Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Last updated

Singeetam Srinivasa Rao
Singeetam srinivasa rao.jpg
Born (1931-09-21) September 21, 1931 (age 92)
Udayagiri, Madras Presidency, British India (now Andhra Pradesh, India)
NationalityIndian
Alma mater University of Madras
Occupations
  • Film director
  • screenwriter
  • producer
  • composer
  • actor
Awards National Film Awards
Nandi Awards
Filmfare Awards South
Karnataka State Film Awards

Singeetam Srinivasa Rao (born 21 September 1931) [1] is an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, composer, and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the most versatile filmmakers of India. [2] [3] He is credited with having revolutionised the South Indian cinema with experimental films. [4] [3] He has directed about sixty films in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, and English languages across multiple genres. [3] [5] [2] He has garnered two National Film Awards, five Nandi Awards, three Karnataka State Film Awards, and three Filmfare Awards South. In 2011, Rao was honored with Life Achievement Award from the Film Federation of India. [6]

Contents

Singeetam worked as an assistant to noted director K. V. Reddy from 1955 to 1968 in films like Mayabazar (1957), Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961). [7] [8] [9] He made his directorial debut with the Telugu film Neethi Nijayithi (1972). He then directed social problem films like Dikkatra Parvathi (1974), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil, [8] [10] and Tharam Marindi (1977), which won Nandi Award for Best Feature Film. [11]

He went on to direct notable films like Panthulamma (1978), Mayuri (1985), Anand (1986), Pushpaka Vimana (1987), Aditya 369 (1991), Brundavanam (1992), Magalir Mattum (1994), Bhairava Dweepam (1994), Madam (1994), and Son of Aladdin (2003). Mayuri won a record 14 Nandi Awards, [12] [13] and the dialogue-less film, Pushpaka Vimana received the National Film Award for Best Popular Film. [14] [15] Aditya 369 and Bhairava Dweepam are considered landmark films in science fiction and fantasy genres respectively in Telugu cinema. [4] [16] [17] [18]

He is particularly noted for his collaboration with two actors — Dr. Rajkumar and Kamal Haasan — which resulted in commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. With Kamal Haasan, he collaborated on Sommokadidhi Sokokadidihi (1979), Raja Paarvai / Amavasya Chandrudu (1981), Pushpaka Vimana (1987), Apoorva Sagodharargal (1990) and Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990) among others. [8] [19] With Rajkumar, he directed films like Haalu Jenu (1982), [20] Chalisuva Modagalu (1982), Eradu Nakshatragalu (1983), and Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma (1986). [21] [22]

Early life

Singeetam Srinivasa Rao was born on 21 September 1931 in a Telugu family in Udayagiri of Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. His father, Ramachandra Rao, was a headmaster and his mother, Sakunthala Bai, was a violinist. [8] As a school student, he showed glimpses of talent both in plays and music. He graduated with a Physics Degree from Presidency College, Chennai. [23] [9] In college, he honed his skills in plays such as Windows under Harindranath Chattopadhyay. [8]

Career

Early career

After graduation his ambition was to get into films. As his attempts to meet the director K. V. Reddy failed, he took up the job of a teacher in Sullurupeta. [8] But he continued writing and wrote two experimental award-winning plays Bhrama and Anthyaghattam. He also wrote Chitrarjuna, a musical play adopted from Tagore's Chitra - Prince of the Dark Chamber. It was translated into English by Scottish dramatist Tom Buchan for an American television channel. He also worked as a journalist at the time writing for Telugu Swatantra. [8] [9]

Telugu cinema

He continued his efforts to meet his favourite director K. V. Reddy and in 1954 he was finally able to meet him. K. V. Reddy gave him a copy of The Monkey's Paw and asked him to write a script based on it. Srinivasa Rao wrote the script along with dialogues in three months. K. V. Reddy was impressed and took him as an apprentice. [8] He later graduated as an associate director under K. V. Reddy and worked with him for all his films from Donga Ramudu (1955) until Uma Chandi Gowri Sankarula Katha (1968) including Mayabazar (1957), Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961), Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham (1963). [7]

In 1972, Srinivasa Rao ventured into film direction with Neethi Nijayithi, an offbeat Telugu film. The film won critical acclaim but was not commercially successful. [8] He then directed the social problem film Tharam Marindi (1977) which won the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film. [11]

