“Natural Storytelling Is Missing in Today’s Cinema”: Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Veteran filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao believes that while cinema has made remarkable technological progress, natural storytelling and human emotions have become less prominent in modern films. At the age of 94, the acclaimed director has once again demonstrated his passion for innovation through his latest film, Sing Geetham. Speaking about the project, he said his career has always been driven by a desire to create something unique and offer audiences a fresh cinematic experience. From classics such as Pushpaka Vimana and Mayuri to Sing Geetham, experimentation has remained at the heart of his filmmaking journey. Inspired by Broadway musicals, he envisioned a film where the entire story is narrated through songs rather than conventional dialogue, an idea that ultimately became the foundation of Sing Geetham.

The director revealed that the concept had been with him for nearly four decades before being embraced by Nag Ashwin and the production team. Due to his age, he directed the film remotely with technological support, monitoring shoots from his home theatre and guiding actors online. Singeetam credited his success to identifying and enhancing the unique strengths of performers. Reflecting on the industry, he noted that while contemporary films excel in technical brilliance, many lack the emotional depth and realism that once defined cinema. Among recent films, he praised Pushpa 2: The Rule for its strong characterization and Kantara for its emotional storytelling and compelling narrative.