Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, one of Telugu cinema’s most celebrated and versatile filmmakers, has passed away. The veteran director breathed his last in Chennai, according to reports. He was 95.  Singeetham was known for constantly experimenting with storytelling and filmmaking across languages and genres. After beginning his career as an assistant to legendary filmmaker K. V. Reddy, he made his directorial debut with Neethi Nijayithi in 1972 and went on to establish a distinctive identity with films such as Mayuri, Pushpaka Vimana, Aditya 369, Bhairava Dweepam, Madam and several others.  His collaboration with Kamal Haasan resulted in some of his most memorable films, including Pushpaka Vimana, Apoorva Sagodharargal and Michael Madana Kama Rajan. Pushpaka Vimana, made without conventional dialogue, remains one of the most unconventional films in Indian cinema, while Aditya 369 continues to be remembered as a landmark Telugu science-fiction film. What made Singeetham's journey even more remarkable was his continued passion for cinema well into his 90s. Earlier this year, he returned to the director's chair with Sing Geetham, produced by Nag Ashwin under Vyjayanthi Movies. The film, released in June 2026, marked his 61st directorial venture and came at the age of 94.  With a career spanning over five decades and multiple languages, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao leaves behind a body of work that stands out for its imagination, technical experimentation and willingness to explore subjects beyond conventional commercial cinema. His passing marks the loss of one of Indian cinema's true experimental filmmakers.    Disclaimer: The news article is written based on information shared by various sources. The organisation is not responsible for the factual nature of them. While we do try to do thorough research at times people could misguide. So, we would encourage viewers' discretion before reacting to them.     

Baa Baa Black Sheep is a new-age crime comedy being made with a different concept to entertain audiences across all sections. Presented by Donepudi Chakrapani and produced by Venu Donepudi under the Chitralayam Studios banner, the film is directed by Guni Manchikanti. The movie is set for a grand theatrical release on October 9. Tinnu Anand, Upendra Limaye, George Maryan, Akshay Lagusani, Vishnu oi, Karthikeya, Vismaya Sri, Malvi Malhotra, Kashyap, Shubhalekha Sudhakar, Raja Ravindra and others play key roles. The trailer launch event of the film was held grandly recently. On this occasion... Actor Upendra Limaye said: “First of all, I would like to sincerely thank my close friend Sandeep Reddy Vanga. He was the one who introduced me to the Telugu film industry with my own voice. What he told me at the time literally came true. Later, I got the opportunity to act in Hit Machine Anil Ravipudi’s ‘Sankranthiki Vasthunam’. Wherever I go, I can never forget the love and affection showered on me by Telugu audiences. When Vaishakh and Guni narrated the story of ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ to me, I found it very different and interesting. I always give more importance to the story than my character. I accept a film only when the content is good. This is my first full-fledged role in Telugu, which is why this film is very close to my heart. It is a great pleasure to be part of a project made under a prestigious banner like Chitralayam Studios. Working with young Telugu actors like Vishnu, Samriddhi, Malavika and Akshay was a wonderful experience. Though this is Guni’s debut as a director, the way he wrote the story and brought it to the screen is remarkable. Generally, food, clothing and shelter are considered basic necessities of life. But in South India, especially for Telugu people, cinema is also a basic necessity. I hope all you passionate movie lovers will watch ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ in theatres and thoroughly enjoy it.” Actor Vishnu Oy said: “I would like to thank everyone who supported the trailer launch of our ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’. I thoroughly enjoyed the story when I first heard it. The film features several talented actors, including the Nepalese actress who plays my pair. It was a great experience working with National Award winner Upendra Limaye garu. Coming from a theatre background, his performance is like a masterclass. My longtime friend Akshay Lagusani has also done an excellent job in this film. I strongly believe he will reach greater heights in the coming days. While shooting in Meghalaya, the people and the local atmosphere extended tremendous support to us. Cinematographer Ajay has done excellent work in terms of visuals. This first collaboration between my good friend and director Guni and producer Venu garu is arriving in theatres on October 9. I sincerely wish the film great success and thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.” Actress Malvi Malhotra said: “‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ is a fun and slightly quirky title that instantly creates curiosity. When director Guni narrated the story to me, I was very excited. My character has not been revealed much in the trailer, but when you watch the film in theatres, you will get a good surprise. My character’s name is Rama, and she has some grey shades. This is not a regular hero-heroine story; every character has great importance in the film. Everyone has performed their roles very well. I would especially like to thank producer Venu garu for believing in director Guni’s vision and taking this project