Bengaluru: Actress Priyanka Upendra has revealed that she hopes to step behind the camera and make her directorial debut next year, marking a new chapter in her career spanning more than 50 films. The actor shared her aspirations while reflecting on her cinematic journey ahead of the release of her landmark 50th film, Detective Teekshana, which is scheduled to hit theatres on August 7.
Priyanka said filmmaking has shaped every aspect of her life and that after decades in front of the camera, she now feels ready to explore storytelling from the director’s chair.
Direction has always been on her mind
Speaking in an interview, Priyanka said she has long wanted to direct a film and hopes to finally begin work on that ambition next year.
She added that she is currently developing ideas and wants to tell stories that connect with audiences while drawing from the experience she has gained over more than two decades in the film industry. However, she clarified that acting will continue alongside her plans to direct.
Cinema was never part of the original plan
Reflecting on her career, Priyanka admitted that becoming an actor was never part of her original life plan.
She said opportunities arrived unexpectedly after she won the Miss Calcutta title, eventually leading her into films across multiple languages. Looking back, she described her journey as one shaped more by destiny than careful planning.
The actress also said cinema transformed her personal life, as it brought her to Bengaluru, where she met actor-director Upendra, whom she later married.
50th film marks a major milestone
Priyanka’s upcoming film Detective Teekshana represents an important milestone in her career.
Directed by debutant Trivikram Raghu, the investigative thriller features Priyanka in the lead role alongside Sidlingu Sridhar, Arun Balraj, Vincent Dias, Robo Ganesh and Shashidhar. The film is set for a statewide theatrical release on August 7.
The actress said reaching the 50-film mark was never something she had consciously aimed for but described it as a moment of gratitude and reflection.
Stronger roles after marriage
Priyanka also spoke about the changing perception of married actresses in the film industry.
She recalled that when she got married in the early 2000s, many believed actresses would either stop acting or move behind the scenes. Fortunately, she said, that mindset has changed significantly, allowing women to continue playing substantial lead roles after marriage.
According to Priyanka, the characters she portrays today are more layered, intelligent and meaningful than many of the roles available earlier in her career.
Looking beyond acting
While excited about Detective Teekshana, Priyanka said she is equally enthusiastic about expanding her creative horizons.
She believes directing will allow her to tell stories from a fresh perspective and hopes the transition will happen naturally, much like acting did years ago.
Conclusion
After achieving the milestone of 50 films, Priyanka Upendra is preparing for the next phase of her cinematic journey. While continuing to take on challenging acting roles, the actress now hopes to realise another long-held dream by making her directorial debut next year, adding a new dimension to her career in Indian cinema.