K. Viswanath

Early life

Viswanath was born on 19 February 1930 in a Telugu family to Kasinadhuni Subramanyam and Kasinadhuni Saraswathy (Saraswathamma) in Repalle of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. His ancestral roots come from Pedapulivarru, Andhra Pradesh, a small village on the banks of River Krishna. Viswanath studied Intermediate from Guntur Hindu College, and holds a BSc degree from Andhra Christian College of Andhra University. He began his career as a sound recordist at Vauhini Studios in Madras, where his father was an associate. There, he apprenticed under the guidance of A Krishnan, who was the Head of Sound Engineering at Vauhini. Viswanath and A Krishnan developed a close rapport and later after the former made the transition into film direction, he would always bounce ideas off the latter. Viswanath made his entry into film direction at Annapurna Pictures under Adurthi Subba Rao and K. Ramnoth. He wished to work as an assistant to director K. Balachander and Bapu.

Career

During his early career, Viswanath was associated with Adurthi Subba Rao on National Award-winning films such as Mooga Manasulu (1964) and Doctor Chakravarty (1964). 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.

In 1951 he started as an assistant director in the Telugu-Tamil Film Pathala Bhairavi (1951). In 1965, Viswanath debuted as a director with Telugu film Aatma Gowravam (1965), which won the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film of the year. Viswanath followed it up with drama films Chelleli Kapuram (1971), Sarada (1973), O Seeta Katha (1974) and Jeevana Jyoti (1975) which are women-centric films. It was in Siri Siri Muvva (1976) that the artistic touch in his craft first became visible.

Sankarabharanam (1980) 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. 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 (1973), which exploits a psychologically deranged woman, Swathi Muthyam (1986), which exploits a cognitively disabled man's humanism, Sirivennela (1986) which revels in situations between deaf and dumb characters, and Kalam Marindi (1972), which dwells on characters stuck in a caste-based society.

Film 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.

Films with social issues

Viswanath has made many films dealing with a wide range of human and social issues: Saptapadi, Sirivennela, Sutradharulu, Subhalekha, Sruthilayalu, Subha Sankalpam, Aapadbandhavudu, Swayam Krushi, and Swarnakamalam have lead characters representing different strata of society, meticulously etched to suit the larger picture.

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.

In spite of the nature of these subjects, they are presented in a subtle manner with an imaginative storyline, 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 was a director with social-conscious mind and who believed cinema could bring out desirable changes in society if presented in a format liked by a cross-section of audience.

Association with Poornodaya Creations

Edida Nageswara Rao founded "Poornodaya Movie Creations", which encouraged Viswanath to make aesthetic films. 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.

Hindi cinema

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 Dhanwan (1993). Some of these films (especially his collaboration with actress Jaya Prada) have been super hits at the box office.

Acting

In 1995, Viswanath debuted as an actor with Telugu film Subha Sankalpam. As a character actor, he has appeared in works such as Vajram (1995), Kalisundam Raa (2000), Narasimha Naidu (2001), Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu (2002), Santosham (2002), Seema Simham (2002), Tagore (2003), Lakshmi Narasimha (2004), Swarabhishekam (2004), Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule (2007), Athadu (2005), and Pandurangadu (2008), and Devasthanam (2012). He essayed characters in Tamil works such as Kuruthipunal (1995), Mugavaree (1999), Kakkai Siraginilae (2000), Bagavathi (2002), Pudhiya Geethai (2003), Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008), Rajapattai (2011), Singam II (2013), Lingaa (2014) and Uttama Villain (2015).

Television

Viswanath had also acted in a few television serials; Siva Narayana Teertha on SVBC TV, Chellamay on Sun TV, and Suryiavamsam on Vendhar TV. He also endorsed brands such as GRT Jewellers and appeared in television commercials.

Biopic

Viswadarshanam is an official biopic of K Viswanath, written and directed by Janardhana Maharshi, which tells the story of a 90-year-old acclaimed director. The film was telecast on ETV (Telugu) on 19 February 2023, his 93rd birthday.

Personal life and death

Viswanath was married to Kasinadhuni Jayalakshmi. Actor Chandra Mohan, and singers S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. P. Sailaja were his cousins.

Viswanath died on 2 February 2023, aged 92, in a private hospital in Hyderabad due to age-related issues.

