Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao
Encyclopedia
K. Kameshwara Rao or Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao BA (b: 14 October 1911 - d: 29 June 1998) is famous Indian film director popularly known as Pouraanika Chitra Brahma. He has directed about 50 films in Telugu
and Tamil language
s, majority of them are Mythological in nature. The most renowned among them is Nartanasala
.
. He has completed Bachelor of Arts from the Noble College, Machilipatnam. He has worked as a Film journalist for Krishna Patrika between 1934 and 1937. His unbiased reviews about the released films are highly appreciated by the audiences. On invitation from H. M. Reddy
, he has reached Madras. He has joined as assistant director and worked with K. V. Reddy and Moola Narayana Swamy
for the film Grihalakshmi
in 1938. He has worked as assistant director for the films Vande Mataram, Sumangali, Devatha and Swarga Seema under Bomireddi Narasimha Reddy
and for Bhakta Potana and Yogi Vemana under Kadiri Venkata Reddy. After observing him closely, Vijaya Pictures has given the responsibility of independently direct Chandraharam
in 1954. He has left Vijaya pictures in 1955. He has directed about 30 films of National Art Theatres, Rajyam Pictures, Ponnaloori Brothers, Padmalaya Pictures, Mahija pictures and Suresh Productions
over the period of three decades.
He used to describe the film Nartanasala
(1963) as his best directoral work, which won many National and International awards. He died at the age of 88 years on 29 June 1998.
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
and Tamil language
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
s, majority of them are Mythological in nature. The most renowned among them is Nartanasala
Nartanasala
Narthanasala is a classical mythological Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Samudrala Raghavacharya wrote the story and dialogues. It is produced by Rajyam Pictures in Black and White.-Cast:-Crew:...
.
Life Sketch
He was born in 1911 in MachilipatnamMachilipatnam
Machilipatnam is a city and a special grade municipality in the Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located south east of state capital, Hyderabad.-History:...
. He has completed Bachelor of Arts from the Noble College, Machilipatnam. He has worked as a Film journalist for Krishna Patrika between 1934 and 1937. His unbiased reviews about the released films are highly appreciated by the audiences. On invitation from H. M. Reddy
H. M. Reddy
H. M. Reddy produced the first south talkie movie, Bhakta Prahlada. His full name was Hanumappa Muniappa Reddy and he was also referred as HM Reddy. Before making his own productions, he worked as assistant to Ardeshir Irani, creator of the first Indian talkie Alam Ara...
, he has reached Madras. He has joined as assistant director and worked with K. V. Reddy and Moola Narayana Swamy
Moola Narayana Swamy
Moola Narayana Swamy founded Vauhini Studios , which was supposed to be the largest cine studio in Asia at that time . Moola Narayana Swamy's native was Tadipatri, Anatapur , Andhra Pradesh, India. Narayana Swamy's father died at very young age. His father was big in arrack business and was very rich...
for the film Grihalakshmi
Grihalakshmi
Gruhalakshmi was a 1938 Telugu film produced and directed by H. M. Reddy. It was the maiden film for Rohini Pictures and Chittor V. Nagaiah. The film was adaptation of the popular stage play Rangoon Rowdy written by Somaraju Ramanuja Rao.-The plot:The social film is about a decadent dancer,...
in 1938. He has worked as assistant director for the films Vande Mataram, Sumangali, Devatha and Swarga Seema under Bomireddi Narasimha Reddy
Bomireddi Narasimha Reddy
Bommireddy Narasimha Reddy was an Indian film director and an early figure in the Telugu cinema industry, also known as Tollywood. He was eldest of the three brothers; others are B. Nagi Reddy and B.N. Konda Reddy. He was popularly known as B. N. Reddy...
and for Bhakta Potana and Yogi Vemana under Kadiri Venkata Reddy. After observing him closely, Vijaya Pictures has given the responsibility of independently direct Chandraharam
Chandraharam
Chandraharam is a 1954 Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and produced by Vijaya Pictures.-The Plot:The life of Chandana Raju is in the Chandraharam worn by him in the neck. He paints the image of a beautiful lady and wants to marry her. His adviser Dhoomaketu wanted to dethrone him...
in 1954. He has left Vijaya pictures in 1955. He has directed about 30 films of National Art Theatres, Rajyam Pictures, Ponnaloori Brothers, Padmalaya Pictures, Mahija pictures and Suresh Productions
Suresh Productions
Suresh Productions is a film production company founded by Dr. D. Ramanaidu. The production house of the company is Ramanaidu Studios which is located at Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Suresh Productions, is one of India’s largest film production companies with over 50 years of contribution to...
over the period of three decades.
He used to describe the film Nartanasala
Nartanasala
Narthanasala is a classical mythological Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Samudrala Raghavacharya wrote the story and dialogues. It is produced by Rajyam Pictures in Black and White.-Cast:-Crew:...
