“Nag Ashwin Made My 40-Year Dream Come True; ‘Sing Geetham’ Will Be Remembered as a Valuable Film” – Singeetam Srinivasa Rao
Legendary filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao’s latest musical masterpiece Sing Geetham has emerged as a golden blockbuster, winning the appreciation of audiences and critics alike. Produced by Nag Ashwin under the prestigious banners of Vyjayanthi Movies and Swapna Cinema, the film stars Ayaan, Ahalya Bamroo, and Shalini Kondepudi in pivotal roles, with music composed by Rockstar Devi Sri Prasad. Released worldwide on June 12, the film has been enjoying a successful theatrical run.
Speaking about the film and his remarkable cinematic journey, Singeetam Srinivasa Rao shared several fascinating insights.
“This Idea Stayed With Me for 40 Years”
Singeetam revealed that the core concept of Sing Geetham was born nearly four decades ago.
“Around 40 years ago, I had a unique idea—to make a film where every single dialogue is sung instead of spoken. Broadway musicals have songs and dialogues separately, but I wanted to tell an entire story through music. That dream travelled with me for decades before it finally reached Nag Ashwin. He instantly loved the concept and gave it life. Without his trust, passion, and support, this film would never have been made. The biggest credit for Sing Geetham belongs to Nag Ashwin.”
Returning to Direction After a Decade
Talking about directing again after ten years, the veteran filmmaker said technology made it possible.
“Nag Ashwin insisted that I direct the film myself. Though age limits my physical mobility, he created a system that allowed me to direct remotely. From my home theatre, I could monitor every camera, every frame, and communicate with actors and technicians in real time. I directed the entire film from home. Such innovative management was possible only because of Nag Ashwin.”
Understanding Actors Is a Director’s Greatest Strength
Having worked with legends like Kamal Haasan, Dr. Rajkumar, and Nandamuri Balakrishna, Singeetam emphasized the importance of recognizing individual talent.
“Every actor has a unique personality and style. Balakrishna is different from Kamal Haasan, and Kamal Haasan is different from Dr. Rajkumar. My responsibility as a director has always been to identify what makes an actor special and bring out the best in them. That approach has been one of the key reasons behind my success.”
A Musical Where Actors Become Singers
The filmmaker highlighted one of the film’s most distinctive aspects.
“The very idea of Sing Geetham demanded special casting. Every actor in the film sang their own portions. There are no separate playback singers. The performers themselves expressed their characters through song. That is what makes this film truly unique.”
A Lifelong Passion for Experimentation
Known for groundbreaking films such as Pushpaka Vimana, Bhairava Dweepam, Aditya 369, and Michael Madana Kama Raju, Singeetam said innovation has always driven him.
“Since my days working with the legendary K.V. Reddy garu, I have been fascinated by new ideas. During discussions for classics like Mayabazar and Pellinati Pramanalu, the focus was always on creating something fresh. That mindset stayed with me throughout my career.”
More Than an Experiment—A Dream Fulfilled
For Singeetam, Sing Geetham is not merely an experimental film.
“This was a dream that lived within me for decades. The idea of every dialogue being sung fascinated me from the beginning. But the person who transformed that dream into reality is Nag Ashwin. He deserves complete credit for bringing this vision to life.”
Love for Musicals and World Cinema
The veteran director spoke about his admiration for Broadway musicals and world cinema.
“I have loved musicals since my college days. I was fascinated by Broadway productions featuring legends like Gene Kelly. Later, exposure to world cinema through international film festivals expanded my horizons. Films from Japan, Iran, Mexico, and Sri Lanka influenced me deeply and shaped my creative thinking.”
The Film That Deserved More Recognition
When asked about a film that did not receive the recognition it deserved, he recalled his debut film.
“I loved every film I made because I never made a film I didn’t believe in. However, my first film Neethi-Nijayiti was critically acclaimed but failed commercially. That taught me an important lesson—ultimately, audience acceptance matters the most.”
Working with Nag Ashwin, Swapna Dutt and Priyanka Dutt
Singeetam described his collaboration with the Vyjayanthi Movies team as one of the most satisfying phases of his career.
“Working with Ashwini Dutt garu, Priyanka Dutt, Swapna Dutt, and Nag Ashwin has been a wonderful experience. They are passionate about making good cinema. Their primary concern is not collections or box-office numbers but creating meaningful films. That passion deeply impressed me.”
Thoughts on the Evolution of Indian Cinema
Reflecting on changing filmmaking trends, he observed:
“Technology has advanced tremendously since the days of Mayabazar. However, I sometimes feel that natural emotions and human sensitivity have reduced in modern cinema. Today’s films are often driven by larger-than-life heroes and grand spectacles. Stories rooted in everyday life and genuine emotions have become less common.”
Recent Films That Impressed Him
Among contemporary Indian films, Singeetam particularly admired Pushpa 2 and Kantara.
“I loved the characterization in Pushpa 2. Kantara is also a remarkable film with powerful emotions, compelling storytelling, and brilliantly crafted characters.”
A Film for Future Generations
The director believes Sing Geetham is ahead of its time.
“In many ways, this film was designed for Generation Z audiences. It carries an idea that belongs to the future. It is already finding success today, but I believe its value and significance will grow even more with time.”
The Secret Behind His Endless Energy
Even after learning animation in his eighties and directing a musical in his nineties, Singeetam remains driven by curiosity and passion.
“The answer is simple—passion. The desire to do something new, attempt what no one has done before, and offer audiences a fresh experience has always motivated me. From Pushpaka Vimana and Mayuri to Sing Geetham, every experiment in my career has been fueled by that same passion. My search for new ideas has never stopped, and that is what keeps me connected to cinema even today.”
With Sing Geetham, Singeetam Srinivasa Rao has once again proven why he remains one of Indian cinema’s most innovative storytellers. A dream nurtured for 40 years has finally reached the silver screen, and the legendary filmmaker believes its true legacy will only grow stronger with time.
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