Veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, one of the most innovative directors in Indian cinema, has passed away in Chennai. He breathed his last at Kauvery Hospital on October 3, 2026, following health complications. He was 95, according to the NewsNation report and several other reports.
The filmmaker's death has left the South Indian film industry mourning the loss of an artist who spent more than six decades experimenting with different genres, languages and storytelling techniques.
Although best known for his work in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada cinema, Rao's influence extended across Indian cinema.
A Career That Spanned More Than Six Decades
Born on September 21, 1931, in Gudur, Andhra Pradesh, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao began his journey in cinema by working under legendary filmmaker K. V. Reddy.
He was associated with classics such as Mayabazar and Jagadeka Veeruni Katha before making his directorial debut with Neethi Nijayithi in 1972.
Over the course of his career, Rao directed more than 60 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and other languages. His filmography covered comedy, fantasy, science fiction, drama and experimental cinema.
Pushpaka Vimanam Remains a Landmark
One of Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's most celebrated collaborations was with Kamal Haasan.
Their association produced films such as Raja Paarvai, Pushpaka Vimanam, Apoorva Sagodharargal and Michael Madana Kama Rajan.
Pushpaka Vimanam, released in 1987, became particularly famous for its unusual concept. The black comedy was made without conventional spoken dialogue and relied almost entirely on visual storytelling.
The film went on to win the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, further establishing Rao's reputation as a filmmaker willing to experiment with cinematic form.
Aditya 369 Showed His Visionary Side
Another defining film in Rao's career was the Telugu science-fiction movie Aditya 369.
Starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, the 1991 film explored the concept of time travel at a time when large-scale science fiction was still relatively uncommon in Indian cinema.
The film became one of Rao's most remembered works and continues to be discussed for its ambitious concept and imaginative storytelling.
It was this ability to think beyond conventional formulas that later generations of filmmakers and actors repeatedly highlighted while remembering him.
Jr NTR Calls Him a Visionary
Following the filmmaker's death, Jr NTR paid an emotional tribute to Singeetham Srinivasa Rao.
Remembering films such as Aditya 369, Pushpaka Vimanam and Mayuri, Jr NTR described Rao as a visionary who thought ahead of his time.
He highlighted how the filmmaker's movies continue to feel fresh even as generations change, underlining the lasting influence of Rao's work.
Kamal Haasan Remembers His Close Association
Kamal Haasan, who worked closely with Singeetham across several memorable projects, also shared a deeply personal tribute.
The actor remembered Rao as a filmmaker whose youthful spirit remained remarkable throughout his life. Kamal described himself as one of the friends and disciples who had walked alongside the veteran filmmaker.
Their professional partnership produced some of the most distinctive films in Indian cinema, making Singeetham's passing particularly significant for Haasan.
SS Rajamouli Also Pays Tribute
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli was among the other prominent names who remembered Singeetham Srinivasa Rao.
Rajamouli highlighted the veteran director's ability to dream beyond the limitations of the technology and budgets available during his era.
His tribute reflected the influence Rao had on filmmakers who came after him, particularly through films that experimented with science fiction, fantasy and unconventional storytelling.
His Final Film Came in 2026
Remarkably, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao remained creatively active well into his 90s.
His final directorial project, Sing Geetham, was released earlier in 2026. The musical fantasy was reportedly the realisation of an idea he had carried for decades.
The film's completion demonstrated that his passion for filmmaking remained intact even in the final stage of his career.
A Filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao Who Refused to Follow Formulas
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's legacy is defined by experimentation.
From a dialogue-free black comedy in Pushpaka Vimanam to time travel in Aditya 369 and the emotional drama of Mayuri, he repeatedly moved between genres while bringing a distinctive creative vision to each project.
His work influenced generations of actors and filmmakers, and the tributes from Kamal Haasan, Jr NTR and SS Rajamouli underline the lasting impact he had on Indian cinema.
Singeetham Srinivasa Rao may no longer be with us, but his films and ideas are likely to remain part of Indian cinema's creative legacy for generations.
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