K. S. R. Das

Konda Subbarama Das (5 January 1936 – 8 June 2012), popularly known as K. S. R. Das (also spelled as K. S. R. Doss), 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.

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. 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 N. T. Rama Rao, Krishna, with whom he directed over 30 films, as well as Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth, Vishnuvardhan.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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 Puttanna Kanagal Award from Karnataka State Government

Filmography Sources: Year Film Credited as Language Notes Director Writer 1966 Loguttu Perumallukeruka Telugu 1968 Rajayogam Telugu 1969 Raja Simha Telugu 1969 Gandaragandudu Telugu 1969 Gandaragolam Telugu 1969 Takkari Donga Chakkani Chukka Telugu 1969 Ukkupidugu Telugu 1970 Rowdy Rani Telugu 1971 Bangaru Kutumbam Telugu 1971 C.I.D. Raju Telugu 1971 James Bond 777 Telugu 1971 Kathiki Kankanam Telugu 1971 Mosagallaku Mosagadu Arudra Telugu 1971 Prema Jeevulu Telugu 1971 Rowdilaki Rowdeelu Telugu 1972 Gunfighter Johnny Telugu 1972 Hanthakulu Devanthakulu Telugu 1972 Kathula Rathaiah Telugu 1972 Penning Saval Telugu 1972 Pilla? Piduga? Telugu 1972 Pistolwali Telugu 1972 Uriki Upakari Telugu 1972 Vooriki Upakari Telugu 1972Rani Mera Naam Hindi 1973Apna Farz Hindi 1973Bahadur Ladkiyan Hindi 1973Hifazat Hindi 1973Rani Aur Jaani Hindi 1973 Manchivaalaku Manchivadu Telugu 1975 Kalla Kulla M. D. Sundar Kannada 1975 Maavoori Ganga Telugu 1976 Bhale Dongalu Telugu 1976 Doralu Dongalu Telugu 1976 Kallanum Kullanum Telugu 1976 Bangarada Gudi Venus Mahija Samasthe Kannada 1977 Lakshmi Nivasa Jayalakshmi Art Enterprises Kannada 1977 Sahodarara Savaal M. D. Sundar Kannada 1977 Devudunadu Jagratha Telugu 1977 Dongalaku Donga Telugu 1977 Eenati Bandham Yenatido Telugu 1978 Agent Gopi Telugu 1978 Telugu Remake of Sahodara Savaal 1978 Dongala Veta Telugu 1978 Kiladi Kittu M. D. Sundar Kannada 1978Chor Ka Bhai Chor Hindi 1979Diler Hindi 1979 Iddaru Asadhyule Telugu 1979 Evvadabba Sommu Telugu 1979 Bangaru Gudi Telugu 1979 Captain Krishna Telugu 1979 Dongalaku Saval Telugu 1979 Yugandhar Salim–Javed Telugu Remake of Hindi film Don1979Samajaniki SavalyesNoTelugu 1980 Chesina Basalu Telugu 1980 Devudichina Koduku Telugu 1980 Mr. Rajanikant Telugu 1980 Mama-Allulla Sawal Telugu 1980 Sri Venkateswara Vrata Mahatyam Telugu 1981 Snehitara Savaal Ajantha Combines Kannada 1981 Jeevakke Jeeva J. Balasubramaniam Kannada 1981 Black Cobra Telugu 1981 Rahasya Gudachari Telugu 1981 Girija Kalyanam Telugu 1981 Mayadari Alludu Telugu 1982 Talli Kodakala Anubandham Cheruvu Anjaneya Sastry Telugu 1982 Billa Ranga Telugu 1982 Bangaru Koduku Telugu 1982 Shamsher Shankar Telugu 1982 Karmika Kallanalla M. D. Sundar Kannada 1983 Thirugu Bana Kannada 1983 Chinnadantha Maga Kannada Remake of Talli Kodukula Anubandham 1983 Naan Ninaithal Tamil 1983 Roshagadu Paruchuri Brothers Telugu 1983 Puli Bebbuli Telugu 1983 Adadani Saval Telugu 1983 Agni Samadhi Telugu 1983 Puli Debba Telugu 1983 Siripuram Monagadu Telugu 1984 Bhale Ramudu Telugu 1984 Taqatwala Telugu 1984 Dongalu Baboi Dongalu Telugu 1984 Nayakulaku Saval Telugu 1984 Khaidi Kannada Remake of Telugu film Khaidi 1985 Kartavya Kannada 1985 Nanna Prathigne Kannada 1985 Ide Naa Ghattam Telugu 1985 Nerasthudu Telugu 1986 Cowboy No. 1 Telugu 1986 Khaidi Rani Telugu 1986 Kutra Telugu 1987 Sathyam Shivam Sundaram Kannada 1987 Muddayi Telugu 1988 Dorakani Donga Telugu 1988Mulzim Hindi 1989 Ondagi Balu Kannada 1989 Rudra Kannada Dubbed in Tamil as Kushboo Kushboothan 1989 Pardhudu Telugu 1990 Dharma Telugu 1990 Inspector Rudra Telugu 1992 Shivanaga Kannada Also editor 1992 Nanna Shathru V. R. Bhaskar Kannada 1995 State Rowdy Kannada 2000 Billa Ranga Kannada 2000 Nagulamma Telugu Dubbed in Tamil as Nagathamman