Shivamani – Review

Action thriller Shivamani featuring Sri Murali in the lead role does not offer a fresh story but goes back to the old and time-tested theme of an orphan fighting the villains and finding his parents in the end. Also, the superhuman power of the lead character is unbelievable and is not outlined in a convincing way.

When waiting at a bus station, Subbanna (Avinash) finds a crawling baby. He bends down to pick up the baby, thus avoiding being hit by a sharp weapon directed at his head. Subbanna, believing that this baby saved his life, takes him home and names him Shiva. 22 years later, Shiva (Sri Murali) is studying at a city college. He has a sacred bead tied round his neck (which had been tied by his parents and is the only way they can identify him). Subbanna, a very tough and strict person, has brought up Shiva the hard way. Shiva is now physically very strong and mentally tough. He is strictly advised by his mentor Subbanna that he should concentrate only on his studies.

But several events at the college force Shiva to forget his promise and use his muscle power. He is so strong that he can defeat several people at a time. Soon, Shiva becomes a nightmare to the underworld don who is also the enemy of Subbanna. In the end, Shiva, after a long and hard fight, kills the don and is predictably reunited with his parents.

Sri Murali excels in action but when it comes to emotional scenes, he looks rigid. Sharmila Mandre, who plays the love interest of Shiva, does not have many scenes, looking plump in song sequences. Vinayaprakash, Ramesh Bhat, Shobaraj and Avinash render good support.

Shivamani is proof that director S.K. Amarnath is good at directing action movies but he should bring in some uniqueness when it comes to the story. A film cannot survive only on well-directed action scenes. Veer Samarth's music is enjoyable and cinematography by Srivenkat is a highlight of the film.

Shivamani is an average action movie with good fight scenes which can satisfy only hardcore action fans.

Banner: S.J.P. Creations
Direction: S.K. Amarnath
Production: Smt. Shantha Jagannath Pai
Music: Veer Samarth
Cast: Sri Murali, Sharmila Mandre, Ramesh Bhat, Avinash, Vinayaprakash, Shobaraj, Kote Prabhakar, Besant Ravi