On his birthday, let’s take a look at some of his most memorable contributions to the film fraternity
One of the most celebrated directors of the Indian film industry, Kasinadhuni Viswanath is celebrating his 90th birthday on Wednesday. He is known for his stand-out works, both in terms of art-house works and critically acclaimed films. As a director, K Viswanath has a legacy of mentoring many actors and actresses and boosting their careers, giving big names to Tollywood. This includes big names like Chiranjeevi, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Mammootty, Ghattamaneni Krishna, Chandra Mohan, Roja Ramani, Vanisree, to name a few.
On his birthday, let’s take a look at some of his most memorable contributions to the film fraternity.Aatma Gowravam (Debut flick)
The family drama was written by Gollapudi Maruthi Rao and Bhamidipati Radhakrishna and, directed by K Viswanath about a Zamindar who adopts a famer’s brother to inherit his property against his wife’s wish as he doesn’t have a child. The film marked the debut of Viswanath, who earlier worked as an audiographer and assistant director. Based on the novel of the same name by Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani, the film starred Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Kanchana and Rajasree in the lead.
Nindu Hrudayalu (Breakthrough work)
Directed by K Viswanath, this SVS Films production revolves around avenge of a youngster whose father is brutally killed by a deadly gangster. No matter how many times you watched it before, you still want to watch it again and again because of Viswanath’s craft, NT Rama Rao, Sobhan Babu and Vanisri’s performance and TV Raju’s beautiful music. It is worth mentioning that it was K Viswanath's breakthrough work in the initial days of his career.
Sankarabharanam (First South Indian film to win big at 27th National Film Awards)
This Poornodaya Movie Creations film revolves around an exceptional bond between a devout and famous classical singer his admirer Tulasi, daughter of a prostitute. The film went on to receive several awards, including the Best Film with Mass Appeal, Wholesome Entertainment & Aesthetic Values, the first for a South-Indian film at the 27th National Film Awards. Internationally, the film was screened at the 8th International Film Festival of India, the Tashkent Film Festival, the Asia Pacific Film Festival, the Moscow International Film Festival, and the AISFM Film Festival.
Subhalekha (First time association between Chiranjeevi and Viswanath)
This Viswanath directorial was a comedy-drama, starring Chiranjeevi and Sumalata. The film marked the first time association between Chiranjeevi and K Viswanath and later, the duo worked together for Swayamkrushi and Aapadbandhavudu. Ace actor Sudhakar made his acting debut with this flick, giving him the screen name "Subhalekha" Sudhakar. Said to be inspired by famous writer Gurazada Venkata Apparao's work Kanyasulkam, Subhalekha dealt with the social malady of the dowry system.
Swathi Kiranam (Telugu debut of Mammootty)
Swathi Kiranam, starring Mammootty, Raadhika Sarathkumar, Master Manjunath, Jayanthi, Sakshi Ranga Rao and Dharmavarapu Subramanyam, tells the story of a famous classical singer who finds it difficult to cope with the rising popularity of a child-prodigy. Malayalam superstar Mammootty made his Telugu debut with this musical drama, which was premiered at the 1992 International Film Festival of India, the Asia Pacific Film Festival, the Moscow Film Festival and the AISFM Film Festival.