"I grew up with a single parent and with no money."
Independent filmmaker Kay S. Ubhi has celebrated after his crime drama This is Birmingham climbed into Amazon Prime Video UK’s Top 10 just days after its release.
The feature-length film, which took five years to complete, tells the story of escalating violence after a London gang attempts to seize control of a Birmingham crime family’s drug empire.
Written, produced and starring Birmingham-born Ubhi, the project was originally planned as a short film for YouTube.
However, it evolved into a full-length independent feature before securing distribution on Amazon Prime Video.
The film launched on July 17, 2026, and quickly exceeded expectations.
Speaking about its success, Ubhi said: “We’ve had a massive response to it… It’s been amazing, honestly.”
Ubhi developed his filmmaking skills by producing short films before deciding to create his own feature.
Inspired by the growing popularity of independent British crime dramas, he refused to wait for opportunities to come to him.
He explained: “I thought I’m not going to wait for another opportunity because I might not get one. I’m going to create one for myself.”
Rather than seeking outside investment, Ubhi financed the production himself.
He approached the project scene by scene while learning throughout the process.
He said: “A lot of trial and error, just going out and having fun with it.”
If you have a passion, you’ll go out and do it, regardless. It’s not about making money or anything like that.”
The production eventually took five years to complete.
Growing up in Sparkhill and Hall Green heavily influenced Ubhi’s writing.
He said many of the characters were inspired by people he encountered throughout school and college.
Researching organised crime also helped shape the story.
Ubhi explained: “Where I’m from, Sparkhill, Hall Green, we grew up with no money.”
The things we would see and witness as we grew, it stuck with me.”
Those experiences informed much of the dialogue and themes explored throughout the film.
Beyond its crime story, Ubhi wanted This is Birmingham to showcase the city’s diversity.
He described Birmingham as a colourful place filled with different cultures and communities.
Audiences also see both the city’s modern skyline and its tougher neighbourhoods.
Ubhi said: “It’s a great city, we have a lot to offer and we’re here to stay.”
After completing the film, Ubhi approached distributors in hopes of reaching a wider audience.
He eventually connected with a producer from Blue Eyes Film, who helped refine the project.
Ubhi admitted that the film required significant reworking to meet industry standards.
However, he said the improvements strengthened the final version.
Following its release, the film began trending on Amazon Prime Video.
Within days, it reached the platform’s Top 10 most-watched titles in the UK, competing alongside major Hollywood releases.
Ubhi said:
“It kept trending until it hit number one trending a couple of days later… then hit the top 10 most watched in the UK.”
Ubhi also praised the cast and crew who helped bring the project to life.
He reserved special thanks for his father, who raised him as a single parent.
Reflecting on his upbringing, he said:
“I grew up with a single parent and with no money. If it wasn’t for my dad, I don’t really know where I’d be.”
Ubhi added that his journey demonstrates the importance of having a positive role model.
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