Editing K. Viswanath

{{Short description|Indian director, screenwriter, and actor (1930–2023)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2022}}
{{Family name hatnote|Kasinadhuni|lang=Telugu}}
{{Infobox person
| honorific-prefix   = 
| name               = K. Viswanath
| image              = K. Vishwanath at National Film Awards Function 2017.jpg
| caption            = K. Vishwanath at the [[National Film Awards]] Function, 2017
| image_size         = 
| birth_name         = Kasinadhuni Viswanath
| birth_date         = {{Birth date|df=yes|1930|2|19}}
| death_date         = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2023|02|02|1930|02|19}}
| death_place        = [[Hyderabad]], [[Telangana]], India
| birth_place        = [[Repalle]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]] (now in [[Andhra Pradesh]], India)
| occupation         = {{hlist|Film director|Screenwriter|Actor|Lyricist}}
| known_for          = 
| years_active       = 1951–2023
| works              = [[#Filmography|Full list]]
| awards             = [[Padma Shri]] (1992)<br />[[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] (2016)
}}
'''Kasinadhuni Viswanath''' (19 February 1930 – 2 February 2023) was an Indian film director, screenwriter, lyricist and actor who predominantly worked in [[Telugu cinema]]. One of the greatest auteurs of [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bengali/movies/did-you-know/when-k-viswanath-paid-his-tribute-to-satyajit-ray-through-kamal-haasans-dance-skills/articleshow/97580012.cms?from=mdr|title=K. Viswanath auteur of Telugu cinema|date=3 February 2023|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2023/feb/04/vishwanath-leaves-a-void-too-big-to-fill-intelugu-cinema-2544249.html|title=Vishwanath leaves a void too big to fill in Telugu cinema|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref name="intellectbooks.co.uk" /><ref name="auto" /> he received international recognition for his works, and is known for blending [[parallel cinema]] with mainstream cinema.{{Efn|Attributed to multiple sources:<ref name="intellectbooks.co.uk"/><ref name="auto"/><ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article3356270.ece |title=Arts / History & Culture : Celebrating a doyen |work=The Hindu|date=26 April 2012 |access-date=5 September 2012}}</ref><ref name="Special Correspondent">{{cite news|author=Special Correspondent |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article2912024.ece |title=Director K. Viswanath to be feted |work=The Hindu|date=20 February 2012 |access-date=5 September 2012}}</ref>}} He was honuored with the "Prize of the Public" at the "[[Besançon]] Film Festival of [[France]]" in 1981.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/88_29thNfacatalogue.pdf|title=K. Viswanath Film craft Page 6 DFF|access-date=2013-01-01}}</ref> In 1992, he received the Andhra Pradesh state [[Raghupathi Venkaiah Award]], and the civilian honour [[Padma Shri]] for his contribution to the field of arts. In 2016, he was conferred with the [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]], the highest award in [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]].<ref name="Dadasaheb Phalke award">{{cite web|url=http://dff.nic.in/NFA2016/NFA_Catalogue_2016.pdf|title=64th National Film Awards|publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals|access-date=15 May 2017|page=183}}</ref><ref name="DC">{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/240417/director-k-viswanath-named-for-dadasaheb-phalke-award.html|title=Director K Viswanath named for Dadasaheb Phalke award|date=24 April 2017|work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=http://www.news18.com/news/movies/difficult-to-produce-another-talent-like-k-viswanath-kamal-haasan-1383535.html|title=Difficult to Produce Another Talent Like K Viswanath: Kamal Haasan|date=25 April 2017}}</ref> He is popularly known as "Kalatapasvi."

Viswanath started his film career as an [[Director of audiography|audiographer]] and over sixty years, he has directed 53 feature films in a variety of genres, including central themes based on [[performing arts]], [[visual arts]], [[aesthetics]], [[melodrama]], and [[poetry]].<ref name="The Hindu"/><ref name="intellectbooks.co.uk"/><ref name="auto"/> Viswanath's filmography is known for addressing the issues of discrimination and socio-economic challenges<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/the-filmmaker-with-the-midas-touch-remembering-the-legendary-k-viswanath/articleshow/97605425.cms|title=The filmmaker with the midas touch: Remembering the legendary K Viswanath|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref> through [[liberal arts]] medium.<ref name="intellectbooks.co.uk"/><ref name="auto"/>

