K Viswanath
K Viswanath , Revered Indian Filmmaker Known for Tackling Social Issues, Dies at 92
Kasinadhuni Viswanath, an Indian filmmaker known for highlighting social issues, died Feb. 2 in Hyderabad of age-related illnesses.
K Viswanath is one of the most prominent and celebrated filmmakers in India. He was born on 19 February 1930 in Andhra Pradesh and is known for his contributions to Indian cinema. He has directed more than 40 films in Telugu and Hindi and has won several awards and recognition for his work. He is considered one of the greatest filmmakers of Indian cinema and has made a significant impact on the film industry.
Viswanath began his career as a writer and an assistant director. He made his directorial debut in 1965 with the Telugu film Sankarabharanam, which was a huge success. The film was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it won several awards including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. It was also dubbed into several languages and was widely acclaimed. Viswanath’s next film, Patala Bhairavi, released in 1985, was another critical and commercial success. It was an epic fantasy film, which was a unique genre for Indian cinema at the time. The film’s success cemented Viswanath’s position as a filmmaker and a storyteller.
Viswanath’s filmography is a testament to his versatility as a filmmaker. He has directed a range of films, including romantic dramas, comedies, action films, and musicals. He has always striven to bring something new and innovative to his films, and has been instrumental in popularizing the Telugu film industry. He has also worked with some of the biggest stars in Indian cinema, including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Prada, Sridevi, and Jeetendra, among others.
One of Viswanath’s greatest strengths is his ability to bring a sense of authenticity and realism to his films. He has always sought to bring to life the stories and experiences of ordinary people, and has portrayed their struggles and triumphs with sensitivity and nuance. This has earned him a reputation as a filmmaker who is able to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. His films often delve into social and cultural issues and tackle themes like love, friendship, family, and tradition.
Viswanath’s work has also been recognized and celebrated by the film industry. He has won several awards and honors, including five National Film Awards, several Filmfare Awards, and the Padma Shri in 1992. He has also been honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, India’s highest award in the film industry. This recognition is a testament to his contributions to Indian cinema and his impact on the film industry.
Viswanath’s influence on Indian cinema has been far-reaching and long-lasting. He has inspired a generation of filmmakers and has been a mentor to many. He has been instrumental in shaping the film industry in India, and has set a high standard for quality and creativity. His work has also helped to popularize Telugu cinema and has brought it to a wider audience.
In conclusion, K Viswanath is a filmmaker of immense talent and vision. He has made a significant impact on Indian cinema and has left a lasting legacy. He has brought to life some of the most memorable characters and stories in Indian cinema and has touched the hearts of millions of people. His work will continue to inspire and influence future generations, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest filmmakers of Indian cinema.
His last film as director was “Subhapradam” (2010). He directed more than 50 films. He won at India’s National Film Awards five times. In 2017, he was accorded India’s highest film honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime achievement in cinema.
Viswanath also had a flourishing career as an actor, debuting in 1995 with “Subha Sankalpam” and went on to act in more than 30 films.
Tributes have been pouring in for the departed filmmaker.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Saddened by the passing away of Shri K. Viswanath Garu. He was a stalwart of the cinema world, distinguishing himself as a creative and multifaceted director. His films covered various genres and enthralled audiences for decades. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
“RRR” star NTR Jr tweeted: “K Vishwanath holds a high place among those who spread the fame of Telugu cinema across the continents. He gave many incredible films like Shankarabharan and Sagara Sangam. The loss without him is never-ending. My deepest condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace.”
K Viswanath Passes Away: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Pays Heartfelt Condolences To The Filmmaker’s Family
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mourned the death of veteran Telugu filmmaker and Dadasaheb Phalke awardee K.Viswanath, who passed away this morning.
