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K. Viswanath

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K. Viswanath
కాశీనాధుని విశ్వనాధ్
Born
Kasinadhuni Viswanath

(1930-02-19) 19 February 1930 (age 94)
Repalle, Madras State (now Andhra Pradesh), India
Occupation(s)Film director, screenwriter, actor
Years active1957–present
AwardsPadma Shri (1992),
Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2016)

Kasinadhuni Viswanath (born 19 February 1930) is an Indian audiographer turned director, screenwriter, and character actor known for his works in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema.[1][2] He is recipient of five National Film Awards, six state Nandi Awards, ten Filmfare Awards South, and a Bollywood Filmfare Award.[3] In a film career spanning sixty years, Viswanath has directed fifty three feature films in a variety of genres, including films based on performing arts, visual arts, and aesthetics.[4][1][2]

Viswanath has received international recognition for his works, and is known for blending parallel cinema with mainstream commercial cinema.[1][2][4][5] Viswanath was honored with the "Prize of the Public" at the "Besancon Film Festival of France" in the year 1981.[6] His few films which are produced by Poornodaya Movie Creations were dubbed into Russian language and theatrically released in Moscow.[7][8] In 1992, he received the Andhra Pradesh state Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, and the civilian honor Padma Shri for his contribution to the field of arts. He was awarded the 2017 Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award in Indian cinema, at the 64th National Film Awards[9][10]

Early life and education

Kasinadhuni Viswanath was born on 19 Feb 1930 in a Telugu Niyogi Brahmin family to Kasinathuni Subrahmanyam and Kasinathuni Saraswatamma. His ancestral roots come from Pedapulivarru, Andhra Pradesh, a small village on the banks of River Krishna.[11][12] He spent his childhood in Vijayawada. Viswanath holds a bachelor's degree in administration from Hindu college, Guntur.[13] His father used to work as a Production manager in Vahini studios. With his father's advice, he began his career as a sound recordist at Vauhini Studios in Madras. Viswanath transitioned into film direction at Annapurna Pictures under Adurthi Subba Rao and K. Ramnoth.[14][15] He wished to work as an assistant to director K. Balachander and Bapu.[13]

Career

In 1965, Viswanath debuted as a director with Telugu film Aatma Gowravam, which won the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film of the year. Viswanath followed it up with drama film's Chelleli Kapuram, Sarada, O Seeta Katha and Jeevana Jyoti which are women-centric films.[1][2] It was in Siri Siri Muvva that the artistic touch in his craft first became visible.[1][2]

Sankarabharanam highlights the neglect of traditional Indian music under the increasing influence of western music.The film brings out the grandeur of Carnatic music, the traditional South Indian music towards the end. Bhaskaran, a media and film researcher from Chennai has documented, in his study of South Indian music culture, how Sankarabharanam contributed to the revival of Carnatic music in a big way.[16] The film broke many commercial records by running for over one year in cinemas. In a recent study published in Journal of Dance, Movements & Spiritualities published by "Intellect Group" of the United Kingdom, C. S. H. N. Murthy, a media and film studies scholar from India, has demonstrated how Viswanath's filmography embraces a wide spectrum of characters that include mentally and physically challenged subjects as well like the film Sarada exploits a psychologically deranged woman, Swati Mutyam, exploits an autistic man's humanism, Sirivennela revels in situations between deaf and dumb characters, and Kalam Marindi dwells on characters stuck in a caste based society.[1][2]

Viswanath's filmography is known for addressing the issues of caste, color, disability, alcoholism, and socio-economic differences through liberal arts in works such as Saptapadi, Sirivennela, Swayamkrushi, Shrutilayalu, and Swarnakamalam. The researcher, C. S. H. N. Murthy observed that Viswanath's films offer a pathway towards inclusiveness, affecting positive spiritual change at both personal and social levels. Situating the content in the broad arena of de-westernizing media studies, through immersive and culturally embedded perspectives, Murthy endeavoured to offer modern and postmodern dimensions in Viswanath's films.[1][2]

Films with social issues

Viswanath has made many films dealing with a wide range of human and social issues: Saptapadi, Sirivennela, Sutradharulu, Subhalekha, Shrutilayalu, Subhasankalpam, Aapadbandhavudu, Swayam krushi, and Swarnakamalam have lead characters representing different strata of society, meticulously etched to suit the larger picture.[1][2]

