5 films that establish Century Star Shivarajkumar’s love for the machete

In his career spanning over 130 films, Kannada cinema’s Century Star Shivarajkumar has a fair share of action films and wielded different kinds of weapons. But if there’s one thing that audiences are absolutely thrilled seeing him do is wield a sharp machete, called ‘long’ in Kannada. Every time Shivanna picks up a long, crowds go beserk.

Om 

Director-actor Upendra’s first collaboration with Shivarajkumar was not only a massive hit, but as the first film on the underworld in Kannada, it has set records for the number of times it has been re-released. Considered a cult classic now, the film had Shivarajkumar go from collegian to crime boss in Bengaluru’s underworld. Om featured several real-life gangsters from back in the day on the cast. Shivarajkumar’s performance as Sathya is still hailed as one of his best, given that it also brought the actor the first of four state Best Actor Awards.

Jogi 

For director-actor Prem, Jogi is a film about a mother-son sentiment, but for the outside world, it is a about the underworld, rowdyism and bloodshed. The film was a massive theatrical success and followed Shivarajkumar’s character becoming an underworld don, in the process of which he loses his mother. The tragedy in the tale resonated with audience, who made the film a cult hit.

Kaddi Pudi 

Shivarajkumar’s first collaboration with Sukka Suri had him playing a rowdy who works as a politician’s henchman. When he then tries to clean up his way of life and settle for normalcy, his foes from his days in the underworld make sure that that remains a distant dream. Shivarajkumar was paired with Radhika Pandit in this film.

Mufti & Bhairathi Ranagal 

In director Narthan’s directorial debut, Shivarajkumar played a crime lord called Bhairathi Ranagal, who appears only in the second half of the movie. The film focused on the investigation by an undercover cop, Gana (Sriimurali), who infiltrates the ranks of Ranagal’s men, only to find out that all his illegal activities and violence has been for the benefit of the people of Ronapura.

In 2024, Narthan had made a prequel to Mufti, exploring how Ranagal came to be the feared crime lord of Ronapura.

Tagaru 

Shivarajkumar was a man on a mission as a ruthless cop hunting down gangsters, especially those responsible for the loss of his love. The film directed by Sukka Suri had Shivarajkumar gunning down gangsters, but the action was incomplete without having the Century Star use a 'long' to good effect. The film also starred Bhavana, Manvitha Harish, Dhananjaya, Vasishta N Simha, among others. It was Suri's first collaboration with music man Charanraj, with the title track, Tagaru Banthu Tagaru, continuing to top charts.