Stun Siva
- Stunts
- Actor
V Sivakumar, widely recognized as Stun Siva, is a prominent figure in Indian cinema, celebrated for his unparalleled contributions to cinematic stunt choreography. Hailing from Chennai, Siva's early interest in the Vietnamese Martial Art of Ovinam laid the foundation for his illustrious career. His journey, which began as a motorbike mechanic, has since seen him evolve into a revered stunt choreographer, coordinator, director, and actor. Over the years, he has collaborated with film giants like Rajini Kanth, Kamal Hassan, Vijay, and Aamir Khan. His work in movies such as "Akhanda", "Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu", and the highly-praised "Jailer" underscores his dedication to the craft. Beyond his contributions, Siva's influence in the industry is further amplified by the successes of his sons, Kevin and Steven, who have followed his path and are making their marks as innovative stunt directors. A staunch advocate for safety and realism in stunts, Siva's commitment to authenticity and innovation continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and choreographers.
Early Life and Education
Born on the 15th of June 1970 in Chennai, V Sivakumar, widely recognised as 'Stun Siva', set forth on a cinematic journey that epitomises evolution in Indian cinema as a stunt performer, stunt choreographer, stunt coordinator, stunt director, actor and second unit director.
He completed his education up to the SSLC level and underwent specialised training in Martial Arts. With proficiency in the Vietnamese Martial Art of Ovinam, guided by Master Thun and Nyhau, he carved a niche for himself in the world of stunts. Stun Siva is known for creating realistic and dynamic fight scenes.
Career Beginnings
Transitioning from his initial days as a motorbike mechanic, Siva ventured into bike jumps, car chases, and, eventually, the art of toppling vehicles. This wasn't just a profession for him but a deeply ingrained passion.
Early in his career, he worked as an assistant for prominent stunt masters, including Kanal Kannan and Rambo Rajkumar. He worked on over 100+ projects as an assistant, often uncredited, but these endeavours sharpened his skills for the accolades that were to come.
Significant Works in Indian Cinema
Bonding with Super Star Rajinikanth In 1981, 11-year-old Siva witnessed the shooting of the movie 'Garjanai' starring Rajnikanth". Though not professionally involved then, this experience intensified his admiration for Rajinikanth.
Years later, this admiration came full circle when he worked as "Stunt Director" on 'Jailer'. Sun Pictures collaborated with Director Nelson for "Jailer," featuring Superstar Rajnikanth, Shivaraj Kumar, and Mohanlal. The film is enriched by Nelson's unique blend of action and dark comedy.
For Stun Siva, collaborating with Rajni Kanth was a moment of pride, especially recalling his days as a Stuntman for Rajni's earlier films like "Mannan," "Pandian," "Ejaman," and "Muthu."
While Kevin and Steven choreographed the film's action, Stun Siva spearheaded the dynamic fight sequences that played a pivotal role in the film's success.
Venturing into New Dimensions with Ulaga Nayagan Kamal Haasan
In Gautham Menon's "Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu," Stun Siva showcased his versatility as a stunt choreographer and an actor. His expertise was palpable in the film's thrilling sequences, particularly the bike and car chases.
His role in front of the camera as "Royapuram Mani" as an antagonist in the introduction scene has further highlighted his multifaceted talents.
Moreover, the search results for the best intro scene of Mr. Kamal Haasan, Vettaiyadu Vilayadu intro scene will be the first to appear in the search results.
Brotherhood with Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay
Stun Siva's early collaborations with Vijay began with "Deva '' as a stuntman. This partnership flourished over the years with films like "Love Today," "Once More," "Kannukul Nilavu", "Kadhaluku Mariyathai" and "Kavalan" as a stunt director under their belt.
Their synergy was particularly evident in "Kadhalaku Mariyathai," where a high-risk climax scene was executed flawlessly in a single take. Their collaboration on "Kaavalan" emphasised authenticity, from driving at high speeds without safety measures to a spontaneously planned and executed staircase roll scene.
Recollecting their work on "Deva," a challenging fight sequence spanning several days stands out, showcasing both their dedication and professionalism.
Stun Siva's choreography expertise was also evident in "Chandralekha." Further showcasing his versatility, Siva took on the role of the villain, Karikaalaan, in "Theri."
Raw and Real with Director Bala
Stunt Siva's collaboration with State Award-winning director Bala began with the groundbreaking movie "Sethu" starring Vikram". This film was revolutionary in many ways, with its stunts executed in a raw and realistic manner, garnering widespread acclaim.
Their successful partnership continued with 'Nanda', featuring Suriya. This movie was a turning point for Suriya, establishing him as a formidable action hero and marking a significant milestone in his career.
