It’s time for nostalgia to hit the big screen in style! Ram Gopal Varma’s path-breaking 1989 action-drama Siva—the film that transformed Nagarjuna Akkineni into a superstar—is gearing up for a theatrical re-release like never before. First unveiled in Telugu before being remade in Hindi as Shiva in 1990 (marking Nagarjuna’s Bollywood debut), the film is still celebrated as a milestone in Indian cinema.
Nagarjuna recently took to social media to share the exciting update through a special announcement video. The big reveal? The Siva trailer will premiere alongside Rajinikanth’s much-awaited Coolie on August 14, with the film soon returning to theatres in an all-new avatar—restored in dazzling 4K resolution and immersive Dolby Atmos sound. The Hindi and Tamil versions will follow after the Telugu release.
Looking back, Nagarjuna described Siva as a turning point in his career. He shared that the film cemented his image as an iconic hero and gave him a role that would remain etched in memory. Even after 36 years, its enduring popularity motivated him and his brother, Venkat Akkineni, to bring it back on the grandest scale. For many younger viewers who have only experienced it online, he wanted them to witness its magic on the big screen. Teaming up with RGV and Venkat, Nagarjuna is now set to present Siva in stunning 4K resolution and Dolby Atmos sound for the very first time.
Ram Gopal Varma is equally excited to revisit the film that marked his breakthrough as a director. He recalled that the faith Nagarjuna and the producers had in him back then was a key factor in Siva’s success. He finds it remarkable that audiences still remember every scene and character so vividly. Delighted by Annapurna Studios’ decision to bring the film back, he shared that although the original sound was widely appreciated, it has now been completely re-engineered using advanced AI technology to upgrade the mono mix to Dolby Atmos. According to him, while people may be familiar with Siva, they have never experienced it in this enhanced form—both visually and sonically.
Also starring Amala, Raghuvaran, and JD Chakravarthy, Siva not only redefined action cinema in its era but also left an indelible mark on pop culture. Now, with its upgraded cinematic experience, both loyal fans and first-time viewers are in for a treat that promises to be as electrifying as its first run.