He made other successful Telugu films like Zamindaru gari Ammayi (1975), America Ammayi (1976), Panthulamma (1978), Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi (1979), Mayuri (1985), America Abbayi (1987), Aditya 369 (1991), Brundavanam (1992), Bhairava Dweepam (1994), Madam (1994). Mayuri won a record 14 Nandi Awards including the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film. [12] [13] Srinivasa Rao won the Nandi Award for Best Screenplay Writer for Brundavanam and the Nandi Award for Best Director for Bhairava Dweepam. Aditya 369 and Bhairava Dweepam are considered classic films in science fiction and fantasy genres respectively in Telugu cinema. [4] [16] [17] [18]

He made over half of his films in Telugu. He directed nearly 30 Telugu films across genres. His most recent film was Welcome Obama (2013). The story deals with commercial surrogacy in India where women are used as surrogates by foreigners and tells the story of one such surrogate mother who bears a foreigner's child. [1]

He is also roped in as a mentor for the upcoming Telugu science fiction film Project K. Made at an estimated budget of ₹500 crore, it is one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. Srinivasa Rao gave his inputs and opinion on the film's script as a part of the mentorship. [24]

Kannada cinema

Srinivasa Rao was the executive director of the 1970 Kannada movie Samskara directed by Pattabhirama Reddy. It won the President's gold medal for National Film Award for Best Feature Film. [2] Singeetam made his Kannada directorial debut with the 1982 blockbuster Haalu Jenu starring Rajkumar. He went on to direct six more Kannada blockbusters with Rajkumar - Chalisuva Modagalu (1982), Eradu Nakshatragalu (1983), Shravana Banthu (1984), Jwaalamukhi (1985), Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma (1986) and Devatha Manushya (1988). Two of these were based on novels. He was selected to direct the historical Amoghavarsha Nrupathunga which was supposed to be Rajkumar's 200th movie but eventually dropped. [25] However, he subsequently went on to direct Devatha Manushya (1988) which happened to be Rajkumar's 200th film.

His other non-Rajkumar Kannada directorials include Anand (1986) and Chiranjeevi Sudhakara (1988) apart from Ksheera Sagara (1992), Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi (1999) and Make-up (2002) in the latter part of his career. He co-wrote the screenplay for two Kannada movies produced by Rajkumar's banner that were not directed by him - Shruthi Seridaaga (1987) and Samyuktha (1988). He was also the script-writer of Belliyappa Bangarappa (1992). A disciple of legendary composer S. Rajeswara Rao, he has composed music for two Kannada films - Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma and Samyuktha. [26]

Most of the films he directed in Kannada were produced by Parvathamma Rajkumar and all were critically and commercially successful. Of the seven films Srinivasa Rao directed with Rajkumar in lead roles, four movies were remade in Telugu. Singeetam's association with Rajkumar was a rare one where he not only directed cult classics and landmark movies but also co-wrote screenplay and composed music for movies produced by the actor even though they were not directed by him. This stands as a testimony for the faith Rajkumar had in the abilities of Rao and the admiration Srinivasa had for Rajkumar. [27] In 1988, when Rajkumar announced his desire to temporarily retire from acting, Singeetam decided to concentrate on Tamil movies where he mostly had Kamal Haasan in the lead roles. [28]

The Kannada Film Journalists Association has honoured Srinivasa Rao with a Special Biography. Srinivasa Rao received three Karnataka State Film Awards — two for Best Screenplay and one for Best movie. [2]

Lyricist and composer

He composed lyrics for films like Bhairava Dweepam (1994) and soundtracks for a few Kannada films. He edited many magazines in Telugu such as Bharati, and scripted plays like Brahma, Antya Ghattam, and Chitrārjuna. Chitrārjuna was also translated into English, and was telecasted in American Television. [29] A disciple of legendary composer S. Rajeswara Rao, he has also composed music for two Kannada movies of matinee idol Rajkumar's banner - Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma (which was directed by him) and Samyuktha - (which was not directed by him). [30]

Innovative cinema

Srinivasa Rao (right) at IFFI 2015 In conversation with Director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao at the 46th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2015), in Panaji, Goa on November 25, 2015.jpg
Srinivasa Rao (right) at IFFI 2015

The 1984 Telugu biographical dance film, Mayuri , which won the National Film Award – Special Mention (Feature Film), was premiered at the 1985 International Film Festival of India, has also received several state Awards, including the State Nandi Award for Best Feature Film, and Filmfare Award South for Best Direction. [31] The film was later remade into Hindi as Naache Mayuri .

