Shivam (Kannada)
Director: Srinivasa Raju
Cast: Upendra, Saloni, Ragini Dwivedi, Ravishankar, Doddanna, Srinivasamurthy, Bullet Prakash
Those who were apprehensive of the Upendra-starrer Shivam, which has been touted as a controversial film, can heave a sigh of relief.
In fact, they have a reason to celebrate as the film speaks high about the religious and cultural heritage of the land, besides taking on Muslim invaders, including Allauddin Khilji, Babur, Ibrahim Lodhi and Aurangzeb, for destroying the country’s famous temples and converting them into their religious places.
Initially titled Basavanna, director Srinvasa Raju renamed it Brahmin following protests from Veerashaiva groups. Later, he used a symbol of Vibhuti with the vermilion dot and later changed the name to Shivam after protests from the Brahmin community. The movie has been crafted to suit the image of Upendra and to entertain his fans who will certainly not be disappointed with Shivam. The audience will be left wondering why there was a hue and cry about the contents of the movie. There appears nothing to hurt the sentiments of any caste or religion.
Shivam speaks in favour of issues dear to one’s heart such as negation of cow slaughter, despite a weak screenplay.
The film opens with the narration of a priest saving an 11th Century temple from invaders. The king in return grants the right over the temple administration to his family. The burden of carrying this family responsibility falls on Basavanna (Upendra).
He dutifully fights against the mafia to protect the temple. Upendra sports two different looks, as a priest and a RAW agent.
He quotes and recites religious slokas flawlessly. As the RAW agent, he protects the country from terrorists.
Ragini and Saloni fill the glamour quotient and the movie features the beautiful locales of Sweden, Thailand and Turkey.