“Saddened by the passing away of Shri K.Viswanath Garu. He was a stalwart of the cinema world, distinguishing himself as a creative and multifaceted director. His films covered various genres and enthralled audiences for decades. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the prime minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
Filmmaker-actor K Viswanath passed away in a private hospital in Hyderabad on Thursday due to age-related issues. In a career spanning six decades, the director touched upon themes like the caste system, disability, untouchability, gender discrimination, dowry and socio-economic challenges in his movies. Some of his popular films include Chelleli Kapuram, Kalam Marindi, Sarada, O Seeta Katha Jeevana Jyothi, Siri Siri Muvva, Sankarabharanam, Saptapadi, Sagara Sangamamm, Swathi Muthyam, Sruthilayalu, Swarnakamalam, Sutradharulu, Aapadbhandhuvudu, Swati Kiranam, Subha Sankalpam, Swarabhishekam, Sargam, Kaamchor, Shubh Kaamna, Eeshwar and Dhanwaan. His movie Swathi Muthyam was even picked as India’s official entry for the Oscars in 1986. He also worked with leading actors from across film industries including Kamal Haasan, Jayaprada, Rishi Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Vanisri and Chiranjeevi among others.
Viswanath also donned the greasepaint for Subha Sankalpam, Vajram, Kalisundam Raa, Narasimha Naidu, Seema Simham, Nuvv Leka Nenu Lenu, Santhosham, Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo, Tagore, Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Rajapattai, Lingaa, and Uttama Villain.
K Viswanath was the 48th recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke award. He won five National Film Awards. Viswanath was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1992.
Viswanath is survived by his wife and four children.
Sai Pallavi took to Twitter and wrote, “When you surrender yourself to a form of art, Art will make you her own. K. Viswanath Garu is Art itself And I’m blessed to have grown up watching your creations. You will live through them forever Aiya Thank you.”
Madhuri Dixit posted on Twitter, “Working on the movie Sangeet directed by K Vishwanath Garu was divine. He taught me so much about subtlety in acting, expressing with just the eyes and imbibing honesty in a performance. I will cherish it forever. He was a brilliant director who created masterpieces. Om Shanti My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. #K Vishwanath #KVishwanathgaru.”
Some Lesser Known Facts About K Viswanath
- K. Viswanath was an Indian film director, screenwriter, actor, and audiographer, who mainly worked in Telugu films. In 2017, he was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Telugu cinema.
- After completing his graduation, he wanted to do an administrative job but his uncle suggested him to do an acting course at Vijaya Vauhini Studios. Apart from an acting course, he did a few training courses there including a course in audiography. In 1957, he started his career as a sound artist and assisted the Telugu filmmaker Adurthi Subba Rao.
- Thereafter, he worked as an audiographer in more than 50 Telugu and Tamil films which includes ‘Thodi Kodallu’ (1957; Telugu), ‘Enga Veetu Mahalakshmi’ (1957; Tamil), and ‘Banda Ramudu’ (1959; Telugu).
- In 1965, he started his career as a film director. He worked as a director in various Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films. Some of his award-winning directorial films are ‘Chelleli Kapuram’ (1971), ‘Kalam Marindi’ (1972), ‘O Seeta Katha’ (1974), ‘Eeshwar’ (1989), ‘Sankarabharanam’ (1980), ‘Aapadbandhavudu’ (1992), and ‘Chinnabbayi’ (1997). In 1980, his film ‘Sankarabharanam’ was premiered at the 8th International Film Festival of India, Tashkent Film Festival, and Moscow International Film Festival.
- Viswanath was one of the directors who was known for depicting social issues and Indian culture through his films like ‘Saptapadi’ (1981), ‘Subhalekha’ (1982), ‘Sirivennela’ (1986), ‘Swayamkrushi’ (1987), and ‘Sutradharulu’ (1989).
- He collaborated with the Poornodaya Movie Creations’ founder Edida Nageswara Rao to work as a director in the films like ‘Sagara Sangamam; (1983), ‘Swathi Muthyam’ (1986), ‘Sutradharulu’ (1989), and ‘Aapadbandhavudu’ (1992).
- Viswanath worked as a writer and worked on the screenplay of many popular Telugu films like ‘Kalam Marindi’ (1972), ‘Neramu Siksha’ (1973), ‘Amma Manasu’ (1976), ‘Siri Siri Muvva’ (1981), and ‘Saptapadi’ (1981).