(1963) as his best directoral work, which won many National and International awards. He died at the age of 88 years on 29 June 1998.
Filmography
- GrihalakshmiGrihalakshmiGruhalakshmi was a 1938 Telugu film produced and directed by H. M. Reddy. It was the maiden film for Rohini Pictures and Chittor V. Nagaiah. The film was adaptation of the popular stage play Rangoon Rowdy written by Somaraju Ramanuja Rao.-The plot:The social film is about a decadent dancer,...
(1938) (assistant director) - Vande Mataram (1939) (assistant director)
- SumangaliSumangaliSumangali is a 1940 Telugu film directed by B. N. Reddi. The main concept of the film Widow remarriage is inspired by Kandukuri Veeresalingam. The protagonist role was played by Chittor V. Nagaiah and A. S. Giri.-The plot:...
(1940) (assistant director) - DevathaDevatha (1941 film)Devatha is a 1941 Telugu drama film directed by B. N. Reddi. Huge success of this film lead to the making of more such films with the same title in 1964 by B. Padmanabham and in 1982 by D. Ramanaidu.-The plot:...
(1941) (assistant director) - Bhakta PotanaBhakta PotanaBhakta Potana is a 1942 Telugu film based on the life of Potana, who translated Bhagavatham into Telugu language. It is directed by Kadri Venkata Reddy and story written by Samudrala Raghavacharya.-Cast:*Chittor V. Nagaiah ... Pothana...
(1942) (assistant director) - Swargaseema (1945) (assistant director)
- Yogi VemanaYogi VemanaYogi Vemana is a 1947 Telugu film directed by Kadiri Venkata Reddy. The story is based on the life of saint poet Vemana. Chittor V. Nagaiah played the role of Vemana and also composed music and sang many poems and songs in this film exposing his multifaceted talents.-Cast:* Chittor V. Nagaiah ......
(1947) (assistant director) - Gunasundari KathaGunasundari KathaGunasundari Katha was a 1949 Telugu film directed by Kadiri Venkata Reddy and starring Sriranjani in the title role as Gunasundari. It is loosely based on the William Shakespeare's King Lear and his three daughters. Sri Tulasi Jaya Tulasi song by P...
(1949) (screen adaptation) - Patala BhairaviPatala BhairaviPatala Bhairavi was a Telugu fantasy film produced by Vijaya Pictures in 1951. It is directed by Kadri Venkata Reddy and Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao, who also gave the screen adaptation. Pingali Nagendra Rao wrote dialogue and song lyrics...
(1951) (screen adaptation) - ChandraharamChandraharamChandraharam is a 1954 Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and produced by Vijaya Pictures.-The Plot:The life of Chandana Raju is in the Chandraharam worn by him in the neck. He paints the image of a beautiful lady and wants to marry her. His adviser Dhoomaketu wanted to dethrone him...
(Tamil, 1953) (director) - ChandraharamChandraharamChandraharam is a 1954 Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and produced by Vijaya Pictures.-The Plot:The life of Chandana Raju is in the Chandraharam worn by him in the neck. He paints the image of a beautiful lady and wants to marry her. His adviser Dhoomaketu wanted to dethrone him...
(Telugu, 1954) (director) - Guna Sundari (1955) (director)
- Penki Pellam (1956) (director)
- Panduranga MahatyamPanduranga Mahatyam (film)Panduranga Mahatyam is a 1957 Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and starring N. T. Rama Rao playing the role of Pundarika. The Lyrics written by Samudrala Ramanujacharya are excellent...
(1957) (director) - Shobha (1958) (director)
- Pachai Malai Kurathi (1959) (director)
- Raja Sevai (1959) (director)
- Rechukka Pragatichukka (1959) (director)
- Mahakavi KalidasuMahakavi KalidasuMahakavi Kalidasu is a 1960 Telugu Biographical film based on the life of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidas. It is directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Akkineni Nageswara Rao played the role of Kalidas. Some poems of Kalidas including Shyamala dandakam by Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao is...
(Tamil, 1960) (director) - Mahakavi KalidasuMahakavi KalidasuMahakavi Kalidasu is a 1960 Telugu Biographical film based on the life of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidas. It is directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Akkineni Nageswara Rao played the role of Kalidas. Some poems of Kalidas including Shyamala dandakam by Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao is...
(Telugu, 1960) (director) - Pandava VanavasamPandava VanavasamPandava Vanavasam is a mythological Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao and written by Samudrala Raghavacharya.-Cast:*Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao ... Bheemudu*S. V. Ranga Rao ... Duryodhanudu*Kanta Rao ... Lord Krishna...
(Tamil, 1961) (director) - Mahamantri TimmarusuMahamantri Timmarusu (film)Mahamantri Timmarusu is a 1962 Telugu historical film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Versatile character actor Gummadi Venkateswara Rao played the key role, while N.T. Rama Rao the role of Krishnadevaraya.-The Plot:...
