Eisspeedway

K. S. R. Das

K. S. R. Das
Born
Konda Subbarama Das

(1936-01-05)5 January 1936
Venkatagiri, Nellore, British India (now Andhra Pradesh, India)
Died8 June 2012(2012-06-08) (aged 76)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Occupations
  • Film director
  • editor
  • screenwriter
Years active1966–2000
SpouseNagamani Devi
Children3

Konda Subbarama Das (5 January 1936 – 8 June 2012), popularly known as K. S. R. Das, was an Indian film director and editor known for his work in Telugu and Kannada cinema. Active primarily in the 1970s and 1980s, Das was known for his action films and made significant contributions to South Indian cinema.[1]

Throughout his career, K. S. R. Das directed nearly 100 films across multiple Indian languages, with the majority in Telugu, and additional projects in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam. He was a pioneer of full-length action films and introduced cowboy-themed films to Indian cinema. Notable films such as Rowdy Rani (1970) and Mosagallaku Mosagadu (1971) set new trends in the action genre.[2] Although primarily recognized for his action films, Das also directed family dramas, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker.

Das collaborated with several South Indian stars, including Krishna, with whom he directed over 30 films, as well as Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth, Vishnuvardhan, and N. T. Rama Rao.[1] His work was both commercially successful and influential in shaping the action genre in Indian cinema. Das received several awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Puttanna Kanagal Award.[3]

Early life

K. S. R. Das was born on January 5, 1936, in a small village near Venkatagiri in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.[4] From a young age, Das was captivated by cinema, frequently traveling to nearby towns to watch films.[5]

Career

Early career

Das began his career in 1953 as a booking clerk at Krishna Mahal in Guntur district. He later worked as a film representative for Anjali Pictures until 1956, gaining valuable industry experience. He was introduced to S. Bhavanarayana of Gowri Productions, where he worked as an editor, contributing to around 40 films.[5]

Das made his directorial debut with the Telugu film Loguttu Perumallakeruka in 1966, starring Sobhan Babu and Rajasri. Although the film did not achieve commercial success, it marked the beginning of his directorial career.[5]

Rise to Prominence

Das gained widespread recognition with the 1969 film Takkari Donga Chakkani Chukka, which marked the beginning of his successful collaboration with actor Krishna. Over the years, he directed over 30 films with Krishna, including notable hits like Bangaru Kutumbam (1971) and Mosagallaku Mosagadu (1971). The latter, often regarded as the first Indian cowboy film, became a trendsetter and was dubbed into multiple languages, including English.[6]

Known for his action-oriented films, Das introduced the concept of full-fledged action films to Telugu cinema with Rowdy Raani (1970). His film Mosagallaku Mosagadu was a milestone in Indian cinema.[2] Despite his reputation for action films, Das also demonstrated his versatility by directing family dramas like Annadammula Savaal, Mama-Allulla Savaal, Girija Kalyanam.[5]

Kannada cinema

In 1975, Das expanded his scope by entering the Kannada film industry. He directed over 20 Kannada films, including significant works such as Sahodarara Savaal, Snehithara Savaal, Chinnadhantha Maga, and Bangaaradha Gudi. His film Khaidhi was a major success and played a crucial role in boosting Dr. Vishnuvardhan's career. Das directed a total of 12 films with Vishnuvardhan and also worked on the acclaimed film Thirugubaana with Ambareesh.[3]

Collaborators

Throughout his career, K. S. R. Das collaborated with many leading actors in the South Indian film industry, including Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth, Vishnuvardhan, and Sobhan Babu. Notably, he directed over 30 films with Krishna and 12 films with Vishnuvardhan. Das's prolific output includes around 100 films across Telugu, Kannada, and other languages, solidifying his reputation as one of the most successful directors of his era.[7]

In addition to his primary directorial work, K. S. R. Das also served as a second unit director for action sequences. He contributed to Alluri Seetarama Raju (1974) following the sudden demise of Ramachandra Rao, who had directed the film's initial ten days of shooting. Although Krishna wished to credit Das as the film's director, Das declined, honoring Ramachandra Rao's vision and was credited as the second unit director. For Kaalaantakulu (1978), Das assisted K. Viswanath by directing the action sequences, as Viswanath sought help in areas where Das's expertise was particularly strong.[5]

Personal Life

K. S. R. Das married Nagamani Devi in 1964. They had three children: two daughters and a son. The family lived in Bangalore for many years before moving to Chennai later in life. As per Nagamani Devi, despite acquiring some assets after relocating to Bangalore, their investments in films led to significant financial losses.[8]

Das died on June 8, 2012, at Apollo Hospital in Chennai, due to age-related health issues.[7] His son, who worked as a producer in the Kannada film industry, also died in August 2014.[8]

Legacy

K. S. R. Das made a significant impact on the Telugu film industry. His contributions to the action genre and his ability to craft engaging, high-energy narratives established him as a prominent director in the field.

