K. VISWANATH

Early Life and Background:

  • Full Name: Kovai Viswanathan
  • Date of Birth: February 19, 1930
  • Place of Birth: Peddapalli, in the present-day Telangana, India.
  • Nationality: Indian
  • Profession: Film Director, Screenwriter, Producer
  • Language: Primarily worked in Telugu and Tamil cinema, though he also made films in Hindi.

Early Career:

Viswanath started his career in the film industry as a sound engineer before transitioning to direction. His early years in cinema provided him with an understanding of both technical and creative aspects of filmmaking, which helped him develop a unique style as a director. His ability to handle sensitive and complex themes in a refined manner became one of his trademarks.

Debut as a Director:

K. Viswanath made his directorial debut with the film “Aapadbandhavudu” in 1966, though his breakthrough came later in the 1970s. He is often recognized for his ability to handle classical arts, music, and dance elements in a mainstream cinema context, a rarity in Indian films at the time.

films directed by K. Viswanath:​

YearFilm TitleLanguageNotes
1965Aatma GowravamTeluguNandi Award for Best Feature Film (Bronze); Directorial debut
1967Private MasterTelugu
1968Kalisochina AdrushtamTeluguAlso served as Dialogue Writer
1968Undamma Bottu PedataTelugu
1969Nindu HrudayaluTelugu
1971Nindu DampathuluTelugu
1971Chelleli KapuramTeluguNandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)
1971Chinnanati SnehituluTelugu
1972Kalam MarindiTeluguNandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)
1973Neramu SikshaTelugu
1973SaradaTeluguNandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)
1974O Seeta KathaTeluguNandi Award for Best Feature Film (Silver); Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu
1974Amma ManasuTelugu
1975Chinnanati KalaluTelugu
1975Jeevana JyothiTeluguNandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold); Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu
1976Mangalyaniki MaromudiTelugu
1976Siri Siri MuvvaTelugu
1976Prema BandhamTelugu
1976Jeevitha NoukaTelugu
1978KalanthakuluTelugu
1978SeetamalakshmiTelugu
1979President PerammaTelugu
1979SargamHindiHindi remake of Siri Siri Muvva
1980SankarabharanamTeluguNational Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment; Featured at Moscow International Film Festival
1980Alludu Pattina BharatamTelugu
1980SubhodayamTelugu
1981SaptapadiTeluguNational Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration
1982KaamchorHindiHindi remake of Subhodayam
1982SubhalekhaTeluguFilmfare Award for Best Direction
1983Sagara SangamamTeluguNandi Award for Best Feature Film (Bronze); Dubbed into Tamil as Salangai Oli
1983Shubh KaamnaHindiHindi remake of Subhalekha
1984Janani JanmabhoomiTelugu
1984Jaag Utha InsanHindiHindi remake of Saptapadi
1985SanjogHindiHindi remake of Jeevana Jyothi
1985Sur SangamHindiHindi remake of Sankarabharanam
1986Swathi MuthyamTeluguIndia’s Official Entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 59th Academy Awards; National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu
1986SirivennelaTelugu
1987SruthilayaluTeluguNandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)
1987Swayam KrushiTelugu
1988SwarnakamalamTeluguNandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold); Featured at Ann Arbor Film Festival
1989EeshwarHindiHindi remake of Swathi Muthyam
1989SutradharuluTeluguNational Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu
1992Swathi KiranamTelugu
1992SangeetHindi
1992AapadbandhavuduTeluguNandi Award for Best Feature Film (Bronze)
1993DhanwanHindi
1995Subha SankalpamTelugu
1996Aurat Aurat AuratHindi
1997ChinnabbayiTelugu
2004SwarabhishekamTeluguNational Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu
2010SubhapradamTelugu

AWARDS

Nandi Awards

The Nandi Awards are presented annually by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to recognize excellence in Telugu cinema, theatre, and television. K. Viswanath has been honored with multiple Nandi Awards throughout his illustrious career. Below is a list of his notable wins:​

YearCategoryFilmNotes
1980Best Feature Film (Gold)SankarabharanamRecognized for its profound impact on Indian classical music and culture.
1981Best Feature Film (Gold)SaptapadiAwarded for its compelling narrative on social issues and national integration.
1982Best Feature Film (Gold)SubhalekhaHonored for addressing societal issues through a poignant storyline.
1983Best Feature Film (Bronze)Sagara SangamamCelebrated for its exploration of classical dance and personal aspirations.
1986Best Feature Film (Gold)Swathi MuthyamIndia’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 59th Academy Awards.
1987Best Feature Film (Gold)SruthilayaluAcknowledged for its emphasis on the significance of music in human life.
1988Best Feature Film (Gold)SwarnakamalamFeatured at the Ann Arbor Film Festival; praised for its portrayal of traditional art forms.
1990Best Feature Film (Silver)SutradharuluRecognized for its depiction of social reform and community leadership.
1992Best Feature Film (Bronze)AapadbandhavuduHonored for its touching narrative on human values and relationships.
2003Best Feature Film (Gold)SwarabhishekamCelebrated for its musical excellence and storytelling.

Filmfare Awards South

YearAward CategoryFilmLanguageRecognition
1980Best DirectorSankarabharanamTeluguMusical excellence
1981Best DirectorSaptapadiTeluguInter-caste marriage and social reform
1982Best DirectorSubhalekhaTeluguDowry and female empowerment
1983Best DirectorSagara SangamamTeluguDecline of art and unfulfilled dreams
1986Best DirectorSwathi MuthyamTeluguMental health and compassion
1987Best DirectorSwayam KrushiTeluguSelf-respect and hard work
1988Best DirectorSwarnakamalamTeluguTraditional dance and cultural pride
1992Best DirectorAapadbandhavuduTeluguDevotion and friendship across class divides
2003Best DirectorSwarabhishekamTeluguMusical traditions and family relationships

Major National Honors

YearHonorPresented ByDetails
1990Padma ShriGovt. of IndiaFor contribution to arts
2005Dadasaheb Phalke AwardGovt. of IndiaLifetime achievement in Indian cinema
2017Padma BhushanGovt. of IndiaOne of India’s highest civilian honors

DEATH : FEB 2 2023 (92 YEARS)

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoB-K4QRL1s&pp=ygU2ZGlyZWN0b3IgayB2aXN3YW5hdGggYmVzdCBpbnRlcnZpZXcgZXZlciBoaWdoZXN0IHZpZXdz