What Is the Story About?
A wastrel, Pratap, is out of prison, only to realise that his father has left him a large piece of land in a remote village, Kuberapuram, which could be his ticket to financial freedom. He joins hands with Renu, a manipulative businesswoman from the village, hoping to pocket a huge sum from a mining deal. However, chaos erupts when the villagers are forced to contend with a strange curse.
Performances?
A few diction issues apart, Ahilya Bamroo makes a commendable Telugu debut as a feisty village woman who never shies away from standing up for what is right. Ayaan brings credibility to Pratap’s transformation and shares a pleasing on-screen rapport with his co-stars. Shalini Kondepudi is decent, though her character arc is not entirely convincing.
Analysis
The best stories possess the ability to draw us into unimaginable worlds with childlike wonder. They create their own rules, get us to embrace their absurdities, and make the impossible feel possible. Despite the evolution of cinema in terms of scale, canvas, and technology, it often feels as though the medium has been reduced to a predictable formula.
Sing Geetham, nonagenarian Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s latest film, makes an earnest effort to break free from that safety net. Coming from the filmmaker who once channelled silence into an effective storytelling tool with Pushpak, this folklore musical carries the spirit of a fairy tale. Its form is not merely a gimmick designed to grab attention, but a creative choice with a larger purpose.
Kuberapuram, the village in which Sing Geetham unfolds, has a strong mythological connection. The local deity, Kubera, the lord of riches, is worshipped beneath a mongoose-shaped rock. Its lone age-old tree stands as a reminder of the past, with its residents exploited by a mining company in pursuit of gold. This is essentially the story of a community that gradually forgets its roots in the name of development.
Much like how Pa. Ranjith used gold as a powerful metaphor in Thangalaan, this film too places it at the centre of a conflict between natural wealth and material greed, while retaining a playful spirit. The narrative truly comes alive when the villagers begin to bear the brunt of a curse. They can no longer speak and are forced to communicate only through songs, with no apparent way out.
While fleshing out the premise and the motley group of characters inhabiting the village, the film brims with freshness and bears the trademark wit and humour one associates with a Singeetham directorial. From a homesick African businessman to a shrewd priest and an elderly woman uttering gibberish, there is plenty to absorb.
The core message of the film comes through three pivotal characters: Pratap, a misguided outsider; Renu, a manipulative businesswoman; and Gauri, an insider with the heart of an environmental activist. The musical format naturally opens up several innovative possibilities, though not without its limitations.
When the film fully embraces its musical identity, there is palpable excitement. You marvel at the way the entire village breaks into the Emaindhi song and a drunkard, Das, proudly calls himself the village’s Yesudas. Though the narrative progresses steadily and Devi Sri Prasad gives it his all in fusing a potpourri of genres to lend a musical spin to the dialogues, the experience gradually begins to feel repetitive.
Even the blossoming romance between Pratap and Gauri does not provide enough breathing space. The fatigue extends into the post-intermission portions as well, until a flashback sequence offers some respite and provides strong context to the village’s present-day predicament. This triggers several key developments, including Pratap’s transformation and the moral decay of the villagers.
The subplot surrounding a pregnant widow, established in the first half, is rounded off beautifully in the pre-climax, almost visualising the idea that ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ The popular fable of King Midas and his golden touch is integrated smartly to drive home the film’s central message.
The Vinara Vinara song towards the end reflects the intensity of the village’s rebellion. A smart climactic sequence, aided by a cameo, expands further on the film’s essence and leaves you with a wide grin as you walk out of the theatre.
Sing Geetham is a brave attempt at a musical rooted in Indian mythology, addressing universal human concerns that remain relevant even today. The stretched runtime and the monotonous middle portions are areas of concern, as the film relentlessly packs in diverse musical influences without always ensuring a seamless flow. However, if you can look past these niggles, the film’s ambition ultimately wins you over.
Other Artists?
Rahul Ravindran passes muster in a brief but crucial role, while seniors like Benarjee, Tulasi, Jr Relangi and Sivannarayana deliver the goods. Popular Nigerian influencer Agu Stanley Chiedozie is entertaining in parts, though his character leaves much to be desired. A couple of cameos by familiar faces lend further credibility to the film’s overarching theme.
Music and Other Departments?
Sing Geetham stands as a testament to Devi Sri Prasad’s adaptability as a composer, especially in a film whose foundation rests significantly on his abilities. For the most part, he rises to the challenge well. Ori Jeevuda, Kotha Feeling and Emaindhi Emaindhi are proof that he is still very much in his prime.
However, one wishes the team had paid greater attention to casting actors with a natural flair for singing. The familiar faces certainly help, but the raw renditions begin to feel irksome after a point. While the overtly cinematic set designs of the village interiors occasionally prove distracting, Ankur C’s cinematography, alternating between lush green landscapes, caves and muddy hillocks, remains visually arresting.
Though the story is compelling and its ideas imaginative, the long-drawn narrative occasionally tests your patience. With a tighter screenplay, the impact could have been sharper. The costume design and VFX complement the film effectively.
Highlights?
Brilliant premise
Innovative writing touching upon socially relevant issues
Spirited performances
Drawbacks?
Monotonous middle portions
Goes overboard with the musical elements
Excessive runtime for the genre
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes. It is far from perfect, but its ambition and the execution of a tricky idea make it worthwhile.
Will You Recommend It?
Though it may not appeal to everyone, Sing Geetham brims with freshness and innovatively tackles a relatable issue. Watch it if you’re looking for a welcome break from routine commercial entertainers.
Sing Geetham Movie Review by Srivathsan Nadadhur
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