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RGV: How Shiva Revolutionized Indian Cinema with Steadicam
13 Mar
Summary
- Ram Gopal Varma became India's first filmmaker to use a Steadicam.
- He was inspired by Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick's films.
- Shiva's release led to over 20 Steadicams being imported within a year.
At the Red Lorry Film Festival in 2026, director Ram Gopal Varma recounted his groundbreaking use of the Steadicam in his 1990 film, Shiva. Varma, inspired by Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick's cinematic techniques, learned of the Steadicam's existence.
He discovered an unused Steadicam in Hyderabad, noting that locals were hesitant due to unfamiliarity with its operation. Varma embraced the technology, becoming the first Indian filmmaker to utilize it.
The impact of the Steadicam in Shiva was immediate and palpable. Audiences recognized its uniqueness, even without knowing the equipment's name. This innovation led to a surge in interest, with more than 20 Steadicams imported into India within a year of the film's debut.