Viswanath's classic blockbusters ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]'' (1980) and ''[[Sagara Sangamam]]'' (1983) were featured among [[CNN-IBN]]'s ''100 greatest Indian films of all time''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130424003536/http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/13200.html 100 Years of Indian Cinema: The 100 greatest Indian films of all time|Movies News Photos-IBNLive]. Ibnlive.in.com (17 April 2013). Retrieved on 2013-07-28.</ref> His directorial works ''Sankarabharanam'' and ''[[Saptapadi (1981 film)|Saptapadi]]'' (1981) fetched the [[National Film Awards]] for [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|Best Popular Film for Providing Wholesome Entertainment]] and [[Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration|Best Feature Film on National Integration]], respectively. ''Sankarabharanam'', was featured at the [[8th International Film Festival of India|8th IFFI]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm8IIFAAward.aspx?PdfName=8IIFA.pdf |title=Directorate of Film Festival |publisher=Iffi.nic.in |access-date=2013-01-01}}</ref><ref>aatapaatalu.net/2011/04/spl-interview-with-edida-nageswararao.January 2013.</ref> the [[Tashkent]] Film Festival, the [[Moscow International Film Festival]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/IP1981.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=22 September 2014 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232755/http://dff.nic.in/2011/IP1981.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the [[Besançon]] Film Festival.<ref name="29NFA">{{cite web|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm29thNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=29NFA.pdf|title=29th National Film Awards|publisher=Directorate of Film Festival|access-date=1 January 2013|archive-date=21 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721170327/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm29thNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=29NFA.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Viswanath's ''[[Swathi Muthyam]]'' (1986) was [[List of Indian submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film|India's official entry to the 59th Academy Awards]]. ''Swathi Muthyam'', ''Sagara Sangamam'' and ''[[Sirivennela]]'' (1986), were featured at the [[Asia-Pacific Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Prakash KL |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/telugu/top-stories/2010/kamal-film-fest-030710.html |title=Sagara Sangamam to be screened at Kamal's films fest &#124; – Oneindia Entertainment |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |access-date=2012-09-04 |archive-date=8 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708124521/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/telugu/top-stories/2010/kamal-film-fest-030710.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[Swayamkrushi]]'' (1987) was screened to special mention at the Moscow International Film Festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/chiranjeevi-felicitation.html|title=Chiranjeevi felicitation on Padma Bhushan honor - Telugu Cinema actor|website=www.idlebrain.com|access-date=26 September 2020}}</ref> ''Sankarabharanam'', ''Sagara Sangamam'', ''[[Sruthilayalu]]'' (1987), ''[[Swarnakamalam]]'' (1988), and ''[[Swathi Kiranam]]'' (1992) were featured in the Indian Panorama sections of [[International Film Festival of India|IFFI]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1988Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1988.pdf |title=Directorate of Film Festival |publisher=Iffi.nic.in |access-date=4 September 2012 |archive-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009221244/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1988Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1988.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.literatureindia.com/2009/11/22/300-films-during-11-days-from-47-countries-in-iffi-2009/ 300 films during 11 days from 47 countries in IFFI-2009] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624071957/http://www.literatureindia.com/2009/11/22/300-films-during-11-days-from-47-countries-in-iffi-2009/ |date=24 June 2015 }}. Literature India. Retrieved on 28 July 2013.</ref> [[Ann Arbor Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/020517/dance-without-frontiers-k-viswanath-director-who-aims-to-revive-classical-arts.html|title=Dance without frontiers: K Viswanath – Director who aims to revive classical arts|date=2 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm40IIFAAward.aspx?PdfName=40IIFA.pdf |title=Directorate of Film Festival |publisher=Iffi.nic.in |access-date=4 September 2012}}</ref> and [[Annapurna International School of Film and Media|AISFM Film Festival]] respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aisfm.edu.in/blog/2014/the-films-of-k-viswanath/|title=The films of K. Viswanath|date=15 February 2014|access-date=1 March 2014|archive-date=4 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704133344/http://www.aisfm.edu.in/blog/2014/the-films-of-k-viswanath/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Viswanath is a recipient of five [[National Film Awards]], seven state [[Nandi Awards]], ten [[Filmfare Awards South]], and a [[Filmfare Awards|Filmfare Award]] in [[Hindi]].<ref name=2005NFA>{{cite web|title=52nd National Film Awards|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm52NFAAward.aspx?PdfName=52NFA.pdf|work=Directorate of Film Festivals|publisher=Akal Information Systems Ltd.|access-date=20 January 2012|page=81|archive-date=28 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928072807/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm52NFAAward.aspx?PdfName=52NFA.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> His directorial works which are produced by Poornodaya Movie Creations were screened to special mention at the Moscow International Film Festival; such films were dubbed into [[Russian language]] and have been theatrically released in [[Moscow]].<ref name="mirchi9.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.mirchi9.com/movies/chit-chat-with-edida-nageswararao-parts3tv1/|title=Poornodaya movies in Russian language|publisher=mirchi9.com|access-date=25 April 2017|archive-date=20 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320100029/http://www.mirchi9.com/movies/chit-chat-with-edida-nageswararao-parts3tv1/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Ranjana Dave |url=http://www.asianage.com/dance/meaning-movement-323 |title=The meaning in movement |publisher=The Asian Age |date=30 June 2011 |access-date=4 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406122118/http://www.asianage.com/dance/meaning-movement-323 |archive-date=6 April 2012 }}</ref>

