Nagarjuna’s landmark Telugu film Shiva, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, will return to theatres on November 14, rekindling excitement around one of Telugu cinema’s most influential classics. Renowned filmmaker Sekhar Kammula, celebrated for his realistic and nuanced storytelling, recently spoke about the profound impact Shiva had on his cinematic vision, revealing that the film shaped the way he approaches story development and direction.
Kammula reflected, “Before watching Shiva, I had never heard of Ram Gopal Varma. But after seeing the film, I completely understood what cinema is. It was like a school for me.” He emphasized that the movie’s focus on realism has influenced his own directorial style, underscoring the lasting legacy of Shiva in inspiring filmmakers to push creative boundaries.
Released in 1989, Shiva was a game-changer in Telugu cinema, breaking traditional norms in narrative structure, technical execution, and actor performances. Set against the backdrop of college politics, the action drama resonated strongly with young audiences and established new benchmarks for storytelling in the industry. With its upcoming re-release, both cinephiles and longtime fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience the film’s original impact on the big screen once again.
