The market for Kannada movies seems to be growing in the US. After "RangiTaranga", it is Upendra's "Uppi 2" that has created good buzz in the country.
"Uppi 2" was released last weekend in the US and the film has done some notable business. In its first weekend, the Kannada film raked in $31,981 (Rs 21.26 lakh) from 21 screens. This is undoubtedly an achievement for Sandalwood, as only countable films in the past have done decent business at the US box office.
However, "Uppi 2" has failed to beat the first weekend record of "RangiTaranga", which had collected $200,250 (Rs. 1.30 crore) in its first weekend. Nirup Bhandari's film had 31 shows and majority of the shows ran to packed houses.
In the past, Kannada films had released in limited screens. However, the scenario is changing these days as Sandalwood movies are making some impact overseas these days. Yash starrer "Mr and Mrs Ramachari" had done decent business earlier this year.
The success of these movies would easily make Sandalwood filmmakers set their eyes on the US market as well, say traders.
"Uppi 2" is written and directed by the Real Star, who also plays the lead in it. It is a sequel to blockbuster "Upendra". Kristina Akheeva is the female lead in the movie and Parul Yadav has done an extended cameo.
Though "Uppi 2" got mixed reviews from the audience and critics, the Kannada movie has performed well in Karnataka. The film is said to have earned more than Rs 15 crore in the state, but this bit of information is yet to be confirmed.