== Early life ==
Viswanath was born on 19 February 1930 in a [[Telugu people|Telugu]] family to Kasinadhuni Subramanyam and Kasinadhuni Saraswathy (Saraswathamma) in [[Repalle]] of [[Guntur district]], [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kumar |first1=Asha Kiran |title=K Viswanath: National Award films directed by the ace filmmaker |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/k-viswanath-national-award-films-directed-by-the-ace-filmmaker/articleshow/68050321.cms |website=[[The Times of India]]|date=19 February 2019|access-date= 2 June 2021}}</ref> His ancestral roots come from [[Pedapulivarru]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], a small village on the banks of River [[Krishna River|Krishna]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/25/stories/2010072561110500.htm|title=Andhra Pradesh / Guntur News : Society needs good films, says K. Viswanath|date=28 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728085639/http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/25/stories/2010072561110500.htm|access-date=26 September 2020|url-status=dead|work=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=28 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/07/22/stories/2005072201430300.htm|title=Entertainment Hyderabad / Events : Viswanath felicitated|date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109083034/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/07/22/stories/2005072201430300.htm|access-date=26 September 2020|url-status=dead|work=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> Viswanath studied Intermediate from [[Hindu College (Guntur)|Guntur Hindu College]], and holds a BSc degree from Andhra Christian College of [[Andhra University]].<ref name="auto2">{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/19/stories/2006091916980300.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526173447/http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/19/stories/2006091916980300.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=26 May 2007 | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Reporter's Diary | date=19 September 2006}}</ref> He began his career as a [[Sound recording and reproduction|sound recordist]] at [[Vauhini Studios]] in [[Madras]], where his father was an associate. There, he apprenticed under the guidance of A Krishnan, who was the Head of Sound Engineering at Vauhini. Viswanath and A Krishnan developed a close rapport and later after the former made the transition into film direction, he would always bounce ideas off the latter.  Viswanath made his entry into film direction at Annapurna Pictures under [[Adurthi Subba Rao]] and [[K. Ramnoth]].<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2000/may/03vish.htm rediff.com, Movies: Interview with K Viswanath]. Rediff.com (3 May 2000). Retrieved on 2013-07-28.</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/01/stories/2006090117200500.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070528042511/http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/01/stories/2006090117200500.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=28 May 2007 | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Stamp in honour of director L.V. Prasad | date=1 September 2006}}</ref> He wished to work as an assistant to director [[K. Balachander]] and [[Bapu (director)|Bapu]].<ref name="auto2"/>

== Career ==
During his early career, Viswanath was associated with [[Adurthi Subba Rao]] on National Award-winning films such as ''[[Mooga Manasulu]]'' (1964) and ''[[Doctor Chakravarty]]'' (1964).<ref name="intellectbooks.co.uk"/><ref name="auto"/> Viswanath scripted ''[[Sudigundalu]]'' (1968), and directed works such as ''[[Aatma Gowravam]]'' (1965), ''[[O Seeta Katha]]'' (1974) and ''[[Jeevana Jyothi (1975 film)|Jeevana Jyothi]]'' (1975) which garnered the state [[Nandi Awards]], and were screened at the Asian and African film Festival at Tashkent.<ref name=filmfare>{{cite book|title=Collections|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ|year=1991|publisher=Update Video Publication|pages=387}}</ref><ref name="The Hindu"/>

