K. Vishwanath - A Telugu Legendary Director

Vishwanath is a distinguished director of Telugu film industry who also made himself name with several good Hindi movies. For a long time, he was an assistant to the Telugu film director Adurti Subba Rao (director of “Doli” starring Rajesh Khanna). He got a major break with Annapurna Studio’s home production in 1965 as a director for the film “Aatma Gowravam”. Even though the movie was not a money spinner, it didn’t loose its investments.

From that time onwards Vishwanath started making movies on a regular basis, some of them big hits. But not until 1980’s his full potential was realized. This started with “Shankarabharanam” which dealt with disappearing classical music of India. This movie fetched him President’s Gold Medal as the best picture for that year. In 1985 he made “Saptapadi” which dealt with intercast marriage issues. He also made “Swati Mutyam” the same year that dealt with an adult with a child’s mind and how he deals with struggles in his life. He made a movie in 1986, “Sirivennela”, that dealt with a deaf woman’s relationship with a blind man. The film “Swayam Krishi” made in 1987 dealt with issues related to work attitudes. He continued to make other fine movies through rest of the 80’s and into 90’s. Currently he only makes movies occasionally. Instead he has diverted his efforts into acting.

Some of Vishwanath’s Hindi movies include “Sargam”, “Kaam Chor”, and “Eeshwar”. Altogether he directed 55 movies. Of these 44 were in Telugu, one was in Tamil, and ten were in Hindi. In 1985 alone, he made three Hindi movies and two Telugu movies! His complete filmography as a director is shown below (H is for Hindi and T is for Tamil in the table).

Most of the albums from the period when Vishwanath found his groove and hit the stride are currently available in the marketplace in one form or another. It is the early albums that everyone has problems procuring them. Recently a friend of mine gave several albums including now “never to be found again” LPs that cover some of this early work. I will try to share as much of this music as possible through this thread provided there is enough interest.

Because of the popularity it has gained, and being considered to be a landmark achievement in Telugu cinema history, I will start with uploading songs of “Shankarabharanam” first.

SP..This is a laudable thread. K.Viswanath is a Genius of a director and his films stand a testimony to his prowess..Sankarabharanam is his Magnum Opus..undoubtedly as it came at a time when Western music started swaying Indian youth..It is very endearing to me..as i saw it in a phase of my life when i immediately connected to that film. I can almost recite the whole film ..dialogue by dialogue. the only one i guess,though i have seen only a couple of times..such was my devotion for that film.
The theaters where it played were empty for the first week...then the rush picked up. In my home town, the film ran for a whole year !!
Immediately after the film, parents started their kids on classical music and dance programs..and even dresses came out with that label " Sankarabharanam dress".
The best dialogue of the film..in my view is when Sankara Sastri says " Music is divine whether it is western or indian. Who are we to deride one form or another ? It is like Perennial river...for all of us to immerse and enjoy and get enriched ".
Whew...can talk endless on this one film.
Unfortunately, Viswanath's films never had that finesse when remade in Hindi....almost all were kind of Southish... Thus ensuring rejection of most of them.
The film Sankarabharanam was made into Hindi as Sur Sangam..starring Girish Karnad. but didnt carry the kind of conviction it had in parent language...
Will keep watching this thread closely..and contribute and enjoy the songs.. Thanks a Zillion !

Shankarabharanam (1981)

This was the movie that started director Vishwanath rolling. It had a bold theme where the main character, superbly portrayed by Somayajulu, is deeply tormented with the declining popularity of Indian classical music and the attitude of youth towards such music and the influence of western music. Anyway one can look at it, a movie concieved and made so appealingly based on such idea in itself is worth appreciating. Interesting enough the movie was a huge boxoffice hit!

The movie earned the much coveted President's Gold Medal, first ever to a Telugu movie, for that year. Its music became very popular and even after nearly 28 years, its freshness hasn't diminished a bit. There are so many great songs composed by the maestro K.V. Mahadevan in this movie that one can write in deatil on each one of them. Janaki, Vani Jairam, and Balu (S.P. Balasubrahmanyam) are the principal singers. Many of Janaki's songs take your breath away. But my favorite is Balu's "Shankara". Everytime I listen to this song I get goosebumps. I have been fortunate enough to see Balu perform many times on stage. When he sings this particular song it lets the pondemonium loose. He brings down the entire crowd to their feet with unprecedented appreciative uproar. Such is the power of the great and sweet sound of music ...

Because of the number of songs, I will post these in two separate but back-to-back posts. Here is the first set of songs ...

Songs of "Shankarabharanam (1981)" Continued ...

