faked. After pack-up, she consciously disconnects and refreshes herself, as the next day's scenes may require a completely different emotional tone.
Did Priyanka Upendra focus on appearance for the role of Kamala?
No. She deliberately avoided focusing on appearance, reasoning that Kamala, as a caregiver, is not concerned with looks. Instead, she concentrated entirely on performance and emotion to authentically portray the character.
