vrachakonda

Satya is a master class in filmmaking. From the beginning to the end, the movie is raw and gripping. Despite the weighty subject matter, it never comes close to evincing the melodrama that is common in Indian movies today. So many of RGV's choices stand out as unique even today; the scenes where no BGM plays, the "documentary style" shots of Mumbai that add to the content of the story, and the intentionally mysterious Satya character. I particularly enjoyed how naturally the love arc between Satya and Vidya is created (as well as the action of both actors in these bits), the realistic informalism with which Bhiku Mhatre's gang is shown to operate (along with M. Bajpayee's outstanding action), and the music throughout the film.

The strengths of this film are well known but I'll state them one more time. The screenplay is incredibly natural and well structured. For example, the scenes where the new commissioner character is introduced and the background is given on him flow well along with the more specific narrative of Satya's rise in Mhatre's gang. The dark, quiet, almost chilling cinematography sets the tone of the movie, which is to be taken seriously. The music + background music is of course an all time great. I'm glad RGV was forced to have music in the film. Perhaps the most fun part is recognizing all the great current actors and assistants who got their break with this movie (Bajpayee, Kashyap, Sushant Singh, and so many others.

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.

Cant believe this cliched, regressive movie that caricaturized Don Shirley got Best Picture