He joined Bala again for Pithamagan, starring both Indian Actor Vikram and Indian Actor Suriya. Stun Siva did one action sequence in the movie "Naan Kadavul '' featuring Indian Actor Arya. He is also known for his groundbreaking work in 'Pithamagan', where he used real flesh for sound effects, highlighting his commitment to authenticity.
Collaborations Across the Industry
Indian Actor Dhanush's riveting performance in films like "Thodari and Naane Varuven" is a testament to the synergy between the actor and Stun Siva's choreography.
Indian Actor Suriya, transitioning gracefully from romantic roles, showcased intense action in films like "Nanda," "Perazhagan," "Mounam Pesiyathe," and "Pitha Magan" under Stun Siva's guidance.
Indian Actor Simbu displayed his acting range in films like "Thotti Jaya" and "Eeshwaran." With his roles in "Pithamagan", "Sethu," and "Vinnukum Mannukum", Indian Actor Vikram further highlighted the dynamism Stun Siva brought to his projects. Indian Actor Vijay Sethupathi's performances in movies like "Imaikaa Nodigal" & "Viduthalai" and his contributions to the Chennai Stunt Union underscore the depth of their collaboration.
Indian Actor Jayam Ravi's roles in the movies "Adanga Maru" and "Bhoomi" were elevated by Stun Siva's choreography, and it's worth noting the significant role his father played in introducing Stun Siva to the Telugu Film Industry.
Indian Actor Sarathkumar's disciplined fitness regimen and performance in the film "Simmarasi" showcased the effectiveness of their collaboration.
Meanwhile, Indian Actor Vishal's commitment to fitness played a significant role in the success of the film "Sathyam," a project they worked on together.
Director Vetrimaaran's relentless energy and storytelling prowess added another dimension to the films they collaborated on. Looking ahead, Siva is set to direct the action in 'Viduthalai 2', promising an even more electrifying cinematic experience.
Extending the Borders to Tollywood
In Telugu cinema, "Akhanda,'' Starring Indian Actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, is a testament to his prowess. The film's unique approach to action sequences, especially those involving the 'Aghori' character, resonated deeply with audiences.
His commitment to authenticity was further displayed in a daring water fight sequence, chasing the heroine and her daughter and the introduction scene of the "Aghori" character inside the cave till the climax scene.
Filmed in an actual river stream surrounded by various insects and snakes, the crew, while ensuring all safety measures, embraced the inherent risks to capture the scene's raw intensity.
Stun Siva's sons Kevin and Steven's choreography and fight scene designing contributions, especially the climactic scenes, brought fresh innovation to the project. Kevin's idea of a character rotating a wheel during an intense fight elevated the film's visual appeal and set the trend for subsequent filmmakers.
"Akhanda '' enjoyed monumental success at the box office. Its acclaim wasn't just confined to India. The New York Times spotlighted the movie's groundbreaking stunts, specifically mentioning Boyapaati Sreenu's contributions, emphasising the film's global impact on cinematic action choreography.
The upcoming movie "Skanda", directed by Boyapaati Sreenu and starring Indian Actor "Ram Pothineni", is an action-packed film, and the jam-packed action sequences are choreographed by Stun Siva and his sons Kevin and Steven.
Entering the Heartland of Indian Cinema, Bollywood
Stun Siva's foray into Bollywood was marked by films like 'Gajini', 'Gabbar is Back', and 'Zanjeer'. His ability to craft action sequences intertwined with the narrative made him a sought-after name in the Hindi film industry. The emotional intensity of "Ghajini" was palpable, with a box office collection exceeding 400 crores. The house fight sequence and a few other sequences garnered widespread acclaim, leading to an IIFA Award 2008.
Brief Works in the Malayalam Cinema
Stun Siva's choreography in films like 'Chronic Bachelor', directed by Siddiq Laal and featuring the talented Indian Actor Mammootty, stands out in Malayalam cinema. Mammoty's skill as a natural performer made it a memorable experience, and their collaboration spanned several films.
Touching upon the Kannada CInema
Stun Siva's notable collaborations with Indian Actor Puneeth Rajkumar, especially in films like "Ajay" & "Power," and the movie "Jaggu Dada" featuring Indian Actor Dharshan Thoogudeep, have left an indelible mark on the Kannada film industry.
Influences and Personal Life
Supported by his family, Siva often drew inspiration from legendary figures like Bruce Lee. His professional network included industry stalwarts like Anbariv, and his sons, Kevin Kumar and Steven Kumar, have become stunt directors.
