Uppi's Shivam review

After Golden star Ganesh, it's now the turn of Real star Upendra to appease his fans. His latest offering Shivam promises to be controversial, unique and a realistic take on religion and its history. The much awaited Kannada flick hit theatres today. Before we tell you the reasons to watch or not watch the movie, let's take a look at the production crew.

Directed by Srinivasa Raju

Produced by C. R. Manohar

Written by Srinivasa Raju

Screenplay by Srinivasa Raju

Starring Upendra, Saloni Aswani, Ragini Dwivedi

Music by Mani Sharma

Cinematography Venkat Prasad

Edited by Vinod Manohar

Production company Tanvi Films

Here are reasons why you must watch this movie

• The movie has generated ever since it was announced for its controversial content
• Real star Upendra's movies are often realistic and creative and this is no different.
• The movie has been shot in India, Sweden, Thailand and Turkey.
• Upendra will be seen bald for 40 minutes of the movie
• Director Srinivasa Raju said: "Upendra has very less dialogues in this film, that's quite a change from what people have seen of him on screen so far."
• Titles that were considered for the movie include Hara Hara Mahadev and Basavanna. However, following uproar by the Lingayat community that it was linked to social reformer Basavanna, former Karnataka chief minister BS Yedyurappa suggested that the title be changed. Later the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce denied permission to name the film Brahmana. It was then the makers decided to use a symbol of Nandi (bull) instead of a name for title. However, this too was rejected by KFCC. The title Shivam was finalised in the end.
• The posters and first look of the film too drew a lot of flak and sparked controversy.
• The censor board passed the movie with a U/A (parental guidance) certificate
• The movie is now ready to be screened post 25 cuts which has made the film shorter by 4 minutes. The director said that the edited portions had dialogues on religion and demolition of Indian temples in the past
• Upendra went through 6 hours of makeup daily for his bald look
• Ragini Dwivedi's Snake tattoo on her body became a rage soon as the first look went viral. She was last seen in Arakshaka with Uppi
• The second lead is Saloni Aswani who was cast opposite Uppi in Buddhivanta and Dubai Babu

Review: Shivam is a disappointment to say the least. Even after sitting through the movie for 2 hours, the audience will be left wondering what the message of this movie is all about!
For Upendra who's known to pick up real stories and novel themes, this one falls flat.

Verdict: Watch it at your own risk. Not worth it.

Rating: 2/5

Check out the audience reaction for Shivam on Twitter here...

#Shivam @realupendra First on helicopter then speed boat, then bullet and now on a horse. What's the qualifications of a RAW agent.

— Shashiprasad S M (@smshashiprasad) January 2, 2015

#Shivam starring @realupendra and @raginidwivedi24 released in 170 theaters across Karnataka @FilmibeatKa

— Shama Sundara S K (@shamsundar_sk) January 2, 2015

#Shivam movie starring @realupendra & @raginidwivedi24 releasing with cuts tmrw all over Karnataka #SackLeelaSamson pic.twitter.com/aYE9vyF3On

— Hindu Defense League (@HDL_Global) January 1, 2015

#Shivam interval. And of course, the villain is non-vegetarian and says Aham Brahmasmi!

— ಎಸ್ Mayura (@ShyamSPrasad) January 2, 2015

#Shivam no difference between foreign HF/ Jersey cows and religious Indian cows

— ಎಸ್ Mayura (@ShyamSPrasad) January 2, 2015

.@realupendra & @raginidwivedi24 *er #Shivam releasing today all over Karnataka. Wishing the team all the very best. pic.twitter.com/nf1e8tiiHu

— NamCinema.com (@NamCinema) January 2, 2015

#SHIVAM releases today ....:) excited thrilled :) butterflies ... See you soon :) at Kapali 😘😘😘

— RAGINI DWIVEDI (@raginidwivedi24) January 2, 2015

#SHIVAM Grand Release Today. Where are You watching the FDFS? :) @realupendra @raginidwivedi24 @ipriyanka_Up pic.twitter.com/j1wXcmfMVN

— cineloka.co.in (@cineloka) January 2, 2015

Real Star @realupendra-@raginidwivedi24 *er Most Expected #SHIVAM Grand Release Tdy. How many of u r watching FDFS :) pic.twitter.com/AD4GbvshWp

— cineloka.co.in (@cineloka) January 2, 2015

Stage set for Uppi's #Shivam. Grand release tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/qoMnqvf2yj

— Kannada Films (@Sandalwoodnews) January 1, 2015

My intro song #Shivam here it's is jus for you ;) enjoy 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘https://t.co/oyTGMQqBKX

— RAGINI DWIVEDI (@raginidwivedi24) December 31, 2014

Check out the movie trailer to get a peek into the story

We will soon be back with the report on box office collection. So, come back for all the movie updates.