- His film ‘Swathi Muthyam’ (1986) became India’s official entry to the 59th Academy Awards. Whereas, his films ‘Sankarabharanam’ (1980), ‘Sagara Sangamam’ (1983), ‘Sruthilayalu’ (1987), ‘Swarnakamalam’ (1988), and ‘Swathi Kiranam’ (1992) were screened at various film festivals like the International Film Festival of India, Ann Arbor Film Festival, and AISFM Film Festival.
- Apart from South Indian films, he directed various Hindi films like ‘Kaamchor’ (1982), ‘Shubh Kaamna’ (1983), ‘Jaag Utha Insan’ (1984), ‘Eeshwar’ (1989), ‘Sangeet’ (1992), and ‘Dhanwan’ (1993).
- Viswanath played the character actor in many Telugu films like ‘Vajram’ (1995), ‘Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu’ (2002), ‘Tagore’ (2003), ‘Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule’ (2007), and ‘Devasthanam’ (2012).
- Some of his Tamil films as an actor are ‘Kuruthipunal’ (1995), ‘Mugavaree’ (1999), ‘Pudhiya Geethai’ (2003), ‘Lingaa’ (2014), and ‘Uttama Villain’ (2015).
- Apart from films, he appeared in a few South Indian TV serials like ‘Chellamay’ (2009; aired on Sun TV), ‘Suryavamsam’ (2015; aired on Vendhar TV), and ‘Siva Narayana Theerdhulu’ (2018; aired on SVBC).
| Awards & Honours | Civilian Honour • 1992: Padma Shri Award National Film Awards • 1980: National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for the Telugu film Sankarabharanam • 1982: Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration for the Telugu film Saptapadi • 1987: Best Feature Film in Telugu for Swathi Muthyam • 1990: Best Feature Film in Telugu for Sutradharulu • 2005: Best Feature Film in Telugu for Swarabhishekam • 2017: Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime achievement in cinemaNandi Awards • 1980: Second Best Story Writer for the Telugu film Sankarabharanam • 1981: Best Screenplay Writer for the Telugu film Saptapadi • 1982: Best Story Writer for the Telugu film Subhalekha • 1986: Best Director for the Telugu film Swathi Muthyam • 1987: Best Director for the Telugu film Sruthilayalu • 1992: Raghupathi Venkaiah Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to Telugu cinema • 1995: Best Character Actor for the Telugu film Subha Sankalpam • 2000: Best Supporting Actor for the Telugu film Kalisundam Raa Filmfare Awards South • 1974: Best Director for the Telugu film O Seeta Katha • 1975: Best Director for the Telugu film Jeevana Jyoti • 1982: Best Director for the Telugu film Subhalekha • 1983: Best Director for the Telugu film Sagara Sangamam • 1986: Best Director for the Telugu film Swathi Muthyam • 1987: Best Director for the Telugu film Sruthilayalu • 1992: Best Director for the Telugu film Aapadbandhavudu • 1995: Best Director for the Telugu film Subha Sankalpam • 1994: Lifetime Achievement Award Other Awards • 1988: Cinema Express Award for Best Director for the Telugu film Swarnakamalam • 1989: Filmfare Best Story Award for the Hindi film Eeshwar • 1991: Raghupathy Venkaiah award by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh for his outstanding contribution to Telugu cinema in 1991 • 2008: CineMAA Award for Lifetime Achievement • 2012: Viswa Vikhyata Darsaka Sarvabhowma for achievement in direction • 2012: Chittoor V. Nagayya Puraskaram for lifetime achievement in cinema • 2017: Film Nagar Cultural Center-Hyderabad Award for achievement in cinema • 2017: Telugu Film Director’s Association Award for achievement in direction • 2017: Aathmeeya Sanmanam from the Government of Andhra Pradesh for achievement in cinema at Vijayawada Thummalapalli Kalakshetram • 2021: South Indian International Movie Award for Lifetime Achievement |