K. Raghava

Kotipalli Raghava (9 December 1913 – 31 July 2018), popularly known as K. Raghava, was an Indian film producer known for his work in Telugu cinema. He began his career in the film industry during the silent film era and went on to become a prominent producer, eventually founding the production company Pratap Arts Productions. Over the course of his career, Raghava produced 30 films across multiple languages, including 28 in Telugu, one film each in Hindi and Tamil.

Raghava's notable works include films such as Thatha Manavadu (1973), Samsaram Sagaram (1974), Chaduvu Samskaram (1975), Toorpu Padamara (1976), Surya Chandrulu (1978), Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya (1982), and Tarangini (1982).

Early life Raghava was born on 9 December 1913 in a poor family in Kotipalli, near Kakinada, in present-day Andhra Pradesh. Then, he moved to Vijayawada and worked at Maruthi Talkies, the first theatre established in the Telugu States. With the money he saved, Raghava partnered with Ekamreswara Rao and Surya Chandra to establish Falguna Films. Their first production was Jagath Kiladeelu (1969), a major success, followed by films like Jagath Jettilu (1970) and Jagath Jenthrilu (1971). His work included producing films in multiple languages, such as the Hindi film Itni Si Baat (1981) and the Tamil film Minor Mappillai (1996).

Raghava was instrumental in launching the careers of several iconic figures in the Telugu film industry. He introduced filmmakers such as Dasari Narayana Rao (Thatha Manavadu), Kodi Ramakrishna (Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya), Rajasri (Chaduvu Samskaram), and others. He is also credited with giving Konidela Venkata Rao, the father of Chiranjeevi, a role in Jagath Kiladeelu.

Raghava played a pivotal role in establishing the Telugu film industry in Hyderabad after its relocation from Madras (now Chennai). He collaborated with industry stalwarts like N. T. Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Rama Naidu to develop the film infrastructure in Hyderabad. Raghava set up Pratap Dubbing Theatre and was a key figure in the development of Film Nagar, which became a major hub for the Telugu film industry.

Personal life Raghava married Hamsarani, the sister of prominent producer M. K. Radha from Pondicherry. The couple had two children, a daughter named Prasanthi and a son named Pratap Mohan. Raghava could speak about eight languages. He died on 31 July 2018 at the age of 104 due to a heart attack in Hyderabad. Filmography Producer

Sukha Dukhalu (1968) Jagath Kiladeelu (1969) Jagath Jettilu (1970) Jagath Jenthrilu (1971) Thatha-Manavadu (1973) Samsaram Sagaram (1974) Chaduvu Samskaram (1975) Toorpu Padamara (1976) Surya Chandrulu (1978) Anthuleni Vinthakatha (1979) Itni Si Baat (1981) Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya (1982) Tarangini (1982) Triveni Sangamam (1983) Ee Prasnaku Baduledi? (1986) Yugakartalu (1987) Ankitham (1990) Minor Mappillai (1996) (Tamil)

Stunt master Palnati Yuddham (1947) Pathala Bhairavi (1951) Raju Peda (1954)

Actor Bala Nagamma (1942) Chandralekha (1948)

Awards Raghava received numerous awards during his career, including the Nandi Awards for films like Thatha Manavadu (1972) and Samsaram Sagaram (1973). His contribution to Telugu cinema earned him the title Cine Bhishma, reflecting his patriarchal role in the industry.

Raghava was honoured with the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in 2009 for his contributions to the Telugu film industry.