In 1988, he co-produced, scripted and directed the first Indian dialogue-less film, Pushpaka Vimana which received special mention at Shanghai Film Festival. [32] [33] When he was working with Rajkumar, Srinivasa Rao was introduced to Rajkumar's relative, actor Shringar Nagaraj who decided to co-produce Pushpaka Vimana. [34] The film was listed among CNN-IBN's 'Hundred greatest Indian films of all time'. [35]

The comedy-drama blockbuster Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989) was one of the enduring works on dwarfism in popular media. [36] [37] The film won the Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil, and was premiered at the International Film Festival of India. The Telugu crossover films like America Ammayi (1976), and America Abbayi (1987) were box office hits. The 1990 action comedy, Michael Madana Kama Rajan - a movie about quadruplets [38] - became an instant hit at the box office.

The Telugu science fiction film Aditya 369 was one of the highest grossing Telugu films of 1991, grossing ₹9 crore at the box office. [39] A sequel, entitled Aditya 999, was delayed indefinitely in July 2016. [40] Another science fiction in Tamil, Chinna Vathiyar was also an instant hit. The 1994, folklore Bhairava Dweepam garnered the state Nandi Award for Best Direction.

The 2003 animation film, Son of Aladdin , had 1100 shots and 125 characters. [41] The film won Special Mention in the Competition section at the 2003 International Children’s Film Festival Hyderabad, [42] [43] [44] and subsequently premiered at the 37th International Film Festival of India. [45] The 2008 animation film Ghatothkach received special mention at the Grand Finale - Children's Film Festival 2014 of the 44th International Film Festival of India. [46]

Upcoming projects

Srinivasa Rao plans to make a sequel to Aditya 369 in the future. [4] He also expressed his wish to direct a pre-recorded experimental film — a musical in which he wants to use pre-recorded sequences and dialogues while shooting. He also wants to make a documentary on the making of Apoorva Sagodhararkal. He also wants to write a book on the making of Pushpaka Vimana, and his autobiography in the form of a screenplay. [5]

Collaborators

Srinivasa Rao is particularly noted for his collaboration with two actors - Dr. Rajkumar and Kamal Haasan - which resulted in commercially successful and critically acclaimed movies. With Kamal Haasan he made films such as Pushpaka Vimana (1987), Apoorva Sagodharargal (1990) and Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1991) among others, [19] He also directed Kamal Haasan in his 100th film Raja Paarvai / Amavasya Chandrudu (1981). [47]

He directed Rajkumar in seven Kannada films in the 1980s. [21] Notable among them are Haalu Jenu (1982), [20] Chalisuva Modagalu (1982), Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma (1986), [22] and Rajkumar's 200th film Devatha Manushya (1988). He was also the first person to direct Dr. Rajkumar and all his three sons. [48] He directed Shiva Rajkumar and Raghavendra Rajkumar in their debut movies, Anand (1986) and Chiranjeevi Sudhakara (1988) respectively. [21] [49] He had also directed Puneeth Rajkumar as a child artiste in Eradu Nakshatragalu in which he played dual role. [50] Most of his Kannada films were produced by Parvathamma Rajkumar whose ability to judge what would work with the audience and whose story-picking knack he believed in. [51] He was the only director to have worked with her on at least one film in each of the seven years during 1982 to 1988. [52]

Srinivasa Rao also collaborated with Balakrishna in three films — the science fiction film Aditya 369 (1991), fantasy film Bhairava Dweepam (1994), and the mythological film Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam (1996). [53] [54] Aditya 369 and Bhairava Dweepam are considered landmark films in science fiction and fantasy genres respectively in Telugu cinema. [4] [16] [17] [18] He directed Rajendra Prasad in two films —Brundavanam (1992) and Madam (1994). Both were commercially successful.

Kannada actor Shivaram has been a part of all seven movies of Srinivasa Rao starring Rajkumar. B. C. Gowrishankar, a regular cameraman for Rajkumar movies, was selected as the cinematographer for Srinivasa Rao's later movies - Pushpaka Vimana [55] and Michael Madana Kama Rajan. [56] Another regular technician of Rajkumar movies - art director Peketi Ranga - was also selected as the art director for Srinivasa Rao's Michael Madana Kama Rajan. [57]

Influences

His favourite litterateurs are Vemana, Mark Twain, and P. G. Wodehouse. [58] He feels no one has expressed the truths of everyday life better than Vemana. He was introduced to Mark Twain by an American missionary when he was eight. He considers Robin Hood to be his favourite hero of fiction. [58]

