A Great Film Begins With A Great Idea: Kamal On Sing Geetham

It was a delight to witness legends Kamal Haasan, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, and iconic producer Ashwini Dutt sharing the stage at the pre-release event of Sing Geetham. The film is set for release on the 11th of this month.

Ashwini Dutt spoke candidly about a lingering regret that had stayed with him for over two decades. “About 25 years ago, I started a film with Singeetham, but due to certain circumstances, the project had to be shelved. From that day until today, I have never truly felt at peace about it. When Nag Ashwin, Swapna, and Priyanka came to me and said they wanted to revive the project, it filled me with immense pride.”

Kamal Haasan revealed that the story behind Sing Geetham was first discussed nearly 45 years ago. While one of the ideas eventually evolved into the iconic Pushpaka Vimanam, the other remained unrealized for decades. Today, that long-forgotten dream has finally found its way to the screen.

What impressed Kamal the most was Singeetham’s refusal to let age define him. He described the veteran filmmaker as a creator whose imagination remains endlessly youthful and who continues to stay ahead of every generation.

“We made Pushpak for just 15 lakhs, but it felt like a 150-crore film to us. That was no exaggeration- it eventually generated far greater value and impact than we ever imagined. Singeetham and I have always believed that what matters most is whether we are satisfied with the film. If we are not, we simply won’t release it.

That happened during Vichitra Sodarulu. After 20 days of shooting, we realized something wasn’t working. We scrapped everything and started over. Had we continued, it would have become a failure. We had to answer for the money already spent, but we weren’t worried because we knew we were correcting a mistake. Only the two of us were responsible for that decision.

A great film doesn’t begin with a star cast or a massive budget. It begins with a great idea. This film has that great idea. If Singeetham had told me about this project four months earlier, I would have loved to stand on stage with this young team. I truly missed that opportunity. But I trust Singeetham so much that I believe I’ll get another chance. So, sing along with Sing Geetham.”

Singeetham Srinivasa Rao responded with characteristic humility. The veteran filmmaker revealed that the concept had been evolving for nearly four decades before finally taking shape through the efforts of Nag Ashwin and Vyjayanthi Movies.

He repeatedly emphasized that the film belongs to the younger team that believed in the project and worked tirelessly to bring it to life.

“Though I may have called the shots in the past, today I must openly acknowledge that this film belongs to Nag Ashwin and his team. I thank him for the affection he has shown me. He has cared for me like a son cares for his father. Devi Sri Prasad is one person who truly understood the vision of this film, and the entire team has done remarkable work.”

He also spoke warmly about Kamal Haasan and the special creative bond they have shared over the years.

In an industry constantly chasing the next big thing, Sing Geetham stands as a reminder that some stories simply wait for the right time, the right people, and the right destiny to bring them to life.