In 1951 he started as an assistant director in the Telugu-Tamil Film ''[[Pathala Bhairavi]]'' (1951). In 1965, Viswanath debuted as a director with Telugu film ''[[Aatma Gowravam]]'' (1965), which won the [[Nandi Award for Best Feature Film]] of the year. Viswanath followed it up with drama films ''[[Chelleli Kapuram]]'' (1971), ''[[Sarada (1973 film)|Sarada]]'' (1973), ''[[O Seeta Katha]]'' (1974) and ''[[Jeevana Jyothi (1975 film)|Jeevana Jyoti]]'' (1975) which are women-centric films.<ref name="intellectbooks.co.uk"/><ref name="auto"/> It was in ''[[Siri Siri Muvva]]'' (1976) that the artistic touch in his craft first became visible.<ref name="intellectbooks.co.uk"/><ref name="auto"/>

''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]'' (1980) highlights the neglect of traditional Indian music under the increasing influence of western music. The film brings out the grandeur of Carnatic music, the traditional South Indian music towards the end. Bhaskaran, a media and film researcher from Chennai has documented, in his study of South Indian music culture, how ''Sankarabharanam'' contributed to the revival of [[Carnatic music]] in a big way.<ref>Bhaskaran, S.T. 'Music for the masses: Film songs of Tamil Nadu' Economic and Political Weekly (annual number),11-12, March, 755-58</ref> The film broke many commercial records by running for over one year in cinemas. In a recent study published in ''Journal of Dance, Movements & Spiritualities'' published by "Intellect Group" of the United Kingdom, C. S. H. N. Murthy, a media and film studies scholar from India, has demonstrated how Viswanath's filmography embraces a wide spectrum of characters that include mentally and physically challenged subjects as well, like the film ''[[Sarada (1973 film)|Sarada]]'' (1973), which exploits a psychologically deranged woman, ''[[Swathi Muthyam]]'' (1986), which exploits an autistic man's humanism, ''[[Sirivennela]]'' (1986) which revels in situations between deaf and dumb characters, and ''[[Kalam Marindi]]'' (1972), which dwells on characters stuck in a caste-based society.<ref name="intellectbooks.co.uk">{{cite web|url=https://www.intellectbooks.co.uk/journals/view--Article,id=19986/|publisher=Intellect Ltd.|title=Dance, Movement & Spiritualities|access-date=25 April 2017|archive-date=26 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626054707/https://www.intellectbooks.co.uk/journals/view--Article,id=19986/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite journal|title=Inclusiveness through art films in Telugu: A modern to postmodern analysis of K. Viswanath's films|first=C. S. H. N.|last=Murthy|date=1 December 2014|journal=Dance, Movement & Spiritualities|volume=1|issue=3|pages=413–438|doi=10.1386/dmas.1.3.413_1}}</ref>

Film researcher, C. S. H. N. Murthy observed that Viswanath's films offer a pathway towards inclusiveness, affecting positive spiritual change at both personal and social levels. Situating the content in the broad arena of de-westernizing media studies, through immersive and culturally embedded perspectives, Murthy endeavoured to offer modern and postmodern dimensions in Viswanath's films.<ref name="intellectbooks.co.uk"/><ref name="auto"/>

=== Films with social issues ===
Viswanath has made many films dealing with a wide range of human and social issues: ''Saptapadi'', ''Sirivennela'', ''Sutradharulu'', ''Subhalekha'', ''Sruthilayalu'', ''Subha Sankalpam'', ''Aapadbandhavudu'', ''Swayam Krushi'', and ''Swarnakamalam'' have lead characters representing different strata of society, meticulously etched to suit the larger picture.<ref name="intellectbooks.co.uk"/><ref name="auto"/>

In ''Saptapadi'', he decries the evils of untouchability and the caste system. In ''Subhodayam'' and ''Swayam Krushi'' he emphasizes the dignity and respectability of manual labor. In ''Subhalekha'', he deals, in a humorous way, with the dowry system – one of the major evils in today's society. While ''Sutradharulu'' urges present-day society to recognize the need to adopt the ideals of non-violence, ''Swati Kiranam'' depicts the harm that can be caused by the basic instincts of envy and anger in a man, however accomplished he may be.<ref name="intellectbooks.co.uk"/><ref name="auto"/>

