It's hard to rate an industry classic honestly and accurately, especially one as hallowed as Siva. Watching in 2019, some plot holes (i.e. how does he get married and acquire power so quickly) and technical mishaps (i.e. many scenes where extras are out of character or poorly shot) tend to weigh on the viewing experience a little heavier than in 1989.
With all that said, Siva is still an absolute must watch. Its obvious directorial innovations, Nagarjuna's and Raghuvaran's acting, and the realistic elements of the storyline continue to dazzle 30 years later. What frankly surprised me is how outstandingly gripping the movie is; I didn't expect to be on the edge of my seat for so long. I cannot imagine what the experience must have been like in the theaters.
It's clear why the film retains an iconic status in the pantheon of Telugu cinema. Highly recommend for all viewers.
With all that said, Siva is still an absolute must watch. Its obvious directorial innovations, Nagarjuna's and Raghuvaran's acting, and the realistic elements of the storyline continue to dazzle 30 years later. What frankly surprised me is how outstandingly gripping the movie is; I didn't expect to be on the edge of my seat for so long. I cannot imagine what the experience must have been like in the theaters.
It's clear why the film retains an iconic status in the pantheon of Telugu cinema. Highly recommend for all viewers.