Despite facing a near-fatal accident during the shooting of 'Mr. Romeo', 'Puthiya Mannargal' and Thozhar Pandian', a risky auto toppling action, show his relentless determination and makes him bounce back with even more passion. Safety in stunts was always his priority, advocating for specialised equipment and best practices.
Legacy and Impact
Stun Siva's dedication and innovative approach to stunt choreography has firmly established him as a legend in cinematic stunts. With each leap, fall, and choreographed fight, he continues to inspire and awe, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic world.
Early Life and Education
Born on the 15th of June 1970 in Chennai, V Sivakumar, widely recognised as 'Stun Siva', set forth on a cinematic journey that epitomises evolution in Indian cinema as a stunt performer, stunt choreographer, stunt coordinator, stunt director, actor and second unit director.
He completed his education up to the SSLC level and underwent specialised training in Martial Arts. With proficiency in the Vietnamese Martial Art of Ovinam, guided by Master Thun and Nyhau, he carved a niche for himself in the world of stunts. Stun Siva is known for creating realistic and dynamic fight scenes.
Career Beginnings
Transitioning from his initial days as a motorbike mechanic, Siva ventured into bike jumps, car chases, and, eventually, the art of toppling vehicles. This wasn't just a profession for him but a deeply ingrained passion.
Early in his career, he worked as an assistant for prominent stunt masters, including Kanal Kannan and Rambo Rajkumar. He worked on over 100+ projects as an assistant, often uncredited, but these endeavours sharpened his skills for the accolades that were to come.
Significant Works in Indian Cinema
Bonding with Super Star Rajinikanth In 1981, 11-year-old Siva witnessed the shooting of the movie 'Garjanai' starring Rajnikanth". Though not professionally involved then, this experience intensified his admiration for Rajinikanth.
Years later, this admiration came full circle when he worked as "Stunt Director" on 'Jailer'. Sun Pictures collaborated with Director Nelson for "Jailer," featuring Superstar Rajnikanth, Shivaraj Kumar, and Mohanlal. The film is enriched by Nelson's unique blend of action and dark comedy.
For Stun Siva, collaborating with Rajni Kanth was a moment of pride, especially recalling his days as a Stuntman for Rajni's earlier films like "Mannan," "Pandian," "Ejaman," and "Muthu."
While Kevin and Steven choreographed the film's action, Stun Siva spearheaded the dynamic fight sequences that played a pivotal role in the film's success.
Venturing into New Dimensions with Ulaga Nayagan Kamal Haasan
In Gautham Menon's "Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu," Stun Siva showcased his versatility as a stunt choreographer and an actor. His expertise was palpable in the film's thrilling sequences, particularly the bike and car chases.
His role in front of the camera as "Royapuram Mani" as an antagonist in the introduction scene has further highlighted his multifaceted talents.
Moreover, the search results for the best intro scene of Mr. Kamal Haasan, Vettaiyadu Vilayadu intro scene will be the first to appear in the search results.
Brotherhood with Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay
Stun Siva's early collaborations with Vijay began with "Deva '' as a stuntman. This partnership flourished over the years with films like "Love Today," "Once More," "Kannukul Nilavu", "Kadhaluku Mariyathai" and "Kavalan" as a stunt director under their belt.
Their synergy was particularly evident in "Kadhalaku Mariyathai," where a high-risk climax scene was executed flawlessly in a single take. Their collaboration on "Kaavalan" emphasised authenticity, from driving at high speeds without safety measures to a spontaneously planned and executed staircase roll scene.
Recollecting their work on "Deva," a challenging fight sequence spanning several days stands out, showcasing both their dedication and professionalism.
Stun Siva's choreography expertise was also evident in "Chandralekha." Further showcasing his versatility, Siva took on the role of the villain, Karikaalaan, in "Theri."
Raw and Real with Director Bala
Stunt Siva's collaboration with State Award-winning director Bala began with the groundbreaking movie "Sethu" starring Vikram". This film was revolutionary in many ways, with its stunts executed in a raw and realistic manner, garnering widespread acclaim.
Their successful partnership continued with 'Nanda', featuring Suriya. This movie was a turning point for Suriya, establishing him as a formidable action hero and marking a significant milestone in his career.
He joined Bala again for Pithamagan, starring both Indian Actor Vikram and Indian Actor Suriya. Stun Siva did one action sequence in the movie "Naan Kadavul '' featuring Indian Actor Arya. He is also known for his groundbreaking work in 'Pithamagan', where he used real flesh for sound effects, highlighting his commitment to authenticity.