In spite of the nature of these subjects, they are presented in a subtle manner with an imaginative storyline, with just the right amount of emphasis on the intended message. Yet Viswanath's films were never offbeat cinema, but wholesome entertainers those elevated the lead actors' image. He is a director with social-conscious mind and who believes cinema can bring out desirable changes in society if presented in a format liked by a cross-section of audience.<ref name="intellectbooks.co.uk"/><ref name="auto"/>

=== Association with Poornodaya Creations ===
[[Edida Nageswara Rao]] founded "Poornodaya Movie Creations", which encouraged Viswanath to make aesthetic films.<ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/chiranjeevi-felicitation.html |title=Chiranjeevi felicitation on Padma Bhushan honor – Telugu Cinema actor |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=19 April 2006 |access-date=4 September 2012}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{cite web|author=30 Jun 2011 – Ranjana Dave |url=http://www.asianage.com/dance/meaning-movement-323 |title=The meaning in movement |publisher=The Asian Age |date=30 June 2011 |access-date=4 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406122118/http://www.asianage.com/dance/meaning-movement-323 |archive-date=6 April 2012 }}</ref><ref name="mirchi9.com"/> Poornodaya has produced several of Viswanath's films like ''Sankarabharanam'', ''Swatimutyam'', ''Saagarasangamam'', ''Sutradharulu'', and ''Aapadbandhavudu''. Most of these films were dubbed into Russian and were screened at the [[Moscow Film Festival]].<ref name="auto3"/><ref name="auto4"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mirchi9.com/movies/chit-chat-with-edida-nageswararao-parts3tv1/|title=Chit chat with Edida Nageswararao Parts(3)|publisher=mirchi9.com|access-date=25 April 2017|archive-date=20 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320100029/http://www.mirchi9.com/movies/chit-chat-with-edida-nageswararao-parts3tv1/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Hindi cinema ===
Viswanath has also directed Hindi language films such as ''[[Sargam (1979 film)|Sargam]]'' (1979), ''[[Kaamchor]]'' (1982),  ''[[Shubh Kaamna]]'' (1983), ''[[Jaag Utha Insan (1984 film)|Jaag Utha Insan]]'' (1984), ''[[Sur Sangam]]'' (1985), ''[[Sanjog (1985 film)|Sanjog]]'' (1985), ''[[Eeshwar (1989 film)|Eeshwar]]'' (1989), ''[[Sangeet (film)|Sangeet]]'' (1992) and ''[[Dhanwan (1993 film)|Dhanwan]]'' (1993). Some of these films (especially his collaboration with actress [[Jaya Prada]]) have been super hits at the box office.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad-times/K-Viswanath-to-direct-Hrithik/articleshow/178224.cms | work=The Times of India | title=K Viswanath to direct Hrithik|date=12 September 2003}}</ref>

=== Acting ===
In 1995, Viswanath debuted as an actor with Telugu film ''[[Subha Sankalpam]]''. As a character actor, he has appeared in works such as ''[[Vajram (1995 film)|Vajram]]'' (1995), ''[[Kalisundam Raa]]'' (2000), ''[[Narasimha Naidu]]'' (2001), ''[[Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu]]'' (2002), ''[[Santosham (2002 film)|Santosham]]'' (2002), ''[[Seema Simham]]'' (2002), ''[[Tagore (film)|Tagore]]'' (2003), ''[[Lakshmi Narasimha (film)|Lakshmi Narasimha]]'' (2004), ''[[Swarabhishekam]]'' (2004), ''[[Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule]]'' (2007), ''[[Athadu]]'' (2005), and ''[[Pandurangadu]]'' (2008), and ''[[Devasthanam (film)|Devasthanam]]'' (2012). He essayed characters in Tamil works such as ''[[Kuruthipunal (film)|Kuruthipunal]]'' (1995), ''[[Mugavaree]]'' (1999), ''[[Kakkai Siraginilae]]'' (2000), ''[[Bagavathi]]'' (2002), ''[[Pudhiya Geethai]]'' (2003), ''[[Yaaradi Nee Mohini]]'' (2008), ''[[Rajapattai]]'' (2011), ''[[Singam II]]'' (2013), ''[[Lingaa]]'' (2014) and ''[[Uttama Villain]]'' (2015).<ref name="DC"/>