In Saptapadi, he decries the evils of untouchability and the caste system. In Subhodayam and Swayam Krushi he emphasizes the dignity and respectability of manual labor. In Subhalekha, he deals, in a humorous way, with the dowry system-one of the major evils in today's society. While Sutradharulu urges present-day society to recognize the need to adopt the ideals of non-violence, Swati Kiranam depicts the harm that can be caused by the basic instincts of envy and anger in a man, however accomplished he may be.[1][2]

In spite of the nature of these subjects, they are presented in a subtle manner with an imaginative story line, with just the right amount of emphasis on the intended message. Yet Viswanath's films were never offbeat cinema but wholesome entertainers those elevated the lead actors' image. He is a director with social-conscious mind and who believes cinema can bring out desirable changes in society if presented in a format liked by a cross section of audience.[1][2]

Association with Poornodaya Creations

Edida Nageswara Rao founded "Poornodaya Movie Creations" which encouraged Viswanath to make aesthetic films.[17][18][7] Poornodaya has produced several of Viswanath's films like Sankarabharanam, Swatimutyam, Saagarasangamam, Sutradharulu, and Aapadbandhavudu. Most of these films were dubbed into Russian and were screened at the Moscow Film Festival.[17][18][19]

Bollywood

Viswanath has also directed Hindi language films such as Sargam (1979), Kaamchor (1982), Shubh Kaamna (1983), Jaag Utha Insan (1984), Sur Sangam (1985), Sanjog (1985), Eeshwar (1989), Sangeet (1992) and Dhanwaan (1993). Some of these films have been super hits at the box office.[20]

Acting career

In 1995, Viswanath debuted as an actor with Telugu film Subha Sankalpam. As a character actor, he has appeared in Telugu films such as Narasimha Naidu (2001), Santosham (2002), Tagore (2003), Lakshmi Narasimha (2004), Swarabhishekam (2004), Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule (2007), Athadu ( 2005) Pandurangadu (2008), and Seemasimham. He essayed characters in Tamil films such as Kuruthipunal (1995), Mugavaree (1999), Kakkai Siraginilae (2000), Bagavathi (2002), Pudhiya Geethai (2003), Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008), Rajapattai (2011), and Uttama Villain (2015).[9]

Television

Viswanath had also acted on a few television serials; Siva Narayna Teertha on SVBC TV, Chellamey on Sun TV, and Suryavamsam on Vendhar TV. He also endorses brands such as GRT Jewellers and appears in various television commercials.[21]

International recognition

During his early career, Viswanath was associated with Adurthi Subba Rao on National Award winning films such as Mooga Manasulu (1964), and Doctor Chakravarthy (1964).[1][2] Viswanath scripted Sudigundalu (1968), and directed works such as Aatma Gowravam (1965), O Seeta Katha (1974), and Jeevana Jyothi (1975) which garnered the state Nandi Awards, and were screened at the Asian and African film Festival at Tashkent.[22][4]

Viswanath's classical blockbusters Sankarabharanam (1979) and Sagara Sangamam (1983) were included among CNN-IBN's list of hundred greatest Indian films of all time.[23] His directorial works Sankarabharanam and Saptapadi, have garnered the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Feature Film on National Integration, respectively. Sankarabharanam, was premiered at the 8th International Film Festival of India,[24][25] the Tashkent Film Festival, and the Moscow International Film Festival held in May 1980.[26] Viswanath also won the Prize of the Public at the Besancon Film Festival of France in the year 1981.[6]

Viswanath's Swati Mutyam was India's official entry to the 59th Academy Awards. Swati Mutyam", Sagara Sangamam and Sirivennela were premiered at the Asia Pacific Film Festival.[27] Swayam Krushi was premiered to special mention at the Moscow International Film Festival.[28] Sankarabharanam, Sagara Sangamam, Shrutilayalu, Swarnakamalam and Swati Kiranam were screened in the Indian Panorama section at International Film Festival of India,[29][30] Ann Arbor Film Festival.[31] and AISFM Film Festival.[32]

Personal life

Viswanath is married to Jaya Lakshmi and they have three children: Padmavati, Nagendranath and Ravindranath and six grandchildren. He speaks fluent Telugu, Tamil, and English. Actor Chandra Mohan and singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam are Viswanath's cousins.[33]

