On the occasion of completing 50 years, Annapurna studios is planning a grand re-release for its 1989 cult film Shiva. Additionally, the makers have decided to completely redo the sound of Shiva — from the original mono mix to Dolby Atmos for the first time ever using highly advanced AI engineering. The first re-release teaser of the film, with remastered sound, will be released with Coolie’s theatrical prints.
Speaking about the re-release, Nagarjuna said, “Shiva gave me an iconic hero status, making my character unforgettable. It’s popularity motivated my brother Venkat Akkineni and me to plan the re-release with an unprecedented Dolby Atmos sound experience with 4K visuals.”
Ram Gopal Varma added, “Annapurna Studios’ decision to re-release has truly thrilled me. Although the original sound was highly appreciated, it was decided to convert the original mono mix to Dolby Atmos using advanced AI technology, to match today’s standards. People might have seen Shiva before, but I promise no one has experienced it the way they will now, with its brand new sound.”
Marking the directorial debut for Ram Gopal Varma, Shiva delivered a gripping portrayal of students being exploited by anti-social elements, drawing from Varma's own experiences as a student in Vijayawada. The film gained an instant classic status with its raw intensity and realistic action sequences.
With music by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja, Shiva starred Amala as the female lead and Raghuvaran in a memorable negative role. In 1990, the film was remade in Hindi, with most of the the actors reprising their roles. Apart from its pathbreaking success, Shiva also bagged 3 Nandi Awards that year —Best Director and Best Directorial Debut (Ram Gopal Varma), and Best Dialogue Writer (Tanikella Bharani). The film was also featured in the Indian Panorama mainstream section of the 13th IFFI (1990).
The makers are also planning to re-release the film later in Tamil and Hindi, a little after its Hindi release.