Accolades

In 2010, Srinivasa Rao headed the Jury of the Indian Panorama at the 8th Chennai International Film Festival. [59] In 2011, Srinivasa Rao received the Life Achievement Award from the Film Federation of India at the 4th Global Film Festival. [6] Srinivasa Rao was also the Guest of honor alongside Barrie Osbourne at the Media and Entertainment Business Conclave 2012 hosted by FICCI and FFI. [60] [61] In 2012, Srinivasa Rao served as one of the selection committee members for the Sundance Institute's screenwriters lab. [62]

19th Chennai International Film Festival
Film Federation of India
National Film Awards
Nandi Awards [63]
Karnataka State Film Awards
Filmfare Awards South

Filmography

YearFilmLanguageDirectorProducerWriterNotes
1972 Neeti-Nijayiti TeluguYesDirectorial debut in Telugu cinema
1974 Dikkatra Parvathi TamilYesYesYesDirectorial debut in Tamil cinema
National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil
Filmfare Award for Best Film - Tamil
1975Zamindaru gari AmmayiTeluguYes
1976Oka Deepam VeligindhiTeluguYes
1976 America Ammayi TeluguYesYesYes
1977 Tharam Marindi TeluguYesYesYesNandi Award For Best Feature Film
1977Andame AnandamTeluguYesYesYes
1977 Panthulamma TeluguYesYesYesAlso actor
1977Niraparayum NilavilakkumMalayalamYesDirectorial debut in Malayalam cinema.
1978RaamachilakaTeluguYesRemake of Annakili
1978Gammathu GoodacharuluTeluguYes
1979 Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi TeluguYesYesStarring Kamal Haasan
1979Mangala ThoranaluTeluguYes
1980Triloka SundariTeluguYes
1980Gandara GolamTeluguYes
1980Pilla ZamindarTeluguYesYes
1981 Raja Paarvai
Amavasya Chandrudu		Tamil
Telugu		YesStarring Kamal Haasan
1981JegantaluTeluguYes
1982Thrilok SundhariHindiYes
1982 Haalu Jenu KannadaYesYesYesDirectorial debut in Kannada
Karnataka State Film Award for Best Film
Starring Rajkumar
1982 Chalisuva Modagalu KannadaYesYesStarring Rajkumar
1983 Eradu Nakshatragalu KannadaYesYesStarring Rajkumar and Puneeth Rajkumar
1983 Andhra Kesari TeluguActor
1983Raju Rani JackieTeluguYesYes
1984 Shravana Banthu KannadaYesStarring Rajkumar
1984 Vasantha Geetam TeluguYesYes
1984Sangeeta SamratTeluguYes
1984 Mayuri TeluguYesYesNandi Award for Best Feature Film
Filmfare Award South For Best Direction
Nandi Award for Best Screenplay
1985 Jwaalamukhi KannadaYesYesStarring Rajkumar
1986 Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma KannadaYes Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay
Also Music director
Starring Rajkumar
1986 Anand KannadaYesYes Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay
Starring Shiva Rajkumar in his debut
1986 Naache Mayuri HindiYes
1987 America Abbayi TeluguYesYes
1987 Shruthi Seridaaga KannadaYesCo-screenplay writer
Starring Rajkumar
1987 Pushpaka Vimana SilentYesYesYes National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment
Filmfare Award for Best Director – Kannada
Starring Kamal Haasan
1988 Devatha Manushya KannadaYesStarring Rajkumar ( his 200th movie)
1988Chiranjeevi SudhakaraKannadaYesStarring Raghavendra Rajkumar in his debut
1988 Samyuktha KannadaYesCo-Screenplay writer and Music Director
Starring Shiva Rajkumar
1989 Apoorva Sagodharargal TamilYesStarring Kamal Haasan
1990 Michael Madana Kama Rajan TamilYesStarring Kamal Haasan
1991 Aditya 369 TeluguYesYesStarring Nandamuri Balakrishna
1992Ksheera SagaraKannadaYesYesStarring Kumar Bangarappa
1992 Belliyappa Bangarappa KannadaYesStarring Kumar Bangarappa
1992 Brundavanam TeluguYesNandi Award for Best Screenplay
1993 Phool HindiYesYes
1994 Magalir Mattum TamilYes
1994 Bhairava Dweepam TeluguYesYes Nandi Award for Best Director
Nandi Award for Best Feature Film
Also Lyric writer for Virisinadhi Vasantha Gaanam
Starring Nandamuri Balakrishna
1994 Madam TeluguYesYes
1995 Chinna Vathiyar TamilYes
1996 Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam TeluguYesYesStarring Nandamuri Balakrishna
1998Raja HamsaTeluguYesYes
1998 Kaathala Kaathala TamilYesStarring Kamal Haasan
1999 Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi KannadaYesStarring Raghavendra Rajkumar
2001 Little John English
Hindi
Tamil		YesYes
2001 Akasa Veedhilo TeluguYesYes
2002 Make-up KannadaYesStarring Jaggesh
2003 Vijayam TeluguYes
2003 Son of Aladdin EnglishYesYesSpecial Mention in the Competition section at the 2003 International Children's Film Festival
2005 Mumbai Xpress Hindi
Tamil		YesStarring Kamal Haasan
2008 Ghatothkach HindiYesYesAnimation Film
2010 Varudu TeluguActor
2013Chinni Chinni AasaTeluguActor
2013 Welcome Obama TeluguYesYesRemake of Marathi movie Mala Aai Vhhaychy!
2015 Kanche TeluguActor
2022PratibimbaluTeluguYesThe film was shot in 1982, but released in 2022[ citation needed ]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kamal Haasan</span> Indian actor, dancer and filmmaker (born 1954)