=== Television ===
Viswanath had also acted in a few television serials; ''Siva Narayana Teertha'' on [[SVBC TV]], ''[[Chellamay]]'' on [[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]], and ''Suryiavamsam'' on [[Vendhar TV]]. He also endorsed brands such as GRT Jewellers and appeared in television commercials.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/FHLADkxM1sw Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140615032842/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHLADkxM1sw Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHLADkxM1sw|title=Telugu Ads GRT Jewellers|last=Dream Merchants Ad Film Production House|date=12 January 2013|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== Biopic ===
[[Viswadarshanam]] is an official [[biopic]] of K Viswanath, written and directed by [[Janardhana Maharshi]], which tells the story of a 90-year-old acclaimed director.<ref>{{Cite news |title='Viswa Darshanam' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/previews/viswa-darshanam/articleshow/68059624.cms |access-date=2023-02-21 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The film was telecast on [[ETV (Telugu)]] on 19 February 2023, his 93rd birthday.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Viswadarshanam on K Viswanath to be aired on ETV |url=http://www.ragalahari.com/tollywood-news-2023-february/168772/viswadarshanam-on-k-viswanath-to-be-aired-on-etv |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=www.ragalahari.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life and death ==
Viswanath was married to Kasinadhuni Jayalakshmi. Actor [[Chandra Mohan (Telugu actor)|Chandra Mohan]], and singers [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] and [[S. P. Sailaja]] were his cousins.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/article401043.ece|work=The Hindu|title=Viswanath vows to continue his mission|date=17 April 2010}}</ref>

Viswanath died on 2 February 2023, aged 92, in a private hospital in Hyderabad due to age-related issues.<ref name="Legendary director K Viswanath passes away">{{cite news |last1=The Indian Express |title=Legendary director K Viswanath passes away |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/director-k-viswanath-passes-away-passes-away-8420863/ |access-date=3 February 2023 |date=2 February 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Arikatla |first=Venkat |date=2023-02-03 |title=Kalatapaswi K Viswanath Breathed His Last |url=https://www.greatandhra.com/movies/news/kalatapaswi-k-viswanath-breathed-his-last-127024 |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=greatandhra.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chronicle |first=Deccan |date=2023-02-03 |title=Noted director K. Viswanath dead |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/030223/noted-director-k-viswanath-dead.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}}</ref>

