Lagaan Director Gowarikar Says Shiva Was a 'punch in the Gut'
Amid the buzz, acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, known for Lagaan and Swades, spoke fondly about Shiva while interacting with the media.
King Nagarjuna captured the imagination of audiences with his cult classic Shiva, a film that not only launched Ram Gopal Varma as a path-breaking director but also redefined Telugu cinema’s visual and narrative style. The film is set to re-release on November 14, 2025, allowing fans and movie lovers to relive the magic on the big screen once again.
Amid the buzz, acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, known for Lagaan and Swades, spoke fondly about Shiva while interacting with the media.
“Certain films leave such an impact that you always remember them,” he said. “One such film for me is Ram Gopal Varma’s Shiva. It wasn’t just a film — it was a punch in the gut.”
Gowariker recalled his awe when he first watched the movie. “Shiva made me sit up and ask, ‘Who is this director and how is he creating this energy on screen?’” he remarked. He went on to name his favourite moments: “That opening scene, the bicycle chain moment — and then there was Nagarjuna. Wow! His stillness, his resolve — it was magnetic.”
On the professional front, Ashutosh Gowariker is currently in talks with Kannada star Rishab Shetty for a grand historical epic based on the revered King Krishnadevaraya, which is expected to go on floors next year.
