K. S. R. Das

(Redirected from K. S. R. Doss)

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]

K. S. R. Das
Born
Konda Subbarama Das

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

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

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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

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Early career

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 passed away 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 passed away in August 2014.[8]

Legacy

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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

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Filmography

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Sources:[5]

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

References

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  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.
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