Here are the rest of the songs from this classic album from a class movie and an ace director ...

SF, I know I can count on your support. I will be curious to see how it will go ... Cheers. -Swarapriya

Sudigundalu (1967) was directed by Adurti Subba Rao himself and not by KV, if I remember right!

A good effort with one more highly worthy artist, Swarapriya.


Venkat

For the humorously inclined, I would recommend the above, second 'broche varevaru ra', sung in pop style by this Pattabhi guy!!

Thank you Venkat. Even though I suspected this, when I check several sites for Vishwanath's filmographies, they all seem to list this as his movie. Probably they are all wrong.

Cheers,
Venkat

I am a huge fan of the music in this film. Every song is an amazing composition and impeccably rendered.
Finally, just a couple of days back, I got a copy of the film with sub-titles. Don't know how good or bad
they are since I have not seen the film yet. But I always felt like I missed out on some of the subtleties of
the film since I did not understand every word of it.

SP, couple of corrections to your song/singer list.

• Broche va revaru ra is a duet by Vani and SPB. Vani's rendition is extraordinary, particularly the fast swarams.
• MaaNikya veeNam is a solo by SPB, not a duet.

While Janaki is very good in this film, Vani totally outshines her IMO. Her rendition of "Maanasa sanchara
re" is worth the price of admission.

SB...It is heartening to know that you liked this film inspite of linguistic limitations...I am very happy that you got the DVD with subtitles..Yes, infact the film is full of subtleties..with every character so well defined...even the silences are a part of the script...as any good film.
As you said, Broche varevarura..is a duet..Maanikya veena is a solo..and yes, Vani did a fantastic job.. particularly taking in that her voice is used for the kid in the film.
For sheer comparision..Maanikya veena is also sung by Ghantasala in the film Mahakavi Kalidasu..and i wanted to upload it soon. The rendition of Ghantasala is something fantastic with soaring scales ! It just gives me goosebumps..

here is the youtube link..for Mahakavi Kalidasu..1960 film..

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwf3HqBZemE

While this Film is being discussed, Allu Ramalingayya's role as Sankarasastry's brother-in-law is unique in that it has refined humor, irony, hurt, reverence, all in one! KV had once gone out of his way to remember and acknowledge Allu's contribution to the Film, in a long interview to TV9!

Allu is the real life father of the much-lesser Allu Aravind, who in turn is the brother in law of the Megastar-in-despair, Chiranjeevi!

In this Film, Allu is also a lawer by profession! Does anyone remember his comic encounter with a hapless client of his? It is so naturally picturised and is my favorite!

Venkat

Venkat..yes, who can forget those fantastic lines?? " you are the son..your mother has died..and you have two fathers .".. and the client running away..
but seriously, i opine that it is K.V. who resurrected Allu's career with this..

Thank you very much SB for pointing out my errors. I have made the changes per your suggestiosn.

Cheers,
Swarapriya

Sagara Sangamam (1983)

Here is the next movie from Vishwanath which followed his now famous "Shakrabharanam". Of course, "Sangamam" doesn't even come close to the classic but how many films can stake such a claim?

As usually is the case with Vishwanath's movies, this movie also has fantastic music. Ilaiyaraja's music won the National Best Music award. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam's (Balu) songs earned him the National Best Male Singer award. The movie also won host of other awards at the state level.

Kamala Haasan appeared for the first time in this movie for Vishwanath. Later they will come together to make couple of more movies. Vishwanath's knack in selection of the actors here was to showcase Haasan's talent as a trained classical dancer. This Haasan does very well.

The movie also has several songs by Shailaja (Balu's own sister). She also has a major role in the movie. Balu's talent as a singer is on total display in the song "Takita Tadhimi". One of my favorite romantic duet is in this movie, "Mounamelanoyi". Janaki and Balu did such a splendid job.

Here are the songs from this album...

Saptapadi (1985)

Here is a movie that is about a couple taking seven steps forward for eternal friendship through a marriage so that they can live together as a united family in love, peace, and harmony. But Vishwanath, the director, takes us one giant step foward based on this concept where age old traditions are broken so that in spite of the marrigae, the vows can be broken so that loved ones can actually come and live together. The girl in question is married to someone she doesn't love. The traditionalist grandparent soon realizes his mistake and decides to break the shackles of age old traditions in bringing the girl and her lover together so that they can walk side by side by taking step after one another.

This is one bold theme. It takes guts to contemplate to make such a movie. But in the wake of the success he enjoyed with "Shankarabharanam", Vishwanath had enough clout to pull this off. This he did magnificently. To back it up the movie has some incredibly memorable songs. Unfortunately, the audience rejected the movie.

