Krishna
Ghattamaneni Siva Rama Krishna Murthy (31 May 1943 – 15 November 2022), known mononymously as Krishna, was a prolific Indian actor, director, and producer who transformed the landscape of Telugu cinema. Over a career spanning five decades, he starred in more than 350 films in a variety of roles, earning acclaim for his extensive work and fearless creative risks. Krishna began his film career in 1961 with minor roles before achieving his breakthrough with his first lead role in Thene Manasulu (1965). He later starred in several landmark films, including the critically acclaimed Sakshi (1967) and the family drama Pandanti Kapuram (1972), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu. More than just a leading man, Krishna is celebrated as the industry’s foremost technological trailblazer who dared to reshape the cinematic experience. He portrayed the revolutionary lead in the first film to be entirely made in CinemaScope, the historical epic Alluri Seetarama Raju (1974), and later produced, directed, and headlined the first 70 mm feature, Simhasanam (1986), greatly expanding the visual scale and ambition of regional filmmaking. He also introduced the spy genre to South India with Gudachari 116 (1966) and the Western genre with Mosagallaku Mosagadu (1971), notably regarded as the first true Western in Indian cinema. In addition to his acting career, Krishna directed 17 feature films and produced numerous projects through the production company he founded, Padmalaya Studios. For his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema and his pioneering role in modernizing the industry, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2009. In 1989, he was also elected as a Member of Parliament representing the Congress party. His final major release was Sri Sri (2016), after which he retired from films. Krishna passed away on November 15, 2022, following a cardiac arrest.
125 acting credits · 15 directing credits
Acting · 125
Anna Thammudu
1990
Vamsi
2000
Kanthaswamy
2009
Varasudu
1993
Baladur
2008
Subhakankshalu
1997
Rajakumarudu
1999
Takkari Donga
2002
Naa Ille Naa Swargam
1991
Telugu Veera Levara
1995
Kottapeta Rowdy
1980
Yamaleela
1994
Kotta Alludu
1979
Simhasanam
1986
Mande Gundelu
1979
Sultan
1999
Akka Chellelu
1970
Sevakudu
2013
Bhale Krishnudu
1980
Sri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club
1976
Jagadeka Veerudu
1996
Amma Donga!
1995
Rahasya Gudachari
1981
Siripuram Monagadu
1983
Rajakiya Chadurangam
1988
Ooriki Monagadu
1981
Vishwanatha Nayakudu
1987
Yuddham
1984
Talli Kodukulu
1973
Gudachari 117
1989
Ramudochadu
1996
Atha Mechina Alludu
1989
Alludu Diddina Kapuram
1991
Hema Hemeelu
1979
Koduku Diddina Kapuram
1989
Monagadostunnadu Jagratha
1972
Jathagadu
1981
Raktha Tharpanam
1992
Kaliyuga Karnudu
1988
Kurukshetram
1977
Krishnarajunulu
1982
Manasaakshi
1977
Sravana Masam
2005
Ramarajyamlo Bheemaraju
1983
James Bond 777
1971
Mundhadugu
1983
Alluri Seetarama Raju
1974
Edi Dharmam Edi Nyayam
1982
Agni Parvatham
1985
Ram Robert Rahim
1980
Iddaru Dongalu
1984
Maa Voori Magaadu
1987
Nenu Manishine
1971
Aadambaralu Anubandhalu
1974
Khaidi Rudrayya
1986
Vayyari Bhamalu Vagalamari Bhartalu
1982
Krishnavataram
1982
Osey Ramulamma
1997
Mugguru Kodukulu
1988
Pandanti Kapuram
1972
Eenadu
1982
Kuzhanthaikkaga
1968
Ave Kallu
1967
Poratam
1983
Mosagallaku Mosagadu
1971
Manchi Kutumbam
1968
Vidhi Vilasam
1970
Teri Talaash Mein
1968
Neramu Siksha
1973
Goodachari 116
1966
Dongalu Baboi Dongalu
1984
Satyabhama
2007
Sri Sri
2016
Mama Allulla Saval
1980
Meena
1973
Todu Dongalu
1981
Vajrayudham
1985
Kirayi Kotigadu
1983
Mallamma Katha
1973
Rajamahal
1972
Jayam Manade
1986
Indra Bhavanam
1991
Private Master
1967
Chuttalunnaru Jagrattha
1980
Kula Gotralu
1962
Message of Peace
2004
Ravanna
2000
Prema Nakshatram
1982
Guru Sishyulu
1981
Bangaru Koduku
1982
Stree Janma
1967
Makutamleni Maharaju
1987
Gharana Donga
1980
Lakshmi Nivasam
1968
Adrushtavanthudu
1980
Sankharavam
1987
Samajaniki Sawal
1979
Mayadari Malligadu
1973
Paruvu-Prathishtta
1963
Burripalem Bullodu
1979
Devudichina Koduku
1980
Kalavaari Samsaram
1982
Gadasari Atta Sogasari Kodalu
1981
Kanchu Kaagada
1984
Indradhanussu
1978
Adavi Simhalu
1983
Padandi Munduku
1962
Oorantha Sankranthi
1983
Bhoga Bhagyalu
1981
Sakshi
1967
Pandanti Samsaram
2001
Agent Gopi
1978
Tene Manasulu
1965
Vintha Katha
1973
Shamsher Shankar
1982
Marapurani Katha
1967
Chal Mohana Ranga
1978
Nagastharam
1990
Maharajashri Mayagaadu
1988
Rickshawala
1989
Bangaru Bava
1980
Kanne Manasulu
1966
Niluvu Dopidi
1968
Bangaru Bhoomi
1982
Pachani Kapuram
1985
Directing · 15
Anna Thammudu
1990
Ishq Hai Tumse
2004
Simhasanam
1986
Singhasan
1986
Alludu Diddina Kapuram
1991
Koduku Diddina Kapuram
1989
Raktha Tharpanam
1992
Kaliyuga Karnudu
1988
Mugguru Kodukulu
1988
Balachandrudu
1990
Indra Bhavanam
1991
Sankharavam
1987
Pandanti Samsaram
2001
Nagastharam
1990
Rickshawala
1989