Last updated: 1 May 2026
Telugu · Action, Crime, Drama
2h 25m · 5 Oct 1989
Music: Ilaiyaraaja | DOP: S. Gopala Reddy | Writer: Ram Gopal Varma, Tanikella Bharani, Iqbal Durrani
Ratings
Our Rating
3.75
Siva follows the story of a young man who arrives in the city for higher education and gets entangled in the violent world of college politics and local mafia. He takes a stand against corruption and crime, leading to a clash with powerful antagonists.
Nagarjuna Akkineni: Powerful and intense debut performance that established him as a leading actor.
Amala Akkineni: Strong and convincing portrayal of the female lead.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Ram Gopal Varma's direction was groundbreaking for Telugu cinema at the time, introducing a gritty and realistic style. The writing was tight, with a focus on raw and intense narrative.
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
| Run | Centers |
|---|---|
| 100 Days Centers | 22 |
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | High appreciation for direction and performances |
| Neutral | Mixed views on pacing and dated elements |
| Negative | Criticism on female character depth |
Critics praised Siva for its fresh approach to storytelling, realistic depiction of violence, and strong performances. It was noted as a cult classic that redefined Telugu cinema's narrative style and technical standards.
Final Box-Office Result
| # | City | Theater | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyderabad | Devi | — |
| 2 | Vijayawada | Raj | — |
| 3 | Visakhapatnam | Jagadamba | — |
| 4 | Tirupati | PGR Movie Land | — |
| 5 | Anantapur | Santhi | — |
| 6 | Kurnool | Anand | — |
| 7 | Madanapally | Krishna | — |
| 8 | Eluru | Kalpana | — |
| 9 | Palakollu | Annapurna | — |
| 10 | Warangal | Gemini | — |
| 11 | Nellore | Krishna | — |
| 12 | Kakinada | Chandragupta | — |
| 13 | Rajahmundry | Kumari | — |
| 14 | Amalapuram | Venkatadri | — |
| 15 | Chilakaluripet | Viswanath | — |
| 16 | Chittoor | Raghava | — |
| 17 | Kadapa | Royal | — |
| 18 | Proddutur | Sudha | — |
| 19 | Bheemavaram | Satyanarayana | — |
| 20 | Tanuku | Narendra | — |
| 21 | Tadepalligudem | Lakshminarayana | — |
| 22 | Guntur | Manga | — |
Siva 1989 released on 5 October 1989 (1989).
Siva 1989 is declared a CLASSIC at the box office.
Siva 1989 is available on ZEE5, Vi Movies and TV, Eros Now, MX Player from 5 January 2019.
Siva 1989 directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Produced by Surendra Yarlagadda.
Siva 1989 stars Nagarjuna Akkineni, Amala Akkineni, Raghuvaran.
Tollybo rates Siva 1989 3.75/5. Verdict: CLASSIC.
Music for Siva 1989 composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
Siva 1989 — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Telugu.
