Akkineni Nagarjuna has announced that his landmark film Shiva will be re-released on 14 November, in memory of his father, the legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), on his 101st birth anniversary. The film, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, first released in 1989 and went on to become a cult classic that changed the course of Telugu cinema.
Nagarjuna described the re-release as a tribute to his father’s belief in timeless cinema. “My father (ANR) always believed some films live across generations, and Shiva is one of them. Releasing it again in 4K Dolby Atmos is our way of keeping his wish alive,” he said.
When it hit theatres more than three decades ago, Shiva broke industry traditions and introduced a new style of storytelling. Its fresh approach to filmmaking inspired many directors and made audiences look at Telugu cinema differently. It is still remembered as the film that divided the industry into two eras – “before Shiva” and “after Shiva.”
Fans have long demanded to see Shiva restored in high quality. Annapurna Studios has now confirmed that the film has been remastered using advanced AI technology to convert the original mono mix into Dolby Atmos. This is the first time such a method has been used for a Telugu film re-release.
Produced originally by Venkat Akkineni and Surendra Yarlagadda, Shiva created a sensation at the time of its release with its gripping story, powerful performances, and new-age direction. With its return, audiences will be able to experience the film with upgraded visuals and sound.
The re-release is expected to draw both loyal fans who first watched the film in 1989 and a new generation eager to discover why Shiva is considered a milestone. For Nagarjuna, however, the moment is especially personal — a celebration of a film that defined his career and a heartfelt homage to his father’s lasting vision of cinema.
