Legendary filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao has passed away at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai following ill health. He had looked healthy recently, making the news feel all the more unexpected.
For audiences who grew up watching Pushpaka Vimanam, Aditya 369, Mayuri and Bhairava Dweepam, his name carries memories of a filmmaker willing to explore ideas few others would attempt.
That curiosity stayed with him. At 94, he directed Sing Geetham, which became his final film. Swapna Dutt, Priyanka Dutt and Nag Ashwin deserve appreciation for supporting his vision and giving audiences one more film from the legendary director.
When M9 reviewed Sing Geetham, we approached it with utmost respect for its maker. We chose not to give it a numerical rating. Instead, our rating read “Respect/5,” acknowledging a filmmaker still pursuing his passion at 94.
Today, we are glad we expressed that appreciation while he was still with us. What was a gesture of respect then has become a memory we will hold close.
Singeetham garu continued telling stories into his nineties. With Sing Geetham, he added one last experiment to a career full of them. Our farewell carries the same feeling as that review: utmost respect.
Rest in peace, Singeetham garu.
