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K. Viswanath

K. Viswanath

Director, writer and actor · Died February 2, 2023, aged 92 · Repalle, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Kasinadhuni Viswanath (19 February 1930 – 2 February 2023) was an Indian film director, screenwriter, lyricist and actor who predominantly worked in Telugu cinema. One of the greatest auteurs of Indian cinema, he received international recognition for his works, and is known for blending parallel cinema with mainstream cinema. He was honoured with the "Prize of the Public" at the "Besançon Film Festival of France" in 1981. In 1992, he received the Andhra Pradesh state Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, and the civilian honour Padma Shri for his contribution to the field of arts. In 2016, he was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award in Indian cinema. He is popularly known as "Kalatapasvi."

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
February 19, 1930
Died
February 2, 2023 (aged 92)
From
Repalle, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
Works as
Director, writer and actor
Titles
18 on MovieCove · 87 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 38 days to Oct 27Down 22% in 30 days

What are K. Viswanath's films like?

Across their 14 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Morality and Self.

Genres

Drama8 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 92nd percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies
Action2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 65th percentile
: browse their Action movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Morality
24%
Self
22%
Bonds
18%
Society
16%
Ideas
10%
Survival
7%
Power
2%
Romantic love4 titles, browse their movies with this themePurpose3 titles, browse their movies with this themeSacrifice3 titles, browse their movies with this themeArt3 titles, browse their movies with this themeJustice2 titles, browse their movies with this themeSelf-worth2 titles, browse their movies with this themeRedemption2 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 13 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 4 · Serious 4 · Dark 5

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 6 · Stylized 8 · Heightened 0

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 4 · Charged 5 · Intense 5

Steady: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their steady movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 10 · Shifting 4 · Whiplash 0

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 9 · Some laughs 5 · Funny 0

Slow burn: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their slow burn movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 13 · Even-paced 1 · Relentless 0

Casual: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their casual movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 7 · Engaged 6 · Full focus 1

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 5 · Affecting 3 · Heavy 6

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 12 · Open-ended 2 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

1 analyzed role

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Melancholic
8
Hopeful
9
Romantic
4
Bittersweet
3
Joyful
2
Other
10

How their films linger

Feel-good6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 1 with a twist

  • Happy7
  • Bittersweet6
  • Tragic1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch K. Viswanath's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 16 of their 18 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.

Also on these channels

  • Eros Now15 titles

Subscription and free streaming for K. Viswanath's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks.

Filmography

87 credits, 18 with a MovieCove page.

  • Swag(2024)

    Thanks

    Midcredits score: 84th percentile of all films

  • Narthanasala (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    Actor

  • Sollividava (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Actor

  • Uttama Villain(2015)

    as Poornachandra Rao

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all films

  • Lingaa(2014)

    as Village Head

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all films

  • Singam 2 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    as Chief Minister

  • Greeku Veerudu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    Actor

  • Rajapattai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    as Dakshinamoorthy

  • Subhapradam(2010)

    Director · Writer

    Midcredits score: 3rd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Pandurangadu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Pandurangadu's father

  • Yaaradi Nee Mohini(2008)

    as Keerthi's Grandfather

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    as Keerthi's Grandfather

  • Andhrudu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Actor

  • Athadu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as CBI Chief

  • Swarabhishekam(2004)

    Director · Story · as Srinivasachari

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Pedababu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    Actor

  • Lakshmi Narasimha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    Actor

  • Swaathi Mutthu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Writer

  • Tagore (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Actor

  • Puthiya Geethai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    as Astrologer

  • Nee Sneham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Amrutha's grandfather

  • Badhaai Ho Badhaai(2002)

    as Mr D'Souza

    Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all films

  • Bagavathi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Chief Minister

  • Allari Ramudu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Ramachandraiah

  • Santosham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Rama Chandraiah

  • Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Ramachandraiah

  • Seema Simham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    Actor

  • Ninnu Choodalani (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    as Siva Reddy

  • Narasimha Naidu(2001)

    as Raghupathi Naidu

    Midcredits score: 84th percentile of all films

  • Kakkai Siraginilae (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    as Sambasiva Iyer

  • Mugavari (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    as Sridar & Shiva's Father

  • Kalisundam Raa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    as Raghavayya