(1962) (director) - Gundamma KathaGundamma KathaGundamma Katha is a 1962 Telugu film produced by famous producer duo B. Nagi Reddy and Chakrapani starring mainly S. V. Ranga Rao, N. T. Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Suryakantham, Jamuna Ramanarao, Savitri, Ramana Reddy, Rajanala Kaleswara Rao, Chaya Devi, L. Vijayalakshmi and Haranath...
(1962) (director) - Narthanasala (1963) (director)
- Pandava VanavasamPandava VanavasamPandava Vanavasam is a mythological Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao and written by Samudrala Raghavacharya.-Cast:*Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao ... Bheemudu*S. V. Ranga Rao ... Duryodhanudu*Kanta Rao ... Lord Krishna...
(Telugu, 1965) (director) - Shakuntala (1966) (director)
- Shri Krishna Tulabharam (Tamil, 1966) (director)
- Shri Krishna Tulabharam (Telugu, 1966) (director)
- Kambojaraju Katha (1967) (director)
- Shri KrishnavataramShri KrishnavataramShri Krishnavataram is a 1967 Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. The magnum opus mythological film is based on Hindu epics Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana covering major life events of Lord Krishna.-The story:...
(Tamil, 1967) (director) - Shri KrishnavataramShri KrishnavataramShri Krishnavataram is a 1967 Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. The magnum opus mythological film is based on Hindu epics Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana covering major life events of Lord Krishna.-The story:...
(Telugu, 1967) (director) - Kalasina Manushulu (1968) (director)
- VeeranjaneyaVeeranjaneyaVeeranjaneya is a 1968 Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao. It is a Music film based on the life of Hindu God Anjaneya.-Soundtrack:* Aho Rama Katha...
(1968) (director) - Shri Seeta Rama Hanuman (1969) (director)
- Mayani Mamata (1970) (director)
- Shri Krishna Vijayam (1970) (director)
- Bala BharatamBala BharatamBala Bharatam is a 1972 Telugu film wherein most of the characters are played by children. The child actors include Baby Sridevi and Master Prabhakar.-Story:...
(1972) (director) - Jeevithasayam (1974) (director)
- Kurukshetramu (1977) (director)
- Seeta Rama Vanavasam (1977) (director)
- Sri Raam Vanavas (Hindi, 1977) (director)
- Gnana kuzhandhai (1979) (director)
- Shri Vinayaka Vijayam (1980) (director)
- Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Mahatyam (1980) (director)
- Daiva Thirumanangal (1981) (director)
- Ekalavya (1982) (director)
- Santoshi Mata Vratha Mahatyam (1983) (director)
- Badarinatha Darshanam (1985) (director)
- Shri Datta DarshanamShri Datta DarshanamShri Datta Darshanam is a 1985 Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao. The story is based on the life of Hindu deity Dattatreya.-Plot:...
(1985) (director) - Ashtalakshmi Vaibhavamu (1986) (director)
- Devi Navagraha Nayaki (1986) (director)
- Edu Kondalaswamy (1991) (director)
Awards
- National Film Award for Best Feature Film in TeluguNational Film Award for Best Feature Film in TeluguThe National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu Cinema winners: The awards received by the films released in the previous year are listed below...
for Mahakavi KalidasuMahakavi KalidasuMahakavi Kalidasu is a 1960 Telugu Biographical film based on the life of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidas. It is directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Akkineni Nageswara Rao played the role of Kalidas. Some poems of Kalidas including Shyamala dandakam by Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao is...
in 1960. - National Film Award for Best Feature Film in TeluguNational Film Award for Best Feature Film in TeluguThe National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu Cinema winners: The awards received by the films released in the previous year are listed below...
for Mahamantri TimmarusuMahamantri Timmarusu (film)Mahamantri Timmarusu is a 1962 Telugu historical film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Versatile character actor Gummadi Venkateswara Rao played the key role, while N.T. Rama Rao the role of Krishnadevaraya.-The Plot:...
in 1962 - NartanasalaNartanasalaNarthanasala is a classical mythological Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Samudrala Raghavacharya wrote the story and dialogues. It is produced by Rajyam Pictures in Black and White.-Cast:-Crew:...
has been screened in Jakarta International Film FestivalJakarta International Film FestivalThe Jakarta International Film Festival is the major film festival of Indonesia held every December in the capital, Jakarta, since 1999....
. S. V. Ranga RaoS. V. Ranga RaoSamarla Venkata Ranga Rao Popularly Known as S.V.R. was an Indian Theater actor, Tollywood actor, director and producer...
won the best actor award and T. V. S. Sharma the best art director award. - NartanasalaNartanasalaNarthanasala is a classical mythological Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Samudrala Raghavacharya wrote the story and dialogues. It is produced by Rajyam Pictures in Black and White.-Cast:-Crew:...
won National Film Award for Second Best Feature FilmNational Film Award for Second Best Feature FilmThe National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film winners :-See also:...
in 1964.