Kamal Haasan is an Indian actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, playback singer, television presenter, social activist and politician who works mainly in Tamil cinema. Besides Tamil, he has also appeared in some Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada and Bengali films. Considered as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema, Haasan is also known for introducing many new film technologies and film making techniques to the Indian film industry. He has won numerous accolades, including Four National Film Awards, Nine Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, Four Nandi Awards, One Rashtrapati Award, Two Filmfare Awards and 17 Filmfare Awards South. He was awarded the Kalaimamani Award in 1984, the Padma Shri in 1990, the Padma Bhushan in 2014 and the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Chevalier) in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soundarya</span> Indian actress, producer

Sowmya Sathyanarayana, better known by her stage name Soundarya, was an Indian actress known for her works primarily in Telugu cinema in addition to Kannada, Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam films. She has received three Nandi Awards, two Karnataka State Film Awards and six Filmfare Awards South. In 2002, she received the National Film Award for Best Feature Film as a producer for the Kannada film Dweepa.

<i>Pushpaka Vimana</i> (1987 film) 1987 film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Pushpaka Vimana is a 1987 Indian black comedy film written and directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, who co-produced it with Shringar Nagaraj. The film, which has no dialogue, stars Kamal Haasan leading an ensemble cast that includes Samir Khakhar, Tinu Anand, K. S. Ramesh, Amala, Farida Jalal, Pratap Potan, Lokanath, P. L. Narayana and Ramya. It revolves around an unemployed graduate who encounters a drunk rich man unconscious and takes over his lifestyle after keeping him prisoner. However, he does not realise the dangers he has brought upon himself because a hired killer believes him to be his target.

<i>Raja Paarvai</i> 1981 film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Raja Paarvai is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language romance film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. The story was written by Kamal Haasan, for whom the film was his 100th as an actor and first as a producer. The score and soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Loosely based on the 1972 film Butterflies Are Free, it was simultaneously made and released as Amavasya Chandrudu in Telugu. Despite being a box office failure, the film received critical acclaim, and Haasan's performance won him the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actor. Thota Tharani made his debut as an art director with the film.

<i>Michael Madana Kama Rajan</i> 1990 film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Michael Madana Kama Rajan is a 1990 Indian Tamil-language comedy film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao and written by Kamal Haasan, with Crazy Mohan penning the dialogues. The film stars Haasan in four roles alongside Urvasi, Rupini and Khushbu, while Manorama, Delhi Ganesh, Nassar, Vennira Aadai Moorthy, S. N. Lakshmi, Jayabharathi, R. N. Jayagopal, Nagesh, Praveen Kumar, Santhana Bharathi and R. S. Shivaji play supporting roles. It revolves around quadruplets who get separated at birth and cross paths as adults.

<i>Subha Sankalpam</i> 1995 film by K. Viswanath

Subha Sankalpam is a 1995 Indian Telugu-language film directed by K. Viswanath and produced by noted singer, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. It stars Kamal Haasan, Aamani and Priya Raman, with Viswanath also playing a pivotal role. P. C. Sreeram handled the camera while M. M. Keeravani composed the music for the film. The film won five Nandi Awards and three Filmfare Awards. The film was later dubbed into Tamil language as Paasavalai.

