A self-funded crime drama made on a shoestring by a filmmaker from Hall Green has climbed into Amazon Prime Video's UK Top 10, sitting alongside big-budget releases starring Ryan Gosling and Sydney Sweeney. 'This is Birmingham' was written, directed by and stars Kay S. Ubhi, a 34-year-old former Matthew Boulton College student who grew up watching films with his father and dreaming of a career in acting.
The film, which focuses on family relationships and the criminal underworld, has become a surprise hit since it began streaming. Ubhi plays Asher Kaleo, a character navigating the murky world of organised crime while trying to repair his fractured relationship with his father. The project was developed on a 'micro budget', entirely self-funded by the Brummie actor-director, and its success has left him stunned.
From Hall Green to Amazon's charts
Ubhi, who grew up in Hall Green, said the idea for the film came from a deeply personal place. Speaking to BirminghamLive, he explained: "It simply comes down to the fact I'm from Birmingham. Growing up, I used to watch films with my dad who was passionate about cinematography and I approached movies a bit deeper. I was captivated and it was escapism for me. I wanted to create a project I could relate to and understand the characters, I grew up with the people in my story."
His time at Matthew Boulton College heavily influenced the film's characters. He added: "We had a lot of different and flamboyant personalities when I studied at Matthew Boulton College in terms of how we dressed and spoke. I tried to bring that into my character, but not like a cliché gangster. He's goofy, not respected and has something to prove."
A fresh take on the crime genre
Despite the film's success, Ubhi admitted he initially didn't intend to make a crime drama. "To be honest, I wasn't planning on going down the crime route. It's hard to gain traction with anything, but I noticed they were doing well on YouTube. To build a name in this field, I knew I'd have to do a crime drama. But if I was going to do it, I had to do it differently so I didn't watch any crime dramas to build a fresh take."
That approach appears to have paid off. 'This is Birmingham' has earned a spot in Amazon Prime's UK Top 10, a list dominated by Hollywood heavyweights. For Ubhi, the recognition is still sinking in. "It's a self-funded project and the success still hasn't sunk in for me. To land on the top ten alongside major films, This Is Birmingham was made on a micro budget," he said.
Why Digbeth is the perfect backdrop
The film showcases Birmingham in a way that Ubhi hopes will inspire other filmmakers. He was particularly drawn to the creative energy of Digbeth, an area known for its street art and industrial heritage. "I loved shooting in Digbeth, it has such a nice aesthetic and I wonder why more filmmakers aren't utilising that area," he said. "I loved filming on Floodgate Street with the lights above it, Birmingham has many amazing areas so I'm glad I captured an element of it."
His love for the city is evident throughout the project, which he said was designed to reflect the people and places he grew up with. By avoiding a generic portrayal of gang culture, Ubhi has crafted a story that feels authentic and grounded, resonating with audiences across the UK.
What's next for 'This is Birmingham'
Following the film's success, 'This is Birmingham' is now set to be expanded into a television series. The upcoming show will be executive produced by Michael Cohen, a notable figure in the industry. Ubhi confirmed the development in a recent interview, expressing excitement about bringing the world of 'This is Birmingham' to a wider audience through a longer format.
The TV spin-off is expected to delve deeper into the characters and themes introduced in the film, offering more room to explore the complexities of family loyalty, ambition, and survival in Birmingham's criminal underbelly. While details about the series remain under wraps, fans of the film are eagerly awaiting news about casting and release dates.
'This is Birmingham' is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, where it continues to attract viewers. For Ubhi, the journey from a micro-budget passion project to a top-ten hit has been a dream come true. As he put it: "To land on the top ten alongside major films is something I never expected. This is for Birmingham."
