Chennai, Aug 13 (IANS): Kannada actor-filmmaker Upendra, whose latest directorial "Uppi 2" releases worldwide on Friday, says cinema as a medium can be used as a mirror to reflect harsh realities of the society.

"Cinema can be used as a dais to explore everything that happens around us. It could be used as a mirror to reflect the harsh reality of the society we live in. The reason most of directorial ventures are about the society is because it has inspired me in many ways," Upendra told IANS.

"Uppi 2", which is the sequel to 1999 hit film "Uppi", could be watched even if one hasn't watched the first part, said Upendra, who has directed both the films.

"The sequel starts exactly where 'Uppi' ended. It's about our inner feelings," he said, and added that the film he shot was much different than what he had originally conceived.

"Although I went to the sets with a bound script, what I had made was so different from what I had written. It's good in a way because it allowed my creativity to flow freely," he added.

Also starring Kristina Akheeva and Parul Yadav, the film releases in Telugu as "Upendra 2".

Recently seen in Telugu drama "S/O Satyamurty", Upendra says he's open to starring in bilinguals.

"It's fun to be working in multiple languages, but I don't want to keep waiting for an offer. I'd like to continue working in Kannada films, and when an interesting offer to star in another language comes my way and if I like it, I'd grab it," he said.