Nagarjuna’s cult classic ‘Shiva’ returns to theatres after 36 years: Now in 4K and Dolby Atmos, check show timings

Hyderabad: Veteran actor Akkineni Nagarjuna’s landmark film ‘Shiva’ is making a grand comeback to the big screen after 36 years. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma and originally released in 1989, the action-drama — also starring Amala and Raghuvaran — is all set for a re-release with stunning 4K visuals and an unprecedented Dolby Atmos sound experience. The film’s teaser will be attached to Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’ on August 14.

Expressing his excitement, Nagarjuna said that ‘Shiva’ was the film that gave him an iconic hero status. “Even after 36 years, it remains one of the most talked-about films. My brother Venkat Akkineni and I felt we owed it to the audience who made it a cult classic, and to a new generation who’ve only seen it on YouTube. So RGV, Venkat, and I decided to bring it back in the grandest way possible,” he added.

Director Ram Gopal Varma, equally thrilled, shared, “It’s unbelievable that even today, people remember every scene and character. Annapurna Studios’ decision to re-release it has excited me immensely. Using advanced AI, we’ve converted the original mono mix into Dolby Atmos. No one has experienced ‘Shiva’ like this before.”

Originally remade in Hindi in 1990 with the same lead cast, ‘Shiva’ not only became a box-office phenomenon but also secured a place in the Indian Panorama mainstream section at the 13th IFFI and won three prestigious Nandi Awards — Best Director (Varma), Best First Film of a Director, and Best Dialogue Writer (Tanikella Bharani).

This cinematic milestone is now set to roar back into theatres, promising fans — old and new — an experience like never before.