Awards

Civilian honor
International honor
National Film Awards
Filmfare Awards
Filmfare Awards South[3]
Nandi Awards
Other honours

Filmography

Year Film Language Credits
1957 Todi Kodallu Telugu Sound department
1959 Banda Ramudu Telugu Sound department
1961 Iddaru Mitrulu Telugu Assistant Director
1963 Chaduvukunna Ammayilu Telugu Screenplay, writer
1964 Mooga Manasulu Telugu Assistant director
1964 Doctor Chakravarthy Telugu Assistant director
1965 Aatma Gowravam[9] Telugu Director
1967 Private Master Telugu Director
Sudigundalu Telugu Writer
1968 Kalisochchina Adrushtam Telugu Director
Undamma Bottu Pedata Telugu Director
1969 Nindu Hrudayalu Telugu Director
1971 Chelleli Kapuram[9] Telugu Director
Chinnanaati Snehithulu Telugu Director
Nindu Dampatulu Telugu Director
1972 Kalam Marindi Telugu Story, screenplay writer and director
1973 Neramu Siksha Telugu Screenplay, writer and director
Sarada[9] Telugu Director
1974 Amma Manasu Telugu Story, screenplay writer and director
O Seeta Katha[9] Telugu Director
1975 Chinna Nati Kalalu Telugu Director
Jeevana Jyothi[9] Telugu Director
1976 Mangalyaniki Maromudi Telugu Screenplay, writer and director
Siri Siri Muvva Telugu Story, screenplay, writer and director
Prema Bandham Telugu Director
1977 Chilanka Telugu Director
Jeevita Nouka Telugu Director
1978 Kaalanthakulu Telugu Director
Seetamalakshmi Telugu Story, screenplay, writer and director
1979 President Peramma Telugu Director
Sankarabharanam [9] Telugu Story writer and director
Sargam Hindi Director
1980 Alludu Pattina Bharatam Telugu Director
Subhodayam Telugu Story-writer and director
1981 Saptapadi[9] Telugu Story, screenplay writer and director
1982 Kaamchor[9] Hindi Director
Subhalekha Telugu Story, screenplay, writer and director
1983 Saagara Sangamam[9] Telugu Story-writer and director
Shubh Kaamna Hindi Director
1984 Janani Janmabhoomi Telugu Story, screenplay writer and director
1985 Jaag Utha Insan[9] Hindi Director
Sanjog[9] Hindi Director
Sur Sangam Hindi Director
Swati Mutyam[9] Telugu Story, screenplay, writer and director
1986 Sirivennela Telugu Story, screenplay, writer and director
1987 Shrutilayalu Telugu Story, screenplay, writer and director
Swayamkrushi Telugu Story, screenplay, writer and director
1988 Swarna Kamalam Telugu Story, screenplay, writer and director
1989 Eeshwar[9] Hindi Story, screenplay, writer and director
Sutradharulu Telugu Story, screenplay, writer and director
1992 Aapadbandhavudu[46] Telugu Story, screenplay, writer and director
Sangeet Hindi Director
Swati Kiranam Telugu Story, screenplay, writer and director
1993 Dhanwaan Hindi Director
1995 Subha Sankalpam[47] Telugu Director and Actor
1996 Aurat Aurat Aurat[48] Hindi Director
1997 Chinnabbayi Telugu Director
2004 Swarabhishekam[9] Telugu Actor, story, screenplay writer and director
2010 Subhapradam[49] Telugu Director

