Siva is like star dust which fell on earth and turned into a magical experience: Nagarjuna

Ram Gopal Varma’s directorial debut, the iconic Siva, release 31 years ago on October 5 in 1989.

The film had a stellar star cast, with Nagarjuna Akkineni and Amala heading the show, and actors like

JD Chakravarthy

, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Gollapudi Maruthi Rao, Tanikella Bharani, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Brahmaji and more playing key roles. The film was a game-changer when it release for the fact that it explored the themes of exploitation of students by anti-social elements and more at a time when formulaic romantic dramas or comedies were the norm. The film had music by Ilaiyaraaja and cinematography by S Gopala Reddy.

On the occasion, let’s take a look back to when the film’s principal cast and crew reminisced about it on the film’s silver jubilee. The whole team got together to celebrate the occasion and on that day Nag revealed the secret he kept close to his heart all these years. “I never revealed the real reason why I said yes to this film.

RGV

believes I was impressed by his intensity and passion for cinema, however what truly cinched the deal was the conversation we had,” he said, adding, “I began talking to RGV about stars, constellations and galaxies, told him I believe there might be life on another planet. When he agreed with me I realised he shared my sensibilities. Siva is like star dust which fell on earth and turned into a magical experience.”

Amala revealed that for the first time in her career, she had a director narrating the film to her shot by shot. “It was new to me. More than the film though, I remember the time spent on sets with everyone clearly even today. It’s like a beautiful dream which makes me smile whenever I think of it,” she said. RGV revealed that while many believed he could’ve been a successful director even if

Nagarjuna

hadn’t given the nod for the project, he said he believed otherwise. “I can’t think of any other actor back in 1989 who would understand my perspective and sensibilities. The entire credit for Siva truly goes to Nagarjuna,” he added.

JD Chakravarthy, who got his moniker JD from his character in the film, stated that his life changed forever due to one scene from the film. “No points for guessing, it’s the cycle chain scene where I get bashed by Nagarjuna!” he said, adding, “The best part was, the film gave me the opportunity to get blessings from ANR and his wife Annapurna, who told me I’d become a promising actor. I even preserved the original cycle chain used in the film for the very reason.”