Because of the number of songs, I will upload them in two separate posts. Here is the first set ...

Songs of "Saptapadi (1985)" Continued ...

Here are the rest of the songs from this album ...

Swaati Mutyam (1985)

Here is another fine movie from Vishwanath. This time he tackles the problems of a full grown adult with a mind like that of a child. It can be considered autism. Kamala Haasan gets together with Vishwanth for the second time.

As usually is the case with Vishwanath's movies, there are some beautiful songs. The duet by Janaki and Balu is a standout. I am uploading all of them here ...

Sirivennela (1986)

Here is one of the most beautiful musical offering from the director Vishwanath. Its central characters revolve around a blind flutist and a mute painter. The movie has lot of promise when started but fizzles out in the end. However its music leaves you spellbound.

The music of K.V. Mahadevan is enriched by some of the superb lyrics ever written for a Telugu movie. On the top of it Susheela and Balu were in great form. The song "Ee Gaali Ee Nela" is a knockout. So is "Vidhaata Talapuna". The other great songs include "Aadi Bhikshuvu" and "Polimera Daati Potunna". The great Hari Prasad Chaurasia (of Shiv-Hari music duo fame) provided the flute music in the movie.

Because of the length of the songs, I will upload these in two back-to-back posts. Here is the first post ...

Songs of "Sirivennela (1986)" Continued ...

Here are the rest of the songs from this absolutely great album ...

SP...I should learn a lot from you. The speed with which you upload albums and albums with such a clean format...along with some of the finest writing.. a treat to read and enjoy. Thankyou..

SF, thank you for such kind words. Cheers.

Shruti Layalu (1987)

Director Vishwanath, who hit his creative peak in 1981 with "Shankarabharanam" kept on a roll through most of the 80's. But by the end of the decade he was showing strains of repeating himself. This movie, with musical patriarch in the middle of a musical family, and the problems they face seem like those we have seen them before in his earlier movies. But there is no denying that musically, once again Vishwanath delivers. K.V. Mahadevan seems to have reserved his best for Vishwanath, and has composed here music for some magnificent songs.

Because of the number of songs in this album, I will upload them in back-to-back posts. Here is the first set (Listen to Janaki sing part of "Mera Joota Hai" of Raj Kapoor's "Shri 420" fame) ...

Songs of "Shruti Layalu (1987)" Continued ...

This was actress Sumalata's 100th film. Here are the rest of the songs from this fine Mahadevan album ...

Swarna Kamalam (1988)

Here is another great musical offering from Vishwanath. The subject is again a familair one. It deals with classical dancing. This theme was already exploited and made into a great movie earlier by Vishwanath in "Sagara Sangamam" showcasing Kamla Haasan's dancing talents. This time it is Bhanu Priya's turn.

Ilaiyaraja composed several beautiful songs for this movie. Almost all of them are very appealing. Because of the number of songs, I am uploading them in two back-to-back posts. Here is the first one ...

Songs of "Swarna Kamalam (1988)" Continued ...

Here are the rest of the songs from this yet another great album. The music for all the songs except "Sakhi Ke" is by Ilaiyaraja. For that song only, the music was composed by Bhuvaneshwar Mishra.

Shubhodayam (1980)

Vishwanath's history making 80's decade started with this fine movie, "Shubhodayam". This movie had the central theme of a lazy man who wants to live off the riches of his wife. As usually is the case with his movies, this film also has some great and unforgettable songs. One after another, each song is a gem. My favorites are "Gandhamu" and "Kanchiki".

Here are the songs of this album (all these songs are a gift from a close friend) ...

Eeshwar (1989)

This is a remake of Vishwanath's hit movie "Swaati Mutyam (1985)". Anil Kapoor recreated Kamala Haasan's role in this movie. He does a splendid job. Telugu actress Vijaya Shanti plays his wife. All male songs in this movie were sung by Nitin Mukesh. There are some beautiful songs in this movie, like in Telugu, as well.

There are six songs in this movie. I am uploading five of them. The missing song is shown in red italics below. Requesting members to share this song if they can.

Now for a description of the song and the songs themselves ...

Sutradhaarulu (1990)

After a glorious decade of 80's, Vishwanath entered 90's with this offering. It starred Nageshwara Rao, the same great actor whose concern gave him the break to be a first time director for the movie "Aatma Gowravam (1965)". Beautiful songs dominate this album as well. Interestingly, it is Balu's sister, Shailaja, has sung most of the songs in this movie.