<i>Apoorva Sagodharargal</i> (1989 film) 1989 film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Apoorva Sagodharargal is a 1989 Indian Tamil-language masala film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. The film features an ensemble cast including Kamal Haasan, Jaishankar, Nagesh, Gautami, Rupini, Manorama, Srividya, Janagaraj, Moulee, Delhi Ganesh and Nassar. The plot centers on the twins Raju and Appu, who were separated during childhood, and Appu's quest for revenge against the criminals who killed his father.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sowcar Janaki</span> Indian actress (born 1931)

Sankaramanchi Janaki, widely known as Sowcar Janaki, is an Indian actress known for her works in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada language films. Janaki has appeared in close to over 390, films, predominantly in Telugu. She also performed on stage in over 300 shows and was a radio artist during her earlier years. She is the recipient of two Nandi Awards, a Kalaimamani and India's fourth-highest civilian award Padma Shri. Her younger sister, Krishna Kumari, is also a noted actress.

<i>Mayuri</i> (film) 1985 Indian film

Mayuri (transl. Peacock) is a 1985 Indian Telugu-language biographical dance film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao and produced by Ramoji Rao. Based on the life of Sudha Chandran, the film stars her in the title role while P. L. Narayana, Nirmalamma, Y. Vijaya, Potti Prasad, K. K. Sharma, S. R. Raju and Suthi Veerabhadra Rao played supporting roles.

<i>Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi</i> 1979 film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi is a 1979 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. Kamal Haasan plays a double role as an honest doctor and a happy-go-lucky youth. He was paired with Jayasudha and Roja Ramani. Prabhakar Reddy, Sarathi, Pandari Bai, Kanta Rao, Ramaprabha and C. S. Rao play supporting roles. This was the first film of Singeetam Srinivasa Rao and Kamal Haasan together.

<i>Bhairava Dweepam</i> 1994 film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Bhairava Dweepam is a 1994 Indian Telugu-language high fantasy film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao who co-wrote the film with Raavi Kondala Rao. It is produced by B. Venkatarama Reddy under the Chandamama Vijaya Pictures banner. The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna and Roja, with music composed by Madhavapeddi Suresh. The film was a box office success and won nine state Nandi Awards. Bhairava Dweepam is considered as a landmark fantasy film in Telugu cinema.

<i>Brundavanam</i> 1992 Indian film

Brundavanam is a 1992 Indian Telugu-language comedy film co-written and directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. It stars Rajendra Prasad and Ramya Krishna, with music composed by Madhavapeddi Suresh. The film was produced by B. Venkatarama Reddy under the Chandamama Vijaya Combines banner. The film won two state Nandi Awards.

<i>Aditya 369</i> 1991 film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Aditya 369 is a 1991 Indian Telugu-language science fiction film written and directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. It is considered to be the first time travel film made in Indian cinema. The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna and Mohini while Amrish Puri, Tinnu Anand, and Suthivelu play supporting roles. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja and Jandhyala wrote the dialogues. The film was produced by S. Anitha Krishna on Sridevi Movies banner with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam as the presenter. Upon release, the film received critical acclaim and was a commercial success. It received two Nandi Awards. Aditya 369 is considered a landmark film in the science fiction genre in Indian cinema. The film explored dystopian and post-apocalyptic themes in a satirical manner.

<i>Anand</i> (1986 film) 1986 film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Anand is a 1986 Indian Kannada-language film directed by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. It stars Shiva Rajkumar and Sudha Rani with both making their debuts. The film went on to be a huge success running for 38 weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shringar Nagaraj</span> Indian film actor (1939–2013)

Gangolli Ramashet Nagaraj, popularly known as Shringar Nagaraj, was an Indian actor, cameraman, and producer in Kannada cinema. He is best known for the 1987 silent film Pushpaka Vimana, which won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

<i>Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma</i> 1986 Kannada film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma is a 1986 Indian Kannada-language comedy film. The title of the film was borrowed from a devaranama written by 12th century Haridasa Purandara Dasa. This film was written and directed Singeetham Srinivasa Rao who also composed and scored the film's soundtrack. The film stars Rajkumar, Madhavi and K. S. Ashwath in the pivotal roles.

<i>Haalu Jenu</i> 1982 Kannada film by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao

Haalu Jenu is a 1982 Indian Kannada-language tragicomedy film directed by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, starring Rajkumar, Madhavi and Roopa Devi. The movie is famous for its evergreen songs, which were composed by G. K. Venkatesh. The movie was remade in Telugu in 1985 as Illale Devata.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madhavapeddi Suresh</span> Indian composer and singer (born 1951)

Madhavapeddi Suresh is an Indian music composer and playback singer who works in Telugu cinema and television. He is the recipient of four Andhra Pradesh state Nandi Awards for his works.

Pushpaka Vimana is a mythological flying palace or chariot in the Indian epic Ramayana.

