Akkineni Nagarjuna, known for his versatile roles, took a different turn in his film choices after delivering back-to-back hits in 2002 with the family-oriented love story “Santosham” and the romantic comedy “Manmadhudu.” In 2003, Nagarjuna decided to collaborate with the Mass director Puri Jagannadh, who was enjoying a successful streak with consecutive hits. Puri Jagannadh was renowned for crafting protagonists that seamlessly fit the demands of the script. This collaboration generated significant anticipation among fans and netizens alike. The resulting film, titled “Sivamani,” was an out-and-out action film and proved to be successful at the box office. This shift in genre showcased Nagarjuna’s ability to excel in diverse roles and genres.
When Sivamani hit the screens in 2003, Nagarjuna’s remarkable transformation and powerful portrayal as a police officer garnered praise from both fans and critics. His distinct dialogue delivery and commanding screen presence resonated well with the audience. Asin and Rakshitha complemented the narrative as love interests, and Prakash Raj added depth as the antagonist. The film, produced by Puri Jagannadh under Vaishno Academy, showcased Nagarjuna in a new light, surprising everyone. The music by Chakri added to the film’s appeal. However, one element that became an unexpected sensation was the use of Nagarjuna’s character’s phone number, 9848022338, in the movie. This number, a subtitle of sorts, gained immense popularity but also led to controversies. A legal suit was filed by an individual who claimed that the filmmakers did not seek permission to use his phone number in the film. This controversy took a comedic turn in the movie itself, with a scene featuring MS Narayana facing a similar situation portrayed in a humorous manner.
In the first half of Sivamani, Nagarjuna’s character, a formidable police officer, takes center stage as he sets out to eliminate local gangs and their leader. Amidst the heroic actions, a heartwarming love story with Asin unfolds. The second half takes an emotional turn as it explores the separation of the lead pair due to the machinations of the antagonist, played by Prakash Raj. Rakshitha, the second female lead, plays a pivotal role in unraveling the flashback and attempting to reunite Nagarjuna and Asin. The narrative delves into Nagarjuna’s character’s journey as he confronts the antagonist after being reunited with his love, Asin. Sivamani is a full-fledged mass entertainer with Nagarjuna commanding the screen in the role of a powerful police officer.
The film’s dialogues left a lasting impact, and one of the standout lines that resonates with many is “Na Peru Sivamani…Naku Koncham Mental,” showcasing the powerful and memorable dialogues that contributed to the film’s appeal.
