Shiva(1990)
Shiva is a 1990 Indian Hindi-language action drama film written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. It stars Nagarjuna in his Hindi debut, alongside Amala, Raghuvaran, and J. D. Chakravarthy. The story follows a new college student who challenges a campus gang controlled by a local gangster and a corrupt politician. The film is a remake of Varma's own Telugu film Siva (1989) and features the same principal cast. It is noted for its realistic action sequences and its unflinching portrayal of campus violence and corruption. The film was a commercial success and helped establish Ram Gopal Varma as a prominent director in Hindi cinema. It was later followed by a prequel in 2006.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, ShemarooMe, Airtel Xstream Play, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1990
- Director
- Ram Gopal Varma
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 41m
- Rating
- 3.7/10
Storyline
Shiva arrives at a college ruled by a violent student gang backed by a powerful gangster. He refuses to bow down. He fights the gang, wins the student election, and marries the woman he loves. But the gangster strikes back, killing his wife. Shiva must destroy the gangster to free the city, even if it costs him everything.
“One man. One fight. Everything to lose.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Shiva
Trivia
- The film was inspired by a real-life incident where director Ram Gopal Varma witnessed a student union fight at a Hyderabad college.
- This was the first major Hindi film role for actor Nagarjuna, who was already a star in Telugu cinema.
- The film's raw, handheld camera work was unusual for Bollywood at the time and helped create its gritty feel.
- The famous 'cycle chain' fight scene was filmed in a single continuous shot, which was very innovative for 1990.
- Composer Ilaiyaraaja, a legend in South Indian cinema, made his Hindi film debut with the music for 'Shiva'.
- The film's success is often credited with launching the trend of realistic, campus-based action dramas in the 1990s.
- Director Ram Gopal Varma also wrote the story and screenplay, marking his own major breakthrough in Hindi cinema.