Stun Siva

In 1981, a young Siva had the opportunity to observe the filming of 'Garjanai' featuring Rajnikanth. Although he wasn't professionally involved at the time, the experience deepened his respect for the actor.

Years later, Siva's professional trajectory intersected with Rajinikanth's when he took on the role of "Stunt Director" for the film 'Jailer[5]'. Produced by Sun Pictures and directed by Nelson, "Jailer" starred Rajnikanth, Shivaraj Kumar, and Mohanlal. The movie is known for Nelson's distinct combination of action and dark humor.

For Siva, working with Rajinikanth was a significant milestone, especially considering his past roles as a stuntman in Rajinikanth's films such as "Mannan,” ”Pandian," "Ejaman," and "Muthu."

While the film's action was choreographed by Kevin and Steven, Siva was responsible for the impactful fight sequences that contributed to the film's acclaim.

In Gautham Menon's film "Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu," Siva demonstrated his diverse skills both as a stunt choreographer and an actor.[6] The film features several action sequences, including notable bike and car chases, which bear testament to his expertise in choreography.

Additionally, Siva took on the role of “Royapuram Mani” in the film, playing an antagonist in the introductory scene, showcasing his acting capabilities.

It's noteworthy that the introduction scene of "Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu" featuring Kamal Haasan is often highlighted in online searches related to the actor's best introductory scenes.

Stun Siva began his professional association with Vijay as a stuntman for the film "Deva." Over the years, their collaboration expanded to include films such as "Love Today,[7]" "Once More," "Kannukul Nilavu," “Kadhaluku Mariyathai,” and “Kaavalan,”[8] with Siva serving as the stunt director.

In "Kadhalaku Mariyathai," their combined efforts were evident in a high-risk climax scene, which was successfully completed in a single take. Their work in "Kaavalan" emphasized realism, from high-speed driving sequences without the use of safety measures to an impromptu staircase roll scene.

Reflecting on their time working on "Deva," a notable fight sequence[9] that took several days to film stands out as a testament to their commitment and professionalism.

In addition to his choreography, Siva's versatility was on display in "Chandralekha." He also portrayed the antagonist, Karikaalaan, in the film "Theri."

Stun Siva's association with the acclaimed director Bala commenced with the film “Sethu,”[10] which featured Vikram in the lead role. The film was notable for its realistic portrayal of stunts, which received significant attention and praise.

Their collaborative efforts persisted with 'Nandha',[11] in which Suriya played the lead role. The film played a pivotal role in shaping Suriya's image as an action hero and is considered a landmark in his filmography.

Siva collaborated with Bala once more for 'Pithamagan',[10] a film that starred both Vikram and Suriya. Additionally, Siva choreographed an action sequence in the film “Naan Kadavul” which had Arya in the lead. His dedication to realism was evident in 'Pithamagan', where he employed actual flesh to produce sound effects, underscoring his commitment to authenticity.

In the realm of Telugu cinema, "Akhanda,"[12] featuring Nandamuri Balakrishna, stands as a testament to Stun Siva's expertise in choreographing action sequences. The film's portrayal of the 'Aghori' character, particularly the action sequences associated with this role, was well-received by audiences.

One of the film's notable sequences is a water-based action scene, which involves a chase involving the lead actress and her daughter. This scene, set within a cave and culminating in the film's climax, was filmed in a natural river stream. Despite the presence of potential hazards like insects and snakes, the crew prioritized safety while capturing the raw essence of the scene.

Stun Siva's sons, Kevin and Steven, contributed significantly to the film's choreography, particularly in designing the fight scenes.[13] One innovative element introduced by Kevin was the incorporation of a character rotating a wheel during a combat sequence, which added a unique visual element to the film.

"Akhanda" achieved significant success at the box office, and its impact extended beyond Indian shores. The New York Times highlighted the film's innovative stunts and acknowledged Boyapaati Sreenu's contributions, underscoring the movie's influence on international cinematic action choreography.

Looking ahead, the film “Skanda,”[14] directed by Boyapati Srinu and featuring Ram Pothineni, promises to be an action spectacle. Stun Siva, along with Kevin and Steven, are responsible for choreographing the film's action sequences.

Stun Siva made his mark in Bollywood with films such as 'Ghajini', 'Gabbar is Back',[15] and 'Zanjeer'. His expertise in seamlessly weaving action sequences into the storyline quickly established him as a notable figure in the Hindi film industry. "Ghajini," in particular, stood out both critically and commercially. The film achieved significant box office success, with collections reportedly surpassing 400 crores. Notably, certain sequences, including the house fight scene, were especially well-received, contributing to the film's recognition at the IIFA Awards in 2008.

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