<i>Vijayam</i> 2003 film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Vijayam (transl. Victory) is a 2003 Indian Telugu-language social problem film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao and produced by D. Ramanaidu. The film stars Raja and Gajala. It was released on 9 May 2003.

References

  1. 1 2 Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (19 September 2013). "My life is not drab". The Hindu . ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 7 February 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 M. L., Narasimham (20 May 2005). "Spinning magic". The Hindu . Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 9 April 2006. With an amazing display of mastery over a wide range of subjects from comedies to experimental socials to folklore to mythological to 3D animation films that no other contemporary filmmaker has attempted, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao completes half a century of film career this year.
  3. 1 2 3 Srinivasan, Pavithra (7 September 2010). "Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ". Rediff.com . Archived from the original on 17 September 2017. Retrieved 6 October 2014. There's no stopping the drive and ambition of the veteran film-maker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao who has made film after successful film in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi in as many genres as he could, from mythology to laugh-aloud comedies.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's unique record". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  5. 1 2 Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (19 September 2013). "My life is not drab". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 7 February 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  6. 1 2 "Singeetam Srinivas Rao to be awarded Life-time Achievement by FFI". Ragalahari.com. 19 November 2011. Archived from the original on 20 September 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  7. 1 2 Singeetam, Srinivasa Rao (1 July 2012). "స్వర్ణయుగాన్ని చూపించిన గురువు". Eenadu (in Telugu). Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 M. L., Narasimham (20 May 2005). "Spinning magic". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 April 2006. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  9. 1 2 3 Singeetam, Srinivasa Rao. "మహాదర్శకుడి గురించి ఆయన శిష్యదర్శకుడు". Sakshi (in Telugu). Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  10. ↑ "Four decades later, a flashback". The Hindu . 28 June 2014. Archived from the original on 16 January 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  11. 1 2 "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  12. 1 2 Srinivasan, Pavithra (7 September 2010). "Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ". Rediff.com . Archived from the original on 17 September 2017. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  13. 1 2 "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)](PDF) (in Telugu). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. 13 March 2010. p. 74. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  14. ↑ "'Pushpak' completes 25 years: Tinnu Anand, Amala go down memory lane". CNN-IBN. Archived from the original on 4 September 2014.
  15. ↑ "Sakhya Indian Cinema Club: Pushpaka Vimana (The Love Chariot)". Graduate Union. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014.
  16. 1 2 3 "30 years for Aditya 369: Nandamuri Balakrishna thanks Gen Z for all the love". The Times of India. 18 July 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  17. 1 2 3 "'భైరవద్వీపం' కోసం నానాపటేకర్, అమ్రిష్ పూరి - Behind the story of Bhairava Dweepam". Eenadu (in Telugu). Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  18. 1 2 3 "Celebrating 30 years of timeless classic 'Aditya 369'". Telangana Today. 17 July 2021. Archived from the original on 19 July 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  19. 1 2 "Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ". Rediff. Archived from the original on 28 August 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  20. 1 2 "ಹಾಲು ಜೇನು". 11 May 2017. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  21. 1 2 3 "This Day, That Year: Dr. Rajkumar's iconic 'Haalu Jenu' turns 39 | Kannada Movie News". The Times of India . 28 May 2021. Archived from the original on 5 April 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  22. 1 2 "Five Comedies in Kannada Streaming on YouTube". Film Companion . 13 May 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  23. ↑ "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). p. 141. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  24. ↑ "Singeetam gives clarity about his involvement in Project K". Telugucinema.com . 7 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  25. ↑ "ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರ 200ನೇ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಆಗ್ಬೇಕಿತ್ತು 'ಅಮೋಘವರ್ಷ ನೃಪತುಂಗ': ವೈರಲ್ ಆಯ್ತು ವಿಡಿಯೋ!". 16 July 2022. Archived from the original on 19 July 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  26. ↑ "Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Interview: "The Golden Rule of Cinema is That There is No Golden Rule"". 29 October 2016. Archived from the original on 9 June 2020. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  27. ↑ M. K., Raghavendra (22 June 2011). Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film. Oxford University Press. ISBN   9780199088430. Archived from the original on 15 August 2022. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  28. ↑ M. K., Raghavendra (2011). "Vestiges of Mysore". Bipolar Identity. Oxford University Press. pp. 73–98. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198071587.003.0003. ISBN   978-0-19-807158-7. Archived from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  29. ↑ "Pawan Kalyan to star in Bollywood film of Christ's life". The Guardian. 31 August 2010. Archived from the original on 26 April 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
