Following the two stylish retro looks of Dhananjaya, 666 Operation Dream Theatre's new character poster has now unveiled Shivarajkumar in a commanding and retro-stylish avatar. Dressed in a dark checkered three-piece suit, vintage tie, and revolver in hand, Shivanna channels the charisma of a classic noir detective or gangster — with slicked-back hair, a sharp moustache, and a piercing, intense gaze. His stride is purposeful, his presence magnetic, hinting at a character who’s as stylish as he is dangerous.
The warm orange and amber-lit backdrop of glowing film strips evokes a nostalgic cinematic feel — like walking through an old-school dream theatre. The visual tone complements the film’s title, reinforcing drama, illusion, and mystery. The stylised title font suggests espionage or a secret mission. The film’s countdown campaign, featuring Morse codes, ticking bombs, spy gadgets, and high-speed chases, has already teased an adrenaline-filled cinematic world.
Likely a hat tip to the iconic CID 999 spy thrillers of Dr Rajkumar, all signs point to Shivanna portraying a super spy. The phrase 'Dream Theatre' itself hints at a layered narrative — perhaps exploring illusion, performance, or double lives, in a setting that blends cinema, crime, and conspiracy.
Director Hemanth M Rao calls the project a dream come true — a chance to revive the spy thrillers he grew up admiring, now brought to life with none other than Shivanna. The first look, he says, is the culmination of a long-cherished cinematic ambition.
“As I’ve mentioned before, I grew up on classics like Dr. Rajkumar’s CID 999, and always wanted to bring that genre back — the sleek spy, the super-agent,” Hemanth shares. “And Shivanna was always that larger-than-life figure I associated with cinema. His filmography, attitude, and aura are something I’ve deeply connected with over the years.”
The path to collaboration wasn’t without setbacks. Hemanth reveals that an earlier project with Shivarajkumar, Bairavana Kone Paata, didn’t materialise. “That character, too, had an intense look and depth. When it didn’t take off, I was heartbroken. But then came 666 Operation Dream Theatre, and I got another opportunity — this time, to present Shivanna in a brand-new avatar.”
The look is intentionally stylised — sharp and rooted in retro glamour. “We studied Dr. Rajkumar’s films for tonal inspiration,” says Hemanth. “But the beauty is, Shivanna has his signature style. We weren’t trying to replicate Annavaru. Instead, we asked: what if that genre returned today — how would Shivanna naturally embody it? He carries an uncanny resemblance to Annavaru at times, which is a huge compliment, but the space he occupies is uniquely his own.”
Hemanth is quick to acknowledge the team effort behind the striking look. “It’s a total team effort. My stylist Inchara Suresh has done fabulous work. The compliments go to her just as much. She understood the era and the character. Together, we sculpted this first impression — and that’s exactly what this poster is. The eye gaze — it’s intense, magnetic, and that’s the curiosity we want the film to build on.”
He adds that this is only the beginning. “This first look is just the tip of the iceberg,” Hemanth teases. “Yes, 666 Operation Dream Theatre is a spy thriller, but it’s layered. The caption on the poster reads ‘Kaansodella nija ella?’ — Is what we see the truth? There’s so much more hidden beneath the surface of this world we’re building.”
With Shivarajkumar and Dhananjaya sharing screen space, the film is set to go on floors in August. “It’s a big canvas and a big vision,” Hemanth signs off. “We’re excited to get started.”
