UI (2024) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
UI (2024) Review
UI (2024), a Kannada action, sci-fi movie starring Upendra, Reeshma Nanaiah, Nidhi Subbaiah, is reviewed here. Directed by Upendra. Set in a fictional world, the story is about the psychological conflict between a king in a town and an extraordinary man, and how that man, through his cunning and master minded plans takes over everything, takes control of the entire town, becomes a dictator. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 20 Dec 2024. Runtime: 2h 12m.

UI(2024)
Kannada · Action, Sci-Fi
2h 12m · 20 Dec 2024
Music: B. Ajaneesh Loknath | DOP: HC Venugopal | Writer: Upendra
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
📖 Story
UI is a Kannada-language film centered around a gripping narrative that explores the complexities of human emotions and societal dynamics. The story follows the protagonist, played by Upendra, as he navigates through personal and professional challenges, intertwined with elements of suspense and drama. The screenplay weaves multiple layers of storytelling, revealing deeper themes of identity and morality as the plot progresses.
UI delivers a compelling narrative that balances intense drama with moments of introspection. The story is engaging, with a screenplay that maintains a steady pace, particularly strong in the first half where character introductions and plot setups are effectively handled. The second half intensifies the conflict, though some sequences tend to drag, slightly affecting the overall momentum.
The film’s pacing is mostly consistent, with a few slower scenes that allow for character development but might test the patience of some viewers. The songs are well-placed and complement the narrative without disrupting the flow. B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s music direction shines through both the songs and the background score, which enhances the emotional depth and tension throughout the film.
Cinematography by HC Venugopal captures the mood and tone of the story with finesse, using lighting and framing to accentuate key moments. Overall, UI is a thoughtful film that combines strong performances with technical proficiency, though it could benefit from tighter editing in the latter half.
Upendra: Powerful and nuanced, commanding the screen with intensity and depth.
Reeshma Nanaiah: Promising and emotive, delivering a solid supporting role.
Nidhi Subbaiah: Effective in her role, adding charm and emotional weight.
P. Ravi Shankar: Strong presence, bringing gravitas to his character.
Sadhu Kokila: Provides comic relief with timing and energy.
Murali Sharma: Convincing and authoritative in his role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Engaging and layered storytelling
- ✓Strong lead performance by Upendra
- ✓Effective background score and music
- ✓Cinematography that enhances mood
- ✓Well-integrated songs
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing issues in the second half
- ✕Some scenes feel unnecessarily prolonged
- ✕Editing could be tighter
🎬 Direction & Writing
Upendra’s direction is confident and ambitious, successfully blending complex themes with commercial elements. His writing reflects a mature understanding of narrative structure, though the film occasionally suffers from pacing lapses that slightly dilute its impact.
- - Music Direction by B. Ajaneesh Loknath
- - Cinematography by HC Venugopal
- - Editing
- - Sound Design
- - Production Design
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics
Critics have generally praised UI for its strong performances, especially by Upendra, and its engaging storyline. The music and cinematography have been highlighted as major positives. However, some reviews pointed out pacing issues in the second half and suggested that tighter editing could have improved the overall experience.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did UI release in theatres?▾
UI released on 20 December 2024 (2024).
Is UI a hit or flop?▾
UI is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch UI online? OTT release date?▾
UI OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed UI?▾
UI directed by Upendra. Produced by K P Srikanth, G. Manoharan.
Who are the main cast members of UI?▾
UI stars Upendra, Reeshma Nanaiah, Nidhi Subbaiah, P. Ravi Shankar, Sadhu Kokila.
What is the Tollybo rating for UI?▾
Tollybo rates UI 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for UI?▾
Music for UI composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath.
What is the genre and runtime of UI?▾
UI — Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Runtime: 132 minutes, Language: Kannada.