  30. ↑ "Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's gems before Christ". Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  31. ↑ "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  32. ↑ "Singeetham Srinivasa Rao | Telugu Cinema | Kamal Hassan". Archived from the original on 28 November 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
  33. ↑ "Sri Singeetam Srinivas Rao Profile". Telugucinema.com . Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  34. ↑ "Articles : Movie Retrospect : Retro : Pushpaka Vimaanam (1988)". Telugucinema.com . Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  35. ↑ "100 Years of Indian Cinema: The 100 greatest Indian films of all time". 24 April 2013. Archived from the original on 24 April 2013. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  36. ↑ "Singeetam reveals secret behind Kamal's dwarf role". The Hindu . 10 August 2008. Archived from the original on 20 September 2015. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  37. ↑ S, Srivatsan (13 April 2019). "Why Kamal Haasan's 'Apoorva Sagodharargal' is 30-years-young". The Hindu . ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 15 April 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  38. ↑ "Kamal Haasan responds to Alphonse Puthren's request, gives a masterclass on 'Michael Madhana Kama Rajan'". The Hindu. 6 July 2021.
  39. ↑ Nyayapati, Neeshita. "Balakrishna's famous sci-fi 'Aditya 369' turns 27 today". The Times of India .
  40. ↑ "That's Why Balayya Delayed Aditya 999". Gulte. 17 July 2016. Archived from the original on 21 September 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  41. ↑ "Log in ...Tribune: IT supplement of The Tribune, Chandigarh, India. Feature page". The Tribune. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  42. ↑ "The Hindu Business Line : Children's film fest comes to a close". Business Line. Archived from the original on 15 August 2004. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  43. ↑ "Tintin a bonanza for children at film festival". The Times of India. November 2003. Archived from the original on 18 January 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  44. ↑ "Lights, camera... chaos". The Hindu . 20 November 2003. Archived from the original on 5 October 2014.
  45. ↑ "IFFI 2006". Iffigoa.org. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014.
  46. ↑ "Children's Film Festival 2014". Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  47. ↑ "100th film jinx grips the mighty sans 'Captain'". The Hindu. 14 May 2016. Archived from the original on 31 July 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  48. ↑ "A roller-coaster ride". The Hindu . 4 November 2017. Archived from the original on 1 September 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  49. ↑ "Did you know? All the three debut films of the Rajkumar clan were made by bonafide Telugu directors". The Times of India. 28 May 2021. Archived from the original on 8 January 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  50. ↑ Category: Parvathamma Rajkumar Writes (4 April 2006). "Parvathamma Rajkumar Column 29 - chitraloka.com | Image". Chitraloka.com. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  51. ↑ "Parvathamma Rajkumar nurtured Kannada cinema, female newcomers as producer and first lady of Sandalwood". Bangalore Mirror . Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  52. ↑ Rajkumar not interested in businesschitraloka.com Archived 13 April 2021 at the Wayback Machine
  53. ↑ "Nandamuri Balakrishna pays a visit to veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao in Chennai". The Times of India. 27 June 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  54. ↑ Kavirayani, Suresh (27 June 2019). "Nandamuri Balakrishna visits veteran director !". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  55. ↑ "Kamal Haasan shares the backstory of Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Alphonse Puthren ecstatic 14". Sify . Archived from the original on 6 July 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  56. ↑ "30 Years of Michael Madana Kama Rajan: 40 facts you probably didn't know about the mother of all comedies". Cinema Express . Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  57. ↑ "Kamal Haasan shares the backstory of Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Alphonse Puthren ecstatic 11". Sify . Archived from the original on 6 July 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  58. 1 2 Kamath, Sudhish (17 August 2012). "Robinhood is my hero: Singeetham Srinivasa Rao". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 15 October 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  59. ↑ "Chennai International Film Festival opens". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 21 December 2015. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  60. ↑ "Stalwarts to zoom in on creative, commercial secrets of celluloid". The Hindu . 3 October 2012. Archived from the original on 14 December 2014. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  61. ↑ "FICCI to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema". CNN-IBN. Archived from the original on 7 October 2014.
  62. ↑ "Eight Feature Film Projects Selected For First-Ever Mumbai Mantra - Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab". Sundance.org. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  63. ↑ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964 - 2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964 - 2008)](PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh (in Telugu). 13 March 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 February 2015. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  64. ↑ "S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, Hema Malini bag NTR awards". The Hindu . 5 April 2017. Archived from the original on 5 April 2017. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  65. ↑ "35th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners : Santosh : Free Download &…". Archived from the original on 5 February 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.