Veteran Filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Makes First Film In 10 Years At Age 93

At 93, legendary filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao is proving that creativity has no age limit. The veteran director is back at the helm with his 61st project, SSR61, produced by Nag Ashwin. While plot

details remain under wraps, the announcement alone has stirred excitement across the film industry, marking Rao’s return to direction after more than a decade.

Vyjayanthi Movies, the production banner behind the project, confirmed the collaboration with a social media post, describing Rao as “A visionary. A master. A genius ahead of time.” The announcement teased fans with the caption: “The legendary Director #SingeetamSrinivasaRao garu returns with his most ambitious project yet. #SSR61 – Title Announcement Soon.” Music for the film will be composed by Devi Sri Prasad.

Fellow filmmaker SS Rajamouli took to Instagram to celebrate Rao’s comeback, sharing the announcement video while praising his enduring impact on cinema. “Every film of his leaves a distinct mark,” Rajamouli wrote. “One of my favourites Singeetam Srinivasa Rao garu is back in cinema..:) Looking forward to it and wishing you a big one sir.” He added that Rao’s films have always pushed both filmmakers and audiences “a step ahead.”

SSR61 brings together two generations of filmmaking legends. Rao, who rose to prominence with the 1987 silent film Pushpaka Vimana starring Kamal Haasan, is widely celebrated for his innovative storytelling. Reflecting on the collaboration, Nag Ashwin said in a 2024 interview, “I think just being a spectator when both of you were working together was extraordinary. Pushpak is one of the most special films because it was so ahead of its time. Even today, when you watch it, it feels timeless. We now talk about ‘pan-India’ and ‘pan-world’, but Pushpak was the original—something that could travel anywhere.”

Pushpaka Vimana featured an ensemble cast including Samir Khakhar, Tinu Anand, KS Ramesh, Amala, Farida Jalal, Pratap Potan, Lokanath, PL Narayana, and Ramya. Rao’s daring approach and experimental narratives continue to influence filmmakers decades later, making his return all the more significant.

Fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly awaiting further updates on SSR61, including the official title and plot details.