Filmography

As director and screenwriter

As an actor

Other roles

Awards

;Honorary doctorate

• Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University

Other honours

Notes

References

References

1. (3 February 2023). "K. Viswanath auteur of Telugu cinema".
2. "Vishwanath leaves a void too big to fill in Telugu cinema".
3. (26 April 2012). "Arts / History & Culture : Celebrating a doyen". The Hindu.
4. Special Correspondent. (20 February 2012). "Director K. Viswanath to be feted". The Hindu.
5. "K. Viswanath Film craft Page 6 DFF".
6. "64th National Film Awards". Directorate of Film Festivals.
7. (24 April 2017). "Director K Viswanath named for Dadasaheb Phalke award". Deccan Chronicle.
8. (25 April 2017). "Difficult to Produce Another Talent Like K Viswanath: Kamal Haasan".
9. "The filmmaker with the midas touch: Remembering the legendary K Viswanath".
10. [https://web.archive.org/web/20130424003536/http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/13200.html 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.
11. "Directorate of Film Festival". Iffi.nic.in.
12. aatapaatalu.net/2011/04/spl-interview-with-edida-nageswararao.January 2013.
13. "Archived copy".
14. "29th National Film Awards". Directorate of Film Festival.
15. Prakash KL. "Sagara Sangamam to be screened at Kamal's films fest | – Oneindia Entertainment". Entertainment.oneindia.in.
16. "Chiranjeevi felicitation on Padma Bhushan honor - Telugu Cinema actor".
17. "Directorate of Film Festival". Iffi.nic.in.
18. [http://www.literatureindia.com/2009/11/22/300-films-during-11-days-from-47-countries-in-iffi-2009/ 300 films during 11 days from 47 countries in IFFI-2009] {{Webarchive. link. (24 June 2015 . Literature India. Retrieved on 28 July 2013.)
19. (2 May 2017). "Dance without frontiers: K Viswanath – Director who aims to revive classical arts".
20. "Directorate of Film Festival". Iffi.nic.in.
21. (15 February 2014). "The films of K. Viswanath".
22. "52nd National Film Awards". Akal Information Systems Ltd..
23. "Poornodaya movies in Russian language". mirchi9.com.
24. Ranjana Dave. (30 June 2011). "The meaning in movement". The Asian Age.
25. (19 February 2019). "K Viswanath: National Award films directed by the ace filmmaker".
26. (28 July 2010). "Andhra Pradesh / Guntur News : Society needs good films, says K. Viswanath". [[The Hindu]].
27. (9 November 2012). "Entertainment Hyderabad / Events : Viswanath felicitated". [[The Hindu]].
28. (19 September 2006). "Reporter's Diary". [[The Hindu]].
29. [http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2000/may/03vish.htm rediff.com, Movies: Interview with K Viswanath]. Rediff.com (3 May 2000). Retrieved on 2013-07-28.
30. (1 September 2006). "Stamp in honour of director L.V. Prasad". [[The Hindu]].
31. (1991). "Collections". Update Video Publication.
32. Bhaskaran, S.T. 'Music for the masses: Film songs of Tamil Nadu' Economic and Political Weekly (annual number),11-12, March, 755-58
33. "Dance, Movement & Spiritualities". Intellect Ltd..
34. 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.
35. (19 April 2006). "Chiranjeevi felicitation on Padma Bhushan honor – Telugu Cinema actor". Idlebrain.com.
36. 30 Jun 2011 – Ranjana Dave. (30 June 2011). "The meaning in movement". The Asian Age.
37. "Chit chat with Edida Nageswararao Parts(3)". mirchi9.com.
38. (12 September 2003). "K Viswanath to direct Hrithik". The Times of India.
39. Dream Merchants Ad Film Production House. (12 January 2013). "Telugu Ads GRT Jewellers".
40. "'Viswa Darshanam'". The Times of India.
41. "Viswadarshanam on K Viswanath to be aired on ETV".
42. (17 April 2010). "Viswanath vows to continue his mission". The Hindu.
43. (2 February 2023). "Legendary director K Viswanath passes away".
44. Arikatla, Venkat. (2023-02-03). "Kalatapaswi K Viswanath Breathed His Last".
45. Chronicle, Deccan. (2023-02-03). "Noted director K. Viswanath dead".
46. Bharadwaja. (4 July 1976). "చిత్ర సమీక్ష: మాంగల్యానికి మరోముడి". [[Andhra Jyothi]].
47. Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi. (25 April 2017). "'K Viswanath brought dignity and grace to Telugu cinema'". The Hindu.
48. Krishnamoorthy, Suresh. (26 May 2015). "With Cheekati Raajyam, Kamal returns to Telugu". The Hindu.
49. Roshan, Sunaina. (5 July 2017). "To Dad with Love". Om Books International.
50. "Chinnabbayi Cast & Crew".
51. "Subhapradam is jaded".
52. Sri. (28 November 2010). "Articles : Movie Retrospect : Retrospect : Saptapadi (1981)".
53. (2015). "Padma Awards". Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
54. "Directorate of Film Festival". Iffi.nic.in.
55. "K Vishwanath to be honoured at GAMA Awards".
56. Thakur, Shivangi. (April 24, 2017). "Dadasaheb Phalke Award goes to legendary filmmaker Kasinathuni Viswanath".
57. DD News. (3 May 2017). "64th National Film Awards: K. Viswanath receives Dadasaheb Phalke award".
58. (1989-03-11). "Cinema Express awards". [[The Indian Express]].
59. "Cinemaa awards 2008 presentation - Telugu cinema".
60. (5 February 2017). "35th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners : Santosh : Free Download &...".
61. "FNCC Team Felicitates K Viswanath and SP Balu Photos – Photogallery – Page 20".
62. (January 2024). "Telugu Film Director's Association felicitates K Viswanath for Winning Dada Saheb Phalke Award – Telugu cinema".
63. (12 July 2017). "I want to remain humble, says ace director K. Viswanath". The Hindu.