forward. We shot the film in some of the most breathtaking locations in Meghalaya. Perhaps this could be the first Telugu film to have been shot entirely there. I thank all the technicians and actors who worked with great dedication for this film. I request everyone to watch and support ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ in theatres with your family and friends on October 9.” Actress Samriddhi Aryaal said: “More than the film itself, the experience I had while working with this team is very special to me. Everyone, including the actors, director and producers, treated me with great affection. They never made me feel like I was new to the team. This is my first Telugu film. Since I did not know the language, delivering Telugu dialogues was difficult initially, and I worked very hard. I memorised the dialogues and completed them successfully. The result came out much better than I expected. Overall, it has been an amazing experience, and I would love to work with this team again in the future.” Actor Akshay Lagusani said: “I am currently working on this film as well as two other films, and all three are scheduled to release in the coming four months. I hope I continue to receive the same support and blessings from all of you. I would also like to specially thank Nag Ashwin garu for launching our trailer and supporting us. Coming to the film, we shot it in Meghalaya with great passion and hard work. Even though the Meghalaya government and producer Venu garu extended tremendous support, we faced a new challenge almost every day. A special thanks to Venu sir, who worked tirelessly and ran around along with all of us. My thanks to director Guni, the direction department and all the actors. I request everyone to watch ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ in theatres on October 9 and support us.” Producer Venu Donepudi said: “I would like to thank every technician and actor who worked extremely hard for this film. It is a matter of great pride and honour for me to have travelled with National Award winner Upendra Limaye garu. I would also like to thank George Maryan garu, who came from Chennai, as well as the other artists who could not make it today due to their other commitments. Special thanks to our heroines Malvi Malhotra and Samriddhi Aryaal for making it to the event even though they were invited at the last minute. Along with them, the entire movie team worked with tremendous dedication. Coming to the technical team, our DOP Ajay worked with great passion to deliver stunning visuals. The background score and music by Stephen and Arcado Anand have brought life to the film. Our movie is arriving in theatres on October 9. Although there are other big films releasing around the same time, we have seen several instances in the past where small films with strong content have created wonders even amid such competition. We strongly believe our film will also achieve such success.   I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma garu, for his support to our film. When we went there for the shoot, the government and local administration extended tremendous support to us. Instead of travelling abroad, we have a responsibility to showcase breathtaking locations like Meghalaya within our own country and promote tourism there. As part of this initiative, we are also organising a special contest, which we will announce tomorrow. The winners will get an opportunity to travel to Meghalaya on behalf of our movie team without having to spend their own money. Finally, my heartfelt thanks to director Nag Ashwin garu for launching our trailer and extending his support to us. I request everyone to watch the film in theatres with your families and bless us.” Director Guni Manchikanti said: “First of all, a very big thanks to producer Venu garu. Given the current competition, it is very difficult for a debut director to get an opportunity to make a film. But Venu garu approved this film after listening to just one narration from me.   Within a month, he assembled the entire team, and in the next three months, we completed the pre-production and location recce and went for the shoot. We shot the film in Meghalaya for around 28 days.   I would especially like to thank my writing department and writer Ajay. He stood like a strong pillar behind the fun you see in the trailer and teaser, and travelled with me right from the screenplay stage to the shoot. I would also like to thank editor Vijay, who worked tirelessly day and night like an assistant director. My thanks to production designer Sahi Suresh garu, who recently delivered a hit with ‘Irumudi’, and costume designer Priyanka, who studied every character carefully and designed the costumes and jewellery accordingly. My heartfelt thanks to all the actors in this film, including Upendra Limaye garu. This is not a routine hero-heroine-villain story. Every character in the film is extremely important. The fact that we could complete the film in such a short span in challenging locations like Meghalaya was possible only because of the cooperation of all the actors. The film is arriving in theatres on October 9. It is a clean film that can be enjoyed by the entire family. I sincerely request everyone to watch ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ in theatres and support us.”   Disclaimer: The news article is written based on information shared by various sources. The organisation is not responsible for the factual nature of them. While we do try to do thorough research at times people could misguide. So, we would encourage viewers' discretion before reacting to them.