If my information is correct, beautiful Ramya Krishna was introduced to Telugu audience for the first time in this movie. Here is one actress with gorgeous looks and some talent came with a lot of promise. But she showed poor judgment by acting in so many "bad" movies that people don't even remember much of her or her performances.

All songs came from a LP except "Yadu Kula". The quality of this one song is iffy. Now for the details of the songs and the songs themselves ...

Aaptbaandhavudu (1992)

Here are the songs from this album...

Swaati Kiranam (1992)

Music maestro K.V. Mahadevan contributed music for over 600 movies in Tamil and Telugu. Most of his songs composed in Telugu were chart busters. I don't know about Tamil, but knwoing what KVM has done in Telugu, I'm sure he had similar record over there as usual.

In 80's KVM mightily contributed to the musical masterpieces Vishwanath created. This movie, made in 1992, was one of his last movies in Telugu. What a grand finale it was. Superb composition of some of the sweetest songs supported by rich lyrics. Vani Jairam's talents are in full display in this album. She had eight solos.

I read some place that KVM stated that because he was indisposed, most of the songs for this movie were composed by his longtime assistant, Pulihendu. Still this doesn't diminish any greatness of the music of this movie.

She won the National Award for the Best Female Singer for the song "Aanati Neeyara" from this movie. A masterpiece of singing and a richly deserved award.

I came across an article on this movie recently that at once was thought provoking with its fine analysis. I am going to quote the article written by Srinivas Kanchibhotla in idlebrain.com without changing anything. Here are his words ...

"... The master mentors the pupil without any regard to its lineage - Sankaraabharanam. The master trains the pupil, albeit reluctantly, to honor his commitment to its lineage - Saagara Sangamam. The master chidingly guides the pupil into respecting its culture and tradition - Swarna Kamalam. Sri. K.Viswanath breaks away from this mould and (de)humanizes the actual master-pupil relationship emphasizing on the emotions that transpire between and within each one involved in the mentoring 'transaction' and makes a complete circle about this common mileu that he so often sets his movies in. Sankaraabharanam, Sagara Sangamam, Swarana Kamamlam and Swati Kiranam complete his guru-sishya movie quartet and one could clearly observe the transition of the guru's character from an idealist to an emotionally degenerate, hopping one step down along the way. At the end of the quartet the guru, having completely been over-powered by his protégé's skill set, clearly gives way to him and retreats into the background. ..."

That is very well thought and succinctly put. In the end, he concludes the article with the following statement ...

"The warmth of the early dawn, the inherent energy and exuberance of the morning light, the blinding radiance of noon rays, the gradual receding of the glow during dusk and the complete disappearance during night - only to let a not-so-bright distant star glow - Swati Kiranam is a day in the life of a star completely outshone by the brilliance of the sun."

What a great way of surmising the essence of this movie.

Because of the number of songs in this movie, I will upload them in two back-to-back posts. Here is the first set ...

Songs of "Swaati Kiranam (1992)" Continued ...

Here are the rest of the songs from this fine album ...

Sangeet (1992) - A Hindi Movie

Songs from this movie which has some fine songs are uploaded in the thread on "Anand Milind Compositons ..." in the "Sangeet Ke Sitarey" section. You can access these songs at the following path ...

http://www.hamaraforums.com/index.php?show...pid=605210&

Dhanwaan (1993) - A Hindi Movie

Songs of this fine album are uploaded in the thread on "Anand Milind Compositions ..." in the "Sangeet Ke Sitarey" section. You can access these songs at the following path ...

http://www.hamaraforums.com/index.php?show...pid=605365&

Shubha Sankalpam (1995)

Here is another offering by Vishwanath with Kamala Haasan in the lead. This is the third time these two teamed together. This movie was produced by Balasubramanyam (Balu). This may be one reason bulk of the songs were sung by his family members. Apart from Balu, his sister Shailaja sang several songs in this movie. His daughter Pallavi also sings one song. Only his son Charan didn't have a song in this movie.

Another interesting thing about this movie is that Vishwanath had a major role as an actor. His acting won many laurels and several awards.

There are quite a few songs in this movie. I am uploading these in two separate posts. I am also including two extended version songs. These are from a DVD. Their quality is kind of iffy. I couldn't get the information on the lyricists. There are four of them. These are CNR, Sirivennela, Vennelakanti, and Jonna Vittula. I believe Sirivennela wrote the lyrics of "Hailesso". I would wholeheartedly welcome if someone could delineate these songs associating them with their lyricist names.

Now for a description of the first set of songs and the songs themselves ...

Songs of "Shubha Sankalpam (1995)" Continued ...

