Apr 22, 2026 6:03pm IST
Priyanka Upendra on Her Cannes Debut With ‘September 21’: ‘I Really Had to Push Some Uncomfortable Boundaries’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Kannada actress Priyanka Upendra has reasons to rejoice. Her Hindi-Kannada bilingual, “September 21,” is set for a world premiere at the Marché du Film during the Festival de Cannes on May 16.
A visibly excited Priyanka says, “This is the first time my film is going to be showcased at Cannes, and this is such a special film for me. I really had to push some boundaries, which I wasn't earlier comfortable with. But Karen Kshiti Suvarna is a good director. I was really happy to work with her. I think the more the audience watches the film, the better it is for us,” she says.
The film’s plot deals with the sensitive subject of Alzheimer’s and its impact on the lives of caregivers. Priyanka’s grandmother had dementia, and the actress has first-hand experience of caring for a loved one facing the acute trauma of memory loss. “My grandma would sometimes forget that I'm married, and would ask me, ‘Did you go to college?’ There were times when she didn't remember my name, or she wouldn't know who I was. And it's very heartbreaking,” she confesses.
While the topic is serious, Karen has infused elements of humor to make the film lively. “I play a primary caregiver for my 60-year-old boss (played by actor Pravin Singh Sisodia), who has Alzheimer's. The story also depicts the caregiver’s point of view and her unconditional devotion to the patient."
Related Stories
Almost a decade back, Priyanka played a dementia patient in the Kannada film “Devaki.” “I had played a single mother who is coping with dementia, and her daughter suddenly goes missing. It was a very difficult role to play. Back then, I had already done some research on the subject; it came in handy for this film.”
Ask her about prepping for Cannes, and she shares,” Right now, the team is getting our visas and tickets organized. I’m taking it one day at a time. I'm really keen to see how people react to the film. I would like to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and caregivers through this film.”
This is also a milestone year for the star whose 50th film, “Detective Teekshna,” is up for release next month. “I'm playing a detective in this movie. I’m also acting in a horror film called “Capture,” which is exciting. I like to experiment with different characters and I've been lucky that I've been getting good scripts and opportunities to work with young filmmakers who see me in a different light. And I just hope I can do justice to their faith in me. My goal is to make a difference through the films that I worked on."
While speaking about growing opportunities for older women in South cinema, Priyanka gives credit to the OTT space, which has opened doors for women who have crossed their 40s. “I think the OTT content is very varied and volatile. There is scope to play gritty and realistic characters. Also, films are a reflection of society. With women taking on more prominent roles in their homes, that is also indirectly reflected in the films. And cinema is increasingly portraying real women mirroring society today,” she reflects.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.