  • Chinnabbaayi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Director

  • Aurat Aurat Aurat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Director

  • Vajram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Actor

  • Kuruthipunal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Srinivasan

  • Subha Sankalpam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Director · Screenplay · Story · as Raayudu

  • Dhanwaan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Director · Dialogue · Story

  • Aapathbandavudu(1992)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films

  • Swathi Kiranam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

  • Sangeet (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Director

  • Sutradhaarulu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Director

  • Eeshwar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Director · Writer

  • Maharajashri Mayagaadu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Dialogue

  • Swarnakamalam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Director · Writer

  • Swayam Krushi(1987)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films

  • Shrutilayalu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Director · Writer

  • Sirivennela(1986)

    Director · Story

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Swathi Muthyam(1986)

    Director · Screenplay · Story · Writer

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films

  • Sur Sangam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

  • Sanjog(1985)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 40th percentile of all films

  • Janani Janmabhoomi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Director

  • Jaag Utha Insan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

  • Sagara Sangamam(1983)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • Shubh Kaamna(1983)

    Director · Writer

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Kaamchor (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Director · Writer

  • Subhalekha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Director

  • Saptapadi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

  • Gadasari Atta Sogasari Kodalu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Dialogue

  • Bangaru Bava (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Dialogue

  • Sankarabharanam(1980)

    Director · Screenplay · Story

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • Shubhodayam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Director · Story

  • Enippadigal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Original Story

  • Sargam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Director · Writer

  • Moondru Mudichu(1976)

    Original Story

    Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all films

  • Siri Siri Muvva (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Mattoru Seetha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    Original Story

  • Jeevana Jyoti(1975)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • O Seeta Katha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Director

  • Neramu Siksha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    Screenplay

  • Sarada (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    Director

  • Kalam Marindi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Chelleli Kapuram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    Director

  • Maro Prapancham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Screenplay

  • Nindu Hrudayalu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Kalisochina Adrushtam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Sudigundalu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Screenplay

  • Private Master (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Tene Manasulu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Story

  • Aatma Gowravam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Director · Screenplay

  • Doctor Chakravarthy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    Assistant Director

  • Mooga Manasulu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    Assistant Director

  • Chaduvukunna Ammayilu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    Screenplay

  • Velugu Needalu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    Assistant Director

  • Banda Ramudu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    Sound Director

  • Thodi Kodallu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    Sound Director

  • Devasthanam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Actor

Career shape

A full career of 86 titles, 85 of them dated from 1957 to 2024.

Biggest box office

Lingaa (2014)

$1M worldwide

Highest rated

Sagara Sangamam (1983)

Midcredits 99th

Most popular right now

Subhapradam (2010)

Film career

  • 2005Screen debut· Athadu

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting32 of 86: 30 only acting, 2 with another role · typical Midcredits score84thDirecting38 of 86: 13 only directing, 25 with another role · typical Midcredits score94thWriting37 of 86: 12 only writing, 25 with another role · typical Midcredits score98thOther crew6 of 86: 6 only other crew, 0 with another role

86 titles, 25 with more than one role — directing and writing overlap on 25 of them.

By decade

1950s2 · crew1960s10 · crew1970s12 · crew1980s21 · crew1990s9 · 3 acting · 7 crew2000s23 · 22 acting · 2 crew2010s6 · 5 acting · 1 crew2020s2 · 1 acting · 1 crew

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored.

How do K. Viswanath's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 86th percentile, the median of all 18; across their 14 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 87th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

87thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Approval · how many liked their films

90thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Reach · how many have seen their films

34thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Midcredits score across 18 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up12
  • 25th to 49th4
  • Below 25th2

Shape of the crowd

5 of their 18 titles are Universally Loved.

  • Universally Loved5
  • Universally Panned1
  • Divisive1
  • Cult Classic3
  • Crowd Pleaser4
  • Mixed4

Most divisive · director

Jeevana Jyoti (1975)

95th percentile spread · 23% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · director, writer

Sagara Sangamam (1983)

Midcredits 99th · 95% liked

Reviewers score the atmosphere 73/100 and the pacing 51/100 in their films, across 6 reviewed titles. The element that speaks to their work as a director.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does K. Viswanath work with?

People who share at least 2 of K. Viswanath's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Edida Nageswara Rao shares the most, 5.

Writers

Actors

Composers, cinematographers and editors

Producers