Shiva didn't have a written script. Varma narrated the story to Nagarjuna verbally. The story is based on real incidents took place in Siddhartha Engineering college, Vijayawada.
The first Indian film to use Steadicam.
Ram Gopal Varma's debut film.
Well known directors in Tollywood today - Krishna Vamsi, Puri Jagannath, Teja, etc worked in the direction, camera department for this film. This was a major break for all of them to start their careers.
The character of Shiva is loosely based on a student leader in Siddhartha College, Vijayawada.