A Film Like ‘Sing Geetam’ Has Never Been Made Before: Nag Ashwin – Nag Ashwin
Legendary filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao is all set to captivate audiences with his prestigious project ‘Sing Geetam’. Produced by Nag Ashwin under the banners of Vyjayanthi Movies and Swapna Cinema, the film stars Ayaan, Ahilya Bamroo, and Shalini Kondepudi in key roles, with music composed by Devi Sri Prasad. The teaser and songs have already generated considerable buzz, and the film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on June 11.
Ahead of the release, producer Nag Ashwin interacted with the media and shared several interesting insights about the film.
How did the journey of ‘Sing Geetam’ begin?
The journey began with Singeetam garu himself. He had wanted to make this story for many years. Interestingly, he once told us that he had narrated this concept to Kamal Haasan even before making Pushpaka Vimana. However, due to other commitments and projects, the film never materialized at that time.
Singeetam garu’s films such as Pushpaka Vimana, Aditya 369, and Bhairava Dweepam have all stood the test of time. Even today, Pushpaka Vimana feels remarkably relevant. Perhaps that timeless quality comes from the lessons he absorbed from classics like Mayabazar. Similarly, Sing Geetam feels like a story crafted specifically for today’s generation.
Why did you choose newcomers instead of established stars?
That decision was entirely Singeetam garu’s. He loves working with the younger generation, not just actors but technicians as well. He gets genuinely excited about collaborating with fresh talent.
Moreover, the film is set in a unique and imaginative world. Casting major stars could have brought along their screen image and expectations. With fresh faces, audiences can immerse themselves more naturally in the story’s universe.
What excited you enough to produce this film after ‘Jathi Ratnalu’?
Producing films is not my primary job. I only produce a film when I come across a story that I truly love and feel no one else can make in the same way.
Jathi Ratnalu was one such film, and Sing Geetam is another. It is an exceptionally unique subject. My admiration for Singeetam garu and my faith in his vision inspired me to back this project.
Is the story connected to gold mines?
The story is fictional. Singeetam garu narrated it to me after Mahanati. It is set in a place called Kuberapura, which has gold mines. The film explores the connection between the town and the mines in Singeetam garu’s signature style, blending humor and humanity.
Every story he tells contains both heart and humor, and Sing Geetam is no exception.
How was your experience working with Singeetam Srinivasa Rao?
The writing and rehearsal process was extensive. We spent nearly nine months just developing the script. Once the cast was finalized, we conducted detailed rehearsals as well.
Singeetam garu is incredibly spontaneous. Sometimes he would suggest an idea and later change it if he felt something better could be done. When we reminded him that it was his original suggestion, he would laugh and ask, “Am I not allowed to be wrong?” That openness and flexibility are qualities I learned from him.
Working with him has been a privilege. Meeting him itself is an honor, but spending two years with him, discussing cinema every day, and helping bring his vision to life is an experience beyond words.
Will today’s youth connect with the film?
Absolutely.
All the dialogues in the film are delivered in a musical format. However, audiences quickly stop noticing that aspect because they become completely immersed in the story. During post-production screenings, I felt every scene flowed naturally and remained highly entertaining throughout. It never feels like you’re simply listening to songs.
Did you contribute creatively as a modern filmmaker?
Sometimes I wonder whether I qualify as a modern filmmaker myself (laughs). But Singeetam garu, even at 94 years of age, is undoubtedly a filmmaker for the new generation.
This film feels like it was directed by a teenager because of its freshness and energy.
I was involved at every stage of the project. Beyond being a producer, I worked closely with him, almost like an assistant director, helping translate his vision onto the screen.
This is not a film that people will watch and forget within a week. We made it with the intention of creating something audiences would remember even ten years from now.
Do you have plans to take the film to a pan-India audience?
Yes, we do.
The film is releasing in Tamil as well. However, expanding it into other languages is a challenging process because all the dialogues are presented musically. Every language version would require its own musical adaptation. Nevertheless, we definitely intend to introduce the film to wider audiences.
Singeetam garu has always thought on an international scale. He often said that no film like this has ever been made anywhere in the world. Initially, we made this film out of love and respect for him. But after completing it, I genuinely feel he was right. A film like this has never been made before, and it may be difficult to make another one like it in the future.
Our generation is fortunate to receive a film like this from a master filmmaker such as Singeetam garu.
How did Devi Sri Prasad react to the story?
Devi Sri Prasad is a legend in his own right. Musically, this was an extremely challenging project. The film features continuous music throughout, yet audiences never feel overwhelmed by it.
The music blends seamlessly with the storytelling and entertainment. Achieving that balance is one of the film’s biggest accomplishments.
Tell us about the lead actors.
Ayaan and Ahilya are exceptionally talented performers with strong screen presence. Ayaan and Shalini are Telugu artists, while Ahilya learned Telugu for the role.
I strongly believe all three have bright futures ahead and will receive many exciting opportunities.
How do you approach experimental films?
No one can accurately predict whether a film will succeed or fail. What we can control is the honesty with which we tell a story.
If that honesty exists, success eventually follows.
When Pushpaka Vimana was made, many questioned how a film without dialogue could work. Yet it remains a classic because it was made with conviction. Similarly, when I made Mahanati, people wondered whether audiences would watch such a film. Until a film is completed, no one truly knows its destiny.
I believe sincerity is the most important ingredient in filmmaking.
Any update on Kalki 2?
Kalki 2 has already begun production. We are planning to start continuous shooting from next month and aim to complete the film at a rapid pace.
“We didn’t make ‘Sing Geetam’ merely as an experiment. We made it to create a timeless cinematic experience—one that audiences will cherish even a decade later,” concludes Nag Ashwin.