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Dance, Movement & Spiritualities". Intellect Ltd.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Murthy, C. S. H. N. (1 December 2014). "Inclusiveness through art films in Telugu: A modern to postmodern analysis of K. Viswanath's films". Dance, Movement & Spiritualities. 1 (3): 413–438. doi:10.1386/dmas.1.3.413_1 – via IngentaConnect.
  3. ^ a b "52nd National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Akal Information Systems Ltd. p. 81. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d "Arts / History & Culture : Celebrating a doyen". The Hindu. 26 April 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  5. ^ a b Special Correspondent (20 February 2012). "NATIONAL / ANDHRA PRADESH : Director K. Viswanath to be feted". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 September 2012. {{cite news}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  6. ^ a b "29th National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festival. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  7. ^ a b "Poornodaya movies in Russian language". mirchi9.com.
  8. ^ Ranjana Dave (30 June 2011). "The meaning in movement". The Asian Age. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Director K Viswanath named for Dadasaheb Phalke award". Deccan Chronicle. 24 April 2017.
  10. ^ a b "Difficult to Produce Another Talent Like K Vishwanath: Kamal Haasan". 25 April 2017.
  11. ^ Andhra Pradesh / Guntur News : Society needs good films, says K. Viswanath. The Hindu (25 July 2010). Retrieved on 2013-07-28.
  12. ^ Entertainment Hyderabad / Events : Viswanath felicitated. The Hindu (22 July 2005). Retrieved on 2013-07-28.
  13. ^ a b "Reporter's Diary". The Hindu. 19 September 2006.
  14. ^ rediff.com, Movies: Interview with K Viswanath. Rediff.com (3 May 2000). Retrieved on 2013-07-28.
  15. ^ "Stamp in honour of director L.V. Prasad". The Hindu. 1 September 2006.
  16. ^ Bhaskaran, S.T. 'Music for the masses: Film songs of Tamil Nadu' Economic and Political Weekly (annual number),11-12, March, 755-58
  17. ^ a b "Chiranjeevi felicitation on Padma Bhushan honor – Telugu Cinema actor". Idlebrain.com. 19 April 2006. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  18. ^ a b 30 Jun 2011 – Ranjana Dave (30 June 2011). "The meaning in movement". The Asian Age. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ "Chit chat with Edida Nageswararao Parts(3)". mirchi9.com.
  20. ^ "K Vishwanath to direct Hrithik". The Times Of India. 12 September 2003.
  21. ^ Dream Merchants Ad Film Production House (12 January 2013). "Telugu Ads GRT Jewellers" – via YouTube.
  22. ^ Collections. Update Video Publication. 1991. p. 387.
  23. ^ 100 Years of Indian Cinema: The 100 greatest Indian films of all time|Movies News Photos-IBNLive. Ibnlive.in.com (17 April 2013). Retrieved on 2013-07-28.
  24. ^ "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). Iffi.nic.in. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  25. ^ aatapaatalu.net/2011/04/spl-interview-with-edida-nageswararao.January 2013.
  26. ^ http://dff.nic.in/2011/IP1981.pdf
  27. ^ Prakash KL. "Sagara Sangamam to be screened at Kamal's films fest | - Oneindia Entertainment". Entertainment.oneindia.in. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  28. ^ "Chiranjeevi felicitation on Padma Bhushan honor - Telugu Cinema actor".
  29. ^ "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). Iffi.nic.in. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  30. ^ 300 films during 11 days from 47 countries in IFFI-2009. Literature India. Retrieved on 28 July 2013.
  31. ^ "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). Iffi.nic.in. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  32. ^ "The films of K. Viswanath". 15 February 2014.
  33. ^ "Viswanath vows to continue his mission". The Hindu. 17 April 2010.
  34. ^ "Padma Awards" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 November 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). Iffi.nic.in. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  36. ^ "Dadasaheb Phalke Award goes to legendary filmmaker Kasinathuni Viswanath".
  37. ^ "IndiaGlitz - Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan praise Viswanath in twitter for winning Dadasaheb Phalke chiranjeevi greets in person - Tamil Movie News". Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  38. ^ "Phalke nomination for Edida Nageswara Rao". The Hindu. 17 March 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
  39. ^ "29th National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
  40. ^ "34th National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  41. ^ "37th National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  42. ^ "52nd National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  43. ^ "35th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners : Santosh : Free Download &..." 5 February 2017. Archived from the original on 5 February 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  44. ^ Data India.
  45. ^ "Filmfare Awards". Archived from the original on 4 February 1997. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  46. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/k-viswanath-brought-dignity-and-grace-to-telugu-cinema/article18205585.ece
  47. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/with-cheekati-raajyam-kamal-returns-to-telugu/article7245844.ece
  48. ^ https://books.google.co.in/books?id=mYvFDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT70
  49. ^ http://movies.rediff.com/review/2010/jul/19/south-review-subhapradam-is-jaded.htm

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