Collaborations Across the Industry
Indian Actor Dhanush's riveting performance in films like "Thodari and Naane Varuven" is a testament to the synergy between the actor and Stun Siva's choreography.
Indian Actor Suriya, transitioning gracefully from romantic roles, showcased intense action in films like "Nanda," "Perazhagan," "Mounam Pesiyathe," and "Pitha Magan" under Stun Siva's guidance.
Indian Actor Simbu displayed his acting range in films like "Thotti Jaya" and "Eeshwaran." With his roles in "Pithamagan", "Sethu," and "Vinnukum Mannukum", Indian Actor Vikram further highlighted the dynamism Stun Siva brought to his projects. Indian Actor Vijay Sethupathi's performances in movies like "Imaikaa Nodigal" & "Viduthalai" and his contributions to the Chennai Stunt Union underscore the depth of their collaboration.
Indian Actor Jayam Ravi's roles in the movies "Adanga Maru" and "Bhoomi" were elevated by Stun Siva's choreography, and it's worth noting the significant role his father played in introducing Stun Siva to the Telugu Film Industry.
Indian Actor Sarathkumar's disciplined fitness regimen and performance in the film "Simmarasi" showcased the effectiveness of their collaboration.
Meanwhile, Indian Actor Vishal's commitment to fitness played a significant role in the success of the film "Sathyam," a project they worked on together.
Director Vetrimaaran's relentless energy and storytelling prowess added another dimension to the films they collaborated on. Looking ahead, Siva is set to direct the action in 'Viduthalai 2', promising an even more electrifying cinematic experience.
Extending the Borders to Tollywood
In Telugu cinema, "Akhanda,'' Starring Indian Actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, is a testament to his prowess. The film's unique approach to action sequences, especially those involving the 'Aghori' character, resonated deeply with audiences.
His commitment to authenticity was further displayed in a daring water fight sequence, chasing the heroine and her daughter and the introduction scene of the "Aghori" character inside the cave till the climax scene.
Filmed in an actual river stream surrounded by various insects and snakes, the crew, while ensuring all safety measures, embraced the inherent risks to capture the scene's raw intensity.
Stun Siva's sons Kevin and Steven's choreography and fight scene designing contributions, especially the climactic scenes, brought fresh innovation to the project. Kevin's idea of a character rotating a wheel during an intense fight elevated the film's visual appeal and set the trend for subsequent filmmakers.
"Akhanda '' enjoyed monumental success at the box office. Its acclaim wasn't just confined to India. The New York Times spotlighted the movie's groundbreaking stunts, specifically mentioning Boyapaati Sreenu's contributions, emphasising the film's global impact on cinematic action choreography.
The upcoming movie "Skanda", directed by Boyapaati Sreenu and starring Indian Actor "Ram Pothineni", is an action-packed film, and the jam-packed action sequences are choreographed by Stun Siva and his sons Kevin and Steven.
Entering the Heartland of Indian Cinema, Bollywood
Stun Siva's foray into Bollywood was marked by films like 'Gajini', 'Gabbar is Back', and 'Zanjeer'. His ability to craft action sequences intertwined with the narrative made him a sought-after name in the Hindi film industry. The emotional intensity of "Ghajini" was palpable, with a box office collection exceeding 400 crores. The house fight sequence and a few other sequences garnered widespread acclaim, leading to an IIFA Award 2008.
Brief Works in the Malayalam Cinema
Stun Siva's choreography in films like 'Chronic Bachelor', directed by Siddiq Laal and featuring the talented Indian Actor Mammootty, stands out in Malayalam cinema. Mammoty's skill as a natural performer made it a memorable experience, and their collaboration spanned several films.
Touching upon the Kannada CInema
Stun Siva's notable collaborations with Indian Actor Puneeth Rajkumar, especially in films like "Ajay" & "Power," and the movie "Jaggu Dada" featuring Indian Actor Dharshan Thoogudeep, have left an indelible mark on the Kannada film industry.
Influences and Personal Life
Supported by his family, Siva often drew inspiration from legendary figures like Bruce Lee. His professional network included industry stalwarts like Anbariv, and his sons, Kevin Kumar and Steven Kumar, have become stunt directors.
Despite facing a near-fatal accident during the shooting of 'Mr. Romeo', 'Puthiya Mannargal' and Thozhar Pandian', a risky auto toppling action, show his relentless determination and makes him bounce back with even more passion. Safety in stunts was always his priority, advocating for specialised equipment and best practices.
Legacy and Impact
Stun Siva's dedication and innovative approach to stunt choreography has firmly established him as a legend in cinematic stunts. With each leap, fall, and choreographed fight, he continues to inspire and awe, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic world.