Awards

Filmography

Sources:[5]

Year Film Credited as Language Notes
Director Writer
1966 Loguttu Perumallukeruka Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1968 Rajayogam Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1969 Raja Simha Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1969 Gandaragandudu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1969 Gandaragolam Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1969 Takkari Donga Chakkani Chukka Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1969 Ukkupidugu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1970 Rowdy Rani Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1971 Bangaru Kutumbam Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1971 C.I.D. Raju Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1971 James Bond 777 Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1971 Kathiki Kankanam Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1971 Mosagallaku Mosagadu Green tickY Arudra Telugu
1971 Prema Jeevulu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1971 Rowdilaki Rowdeelu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1972 Gunfighter Johnny Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1972 Hanthakulu Devanthakulu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1972 Kathula Rathaiah Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1972 Penning Saval Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1972 Pilla? Piduga? Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1972 Pistolwali Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1972 Uriki Upakari Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1972 Vooriki Upakari Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1972 Rani Mera Naam Green tickY Red XN Hindi
1973 Apna Farz Green tickY Red XN Hindi
1973 Bahadur Ladkiyan Green tickY Red XN Hindi
1973 Hifazat Green tickY Red XN Hindi
1973 Rani Aur Jaani Green tickY Red XN Hindi
1973 Manchivaalaku Manchivadu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1975 Kalla Kulla Green tickY M. D. Sundar Kannada
1975 Maavoori Ganga Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1976 Bhale Dongalu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1976 Doralu Dongalu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1976 Kallanum Kullanum Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1976 Bangarada Gudi Green tickY Venus Mahija Samasthe Kannada
1977 Lakshmi Nivasa Green tickY Jayalakshmi Art Enterprises Kannada
1977 Sahodarara Savaal Green tickY M. D. Sundar Kannada
1977 Devudunadu Jagratha Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1977 Dongalaku Donga Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1977 Eenati Bandham Yenatido Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1978 Agent Gopi Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1978 Annadammula Savaal Green tickY Red XN Telugu Remake of Sahodara Savaal
1978 Dongala Veta Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1978 Kiladi Kittu Green tickY M. D. Sundar Kannada
1978 Chor Ka Bhai Chor Green tickY Red XN Hindi
1979 Diler Green tickY Red XN Hindi
1979 Iddaru Asadhyule Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1979 Evvadabba Sommu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1979 Bangaru Gudi Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1979 Captain Krishna Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1979 Dongalaku Saval Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1979 Yugandhar Green tickY Salim–Javed Telugu Remake of Hindi film Don
1979 Samajaniki Saval yes No Telugu
1980 Chesina Basalu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1980 Devudichina Koduku Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1980 Mr. Rajanikant Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1980 Mama-Allulla Sawal Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1980 Sri Venkateswara Vrata Mahatyam Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1981 Snehitara Savaal Green tickY Ajantha Combines Kannada
1981 Jeevakke Jeeva Green tickY J. Balasubramaniam Kannada
1981 Black Cobra Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1981 Rahasya Gudachari Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1981 Girija Kalyanam Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1981 Mayadari Alludu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1982 Talli Kodakala Anubandham Green tickY Cheruvu Anjaneya Sastry Telugu
1982 Billa Ranga Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1982 Bangaru Koduku Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1982 Shamsher Shankar Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1982 Karmika Kallanalla Green tickY M. D. Sundar Kannada
1983 Thirugu Bana Green tickY Red XN Kannada
1983 Chinnadantha Maga Green tickY Green tickY Kannada Remake of Talli Kodukula Anubandham
1983 Naan Ninaithal Green tickY Red XN Tamil
1983 Roshagadu Green tickY Paruchuri Brothers Telugu
1983 Puli Bebbuli Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1983 Adadani Saval Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1983 Agni Samadhi Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1983 Puli Debba Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1983 Siripuram Monagadu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1984 Bhale Ramudu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1984 Taqatwala Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1984 Dongalu Baboi Dongalu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1984 Nayakulaku Saval Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1984 Khaidi Green tickY Green tickY Kannada Remake of Telugu film Khaidi
1985 Kartavya Green tickY Green tickY Kannada
1985 Nanna Prathigne Green tickY Green tickY Kannada
1985 Ide Naa Ghattam Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1985 Nerasthudu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1986 Cowboy No. 1 Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1986 Khaidi Rani Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1986 Kutra Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1987 Sathyam Shivam Sundaram Green tickY Green tickY Kannada
1987 Muddayi Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1988 Dorakani Donga Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1988 Mulzim Green tickY Red XN Hindi
1989 Ondagi Balu Green tickY Green tickY Kannada
1989 Rudra Green tickY Red XN Kannada Dubbed in Tamil as Kushboo Kushboothan
1989 Pardhudu Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1990 Dharma Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1990 Inspector Rudra Green tickY Red XN Telugu
1992 Shivanaga Green tickY Green tickY Kannada Also editor
1992 Nanna Shathru Green tickY V. R. Bhaskar Kannada
1995 State Rowdy Green tickY Red XN Kannada
2000 Billa Ranga Green tickY Red XN Kannada
2000 Nagulamma Green tickY Red XN Telugu Dubbed in Tamil as Nagathamman

References

  1. ^ a b "Veteran film director KSR Das is no more". Business Standard. 24 January 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Director K S R Das passed away". The Times of India. 9 June 2012. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Veteran director KSR Doss dies at 73". NDTV. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  4. ^ "Renowned veteran director KSR Das is no more". 123Telugu.com. 8 June 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Interview: Director K. S. R. Das". TeluguCinema.com. 11 April 2007. Archived from the original on 11 December 2008.
  6. ^ "Revisiting Mosagallaku Mosagadu: Superstar Krishna's Western still holds magic". The Indian Express. 31 May 2023. Archived from the original on 10 July 2023.
  7. ^ a b c "Kannada film director KSR Doss passes away". IBNLive. 9 June 2012. Archived from the original on 25 August 2014.
  8. ^ a b డా. పురాణపండ వైజయంతి (5 January 2015). "ఆయన మంచితనాన్ని... చేతగాని తనంగా చూశారు!". Sakshi (in Telugu). Archived from the original on 20 February 2019.
Quelle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K._S._R._Das