The two extended version songs included here are from a DVD. Their quality is just about average. Here is the second set of songs from this fine album ...

Chinnabbaayi (1997)

Ilaiayaraja and Vishwanath come together once again to give some of the fine music. Because of the lengths of the songs I am uploading them in two back-to-back posts. Here is the first set of songs ...

Songs of "Chinnabbaayi (1997)" Continued ...

Here are rest of the songs from this fine album ...

Swayam Krishi (1987)

I am uploading six songs from this album. Knowing Vishwanath, there probably are more songs but I have no way of finding this out barring watching the movie. One of Telugu films great composer, Ramesh Naidu, showcases that sweet singer Janaki's talents in this album. Here are the songs ...

Janani Janma Bhoomi (1984)

Here is an album for which I have only five songs. I am missing one song for sure (shown in red italics below). There may be others I am missing too. If anyone of you can share these missing songs, please kindly do so. As usual with Vishwanath's movies and Mahadevan's music, some of these songs are very beautiful. Now for the songs ...

Kaamchor (1982)

This movie is a remake of "Shubhodayam (1980)". Songs of the Telugu movie were uploaded in this thread earlier. Songs of "Kaamchor (1982)" are available in the "Legendary Music Directors" section under "Rajesh Roshan". You can access these songs at the following path ...

http://www.hamaraforums.com/index.php?showtopic=77770

Shubh Kaamna (1983)

Songs from this Vishwanath-directed Hindi movie are uploaded in the section on the "Legendary Music Directors" under "Rahul Dev Buman". You can access these songs at the following location ...

http://www.hamaraforums.com/index.php?showtopic=77793

Jeevana Jyoti (1975)

Here is a movie Vishwanath made that was if not an artistic triumph at least was a commercial success. I could get only five songs of this film. I am not sure if I am missing any. Here is a description of these songs and the songs themselves ...

Sargam (1979)

Songs of this beautiful album are uploaded in the thread on "Laxmikant Pyarelal" in the section on "Legendary Music Directors". You can access these songs at the following location ...

http://www.hamaraforums.com/index.php?showtopic=77853

Siri Siri Muvva (1978)

Here is yet another movie where the combination of KV (K. Vishwanath) and KV (K.V. Mahadevan) proves that it is utterly unbeatable. This album rides high with some tilting tunes for which lyrics were penned by Veturi. Jaya Prada never looked so radiatingly beautiful. Vishwanath successfully remade this movie in Hindi as "Sargam" the following year.

Because of the number of songs in this album I will upload them in two back-to-back posts. Here is the first set of songs ...

Songs of "Siri Siri Muvva (1978)" Continued ...

Here are the rest of the songs from this beautiful album ...

Jaag Utha Insaan (1985)

Songs from Vishwanath's Hindi remake of "Saptapadi" are uploaded in the "Legendary Music Directors" section under "Rajesh Roshan". You can access these songs at the following location ...

http://www.hamaraforums.com/index.php?showtopic=77962

Aatma Gowravam (1965)

Vishwanath was an assistant director to Aadurti Subba Rao for a long time. Rao directed most of the movies for Annapurna Pictures that has a stake in by the great actor A. Nageshwara Rao (ANR). This movie was made by the same concern and starred ANR. Vishwanath was given the duties to direct for the first time.

When the movie "Aatma Gowravam" was released, it really didn't make too many waves. It did avearage business. But it did leave its songs tuned by one of the fine music directors of Telugu cinema, Rajeshwara Rao, as the ones to remember. Thus started Vishwanath's legacy where his films may be either mundanely mediocre or marvellously meticulous, but they always had this one characteristic in them; they all have mellifluosly melodious songs.

Here are the songs from this movie ...

Sur Sangam (1985)

Songs from this album, a remake of the classic "Shankaraabharanam", are uploaded in the "Legendary Music Directors" section under the thread "Laxmikant Pyarelal". You can access these songs at the following location ..

http://www.hamaraforums.com/index.php?showtopic=78203

Kalisocchina Adrushtam (1968)

Once again Vishwanath brings out the best in his music directors, this time it is T.V. Raju. There are some fast paced songs in this album that resonate with full of youthfulness. I don't have information about the lyricists. If anyone can help with that, please do so. Here are the songs ...

Sanjog (1985)

Songs of this album, a remake of Vishwanath's own hit "Jeevana Jyoti (1975)" are uploaded in the "Legendary Music Directors" section in the "Laxmikant Pyarelal" thread. You can access these songs at the following location ...

http://www.hamaraforums.com/index.php?showtopic=78405