“Ufff Yeh Siyapaa”: Let the audience be the dialogue writers, says director Ashok G
Director Ashok G reinvents storytelling with Ufff Yeh Siyapaa, a silent comedy-thriller driven by expressions, music, and humor, starring Sohum Shah, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Nora Fatehi, with A R Rahman’s score elevating the experience.
Hyderabad: From a promising child artist to a director who carved a name with films like Pilla Zamindar and Bhaagamathie, Ashok G has never shied away from experimentation. Now, after almost two decades of nurturing a script, he has surprised the audience with a rare concept in today’s cinema; a silent comedy-thriller titled Ufff Yeh Siyapaa. Released on September 5, the film is already screening in theatres and receiving positive reviews from day one.
Speaking exclusively to Telangana Today, Ashok shared what drove him toward such a bold step. “Even an emoji can convey an emotion as strongly as words,” he explained. “Similarly, expressions can tell stories without dialogues. This isn’t mime. It’s a complete film with background score, music, and situations that audiences can instantly relate to.”
For Ashok, the charm of the concept lies in the freedom it gives to the viewers. “This time, the audience themselves will become the dialogue writers,” he smiled. “Each person watching can imagine their own lines to suit the scenes. That makes the film fresh every single time.”
Though the film stars Bollywood actors, Ashok believes it will appeal across industries. “There is no language barrier. The fun lies in expressions that everyone can understand.”
On the casting, the director was very particular. “I wanted actors with strong theatre and performance backgrounds. Sohum Shah stood out, he even gained 18 kilos for this role, which shows his commitment. Nushrratt Bharuccha brought incredible energy on set, while Nora Fatehi surprised many by slipping into a character that required more expressions than glamour. Each one has pushed themselves to deliver memorable performances,” he said.
Ashok also drew parallels with how people enjoy memes today. “Look at Brahmanandam sir’s expressions; they’ve been turned into countless memes with new contexts every time. That is the power of expressions without words. Ufff Yeh Siyapaa taps into the same energy,” he said.
The film features 22 speaking actors who remain silent, while one mute character ironically tries hardest to be heard. Relatable everyday moments like asking for leave and being denied, are stitched with comic twists, making it an out-and-out laughter riot.
Ashok credits music maestro A R Rahman for elevating the project. “Rahman garu has taken the film to another level. His music will carry the story and emotions beautifully,” he said, assuring audiences they will leave the theatre with a smile.
Before signing off, he teased the long-awaited sequel: Bhaagamathie 2 is “definitely on the cards” and will go on floors soon.
With Ufff Yeh Siyapaa, Ashok G proves once again that cinema is all about taking bold leaps. Don’t miss this rare silent comedy-thriller, now playing in theatres near you.”
