At 94, most filmmakers are content to look back on the careers they have built. Singeetham Srinivasa Rao is not one of them. He returned after 13 years to direct his 61st film, Sing Geetham, not with a safe crowd-pleaser, but with an experiment so audacious that producer Nag Ashwin admits it had “no reference point” in Indian cinema . While it may not entirely conquer the Everest it scales, this musical fantasy remains a stirring tribute to the power of cinematic imagination.
The Curse of Kuberapuram
The film follows Pratap (Ayaan), a young man who arrives in the isolated village of Kuberapuram, hoping for a better future. However, the village is cursed: its inhabitants cannot speak normally and must communicate entirely through song . The plot thickens with themes of greed, identity, and hope as Pratap gets entangled in a scheme to sell the village’s gold mine and must confront a force that has turned life into an eternal musical .
A Format with No Precedent
The sheer novelty of Sing Geetham is its greatest strength. This is not a film with musical numbers inserted between scenes; here, music is the language. Composer Devi Sri Prasad had to compose dialogues with rhythm and emotion, a task he handles impressively . The film’s unique concept, which Singeetham had discussed with Kamal Haasan over forty years ago, challenges the very grammar of mainstream Indian cinema .
A Master’s Vision, A Team’s Effort
Producer Nag Ashwin’s commitment to realizing this vision, despite the logistical challenges of filming a 94-year-old director, is commendable . The 77-day shoot is a testament to Singeetham’s undiminished passion . While the film’s pacing falters in the first half, the emotional core strengthens post-interval, showcasing the director’s signature blend of social commentary and entertainment .
Conclusion: An Imperfect Miracle
Sing Geetham is more than a film; it is a celebration of cinema’s potential. While its ambition may not be fully realised, and its VFX and pacing are flawed, it stands as a bold statement . As a testament to a filmmaker who, at 94, is still asking, “Why not?” it is an essential watch for anyone who believes in the magic of movies.