== Filmography ==
=== As director and screenwriter ===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+Directed and screenwritten features
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Director
! scope="col" | Story 
! scope="col" | Screenwriter 
! scope="col" | Notes
|-
! scope="row" |  1963
| ''[[Chaduvukunna Ammayilu]]'' 
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
! scope="row" |1965
|''[[Aatma Gowravam]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Bronze); Debut as a director
|-
! scope="row" |1967
| ''[[Private Master]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" |1968
|''[[Sudigundalu]]''
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu<br />Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)<br />Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu<br />Tashkent Film Festival
|-
|''[[Kalisochina Adrushtam]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|Also Dialogue Writer
|-
|''[[Undamma Bottu Pedata]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|
|-
! scope="row" |1969
| ''[[Nindu Hrudayalu]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" |1971
| ''[[Chelleli Kapuram]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)
|-
| ''[[Chinnanati Snehitulu]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
| ''[[Nindu Dampathulu]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
! scope="row" | 1972
| ''[[Kalam Marindi]]''  
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" |1973
| ''[[Neramu Siksha]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
| ''[[Sarada (1973 film)|Sarada]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" |  1974
|''[[Amma Manasu]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
|''[[O Seeta Katha]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Silver)<br />Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu<br />[[Filmfare Best Director Award (Telugu)|Filmfare Award for Best Direction]]
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 1975
|''Chinnanati Kalalu'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|
|-
| ''[[Jeevana Jyothi (1975 film)|Jeevana Jyothi]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)<br />Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu<br />Filmfare Award for Best Direction
|-
! rowspan="4" scope="row" | 1976
| ''Mangalyaniki Maromudi''  
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bharadwaja|date=4 July 1976|title=చిత్ర సమీక్ష: మాంగల్యానికి మరోముడి|language=te|pages=7|work=[[Andhra Jyothi]]|url=http://pressacademyarchives.ap.nic.in/newspaperframe.aspx?bookid=65480|access-date=6 September 2020}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Siri Siri Muvva]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
| ''Prema Bandham'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|
|-
| ''Jeevitha Nouka'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" |1978
| ''Kalanthakulu'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|
|-
| ''[[Seetamalakshmi]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 1979
| ''President Peramma'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|
|-
| ''[[Sargam (1979 film)|Sargam]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Hindi version of ''[[Siri Siri Muvva]]''
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | 1980
| ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Prize of the Public at the Besançon Film Festival of France<br />Special Mention – [[Moscow International Film Festival]]<br />[[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]]<br />Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)
|-
| ''[[Alludu Pattina Bharatam]]''  
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
| ''[[Subhodayam]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
! scope="row" | 1981
| ''[[Saptapadi (1981 film)|Saptapadi]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Special Mention – Moscow International Film Festival<br />[[Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration|National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration]]<br />[[Nandi Award for Best Screenplay Writer|Nandi Award for Best Screenplay]]<br />Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 1982
| ''[[Kaamchor]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Hindi version of ''Subhodayam''
|-
| ''[[Subhalekha]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Filmfare Award for Best Direction
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 1983
| ''[[Sagara Sangamam]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Bronze)<br />Filmfare Award for Best Direction<br />Dubbed into Tamil as Salangai Oli
|-
| ''[[Shubh Kaamna]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Hindi version of ''[[Subhalekha]]''
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 1984
| ''[[Janani Janmabhoomi]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
| ''[[Jaag Utha Insan (1984 film)|Jaag Utha Insan]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Hindi version of ''[[Saptapadi (1981 film)|Saptapadi]]''
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | 1985 
| ''[[Sanjog (1985 film)|Sanjog]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|Hindi version of ''[[Jeevana Jyothi (1975 film)|Jeevana Jyothi]]''
|-
| ''[[Sur Sangam]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Hindi version of ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]''
|-
| ''[[Swathi Muthyam]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|[[List of Indian submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|India's Official Entry for Best Foreign Language film at the 59th Academy Awards]]<br />National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu<br />Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)<br />[[Nandi Award for Best Director|Nandi Award for Best Direction]]<br />Filmfare Award for Best Direction<br />Special Mention – Asia Pacific Film Festival<br />Special Mention – Moscow International Film Festival/ Also Lyricist 
|-
! scope="row" | 1986
| ''[[Sirivennela]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 1987
| ''[[Sruthilayalu]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)<br />Nandi Award for Best Direction<br />Filmfare Award for Best Direction
|-
| ''[[Swayamkrushi]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Special Mention – Moscow International Film Festival
|-
! scope="row" | 1988
| ''[[Swarnakamalam]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Gold)<br />Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu<br />[[Cinema Express Awards – 1988|Cinema Express Award for Best Direction]]<br />Ann Arbor Film Festival
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 1989
| ''[[Eeshwar (1989 film)|Eeshwar]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Hindi version of ''[[Swathi Muthyam]]''<br />[[Filmfare Award for Best Story]]
|-
| ''[[Sutradharulu]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu<br />Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Bronze)
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | 1992
| ''[[Swathi Kiranam]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
| ''[[Sangeet (film)|Sangeet]]''  
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
| ''[[Aapadbandhavudu]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Bronze)<br />Filmfare Award for Best Direction<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/k-viswanath-brought-dignity-and-grace-to-telugu-cinema/article18205585.ece|title='K Viswanath brought dignity and grace to Telugu cinema'|first=Sangeetha Devi|last=Dundoo|newspaper=The Hindu |date=25 April 2017|access-date=26 September 2020|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 1993
| ''[[Dhanwan (1993 film)|Dhanwaan]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|
|-
! scope="row" | 1995
| ''[[Subha Sankalpam]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Filmfare Award for Best Direction<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/with-cheekati-raajyam-kamal-returns-to-telugu/article7245844.ece|title=With Cheekati Raajyam, Kamal returns to Telugu|first=Suresh|last=Krishnamoorthy|newspaper=The Hindu |date=26 May 2015|access-date=26 September 2020|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 1996
| ''[[Aurat Aurat Aurat]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|<ref name="auto5">{{cite book|last=Roshan|first=Sunaina|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mYvFDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT70|title=To Dad with Love|date=5 July 2017|publisher=Om Books International|isbn=9789383202744|via=Google Books}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 1997
| ''[[Chinnabbayi]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/chinnabbayi-26313/cast-crew |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913062258/https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/chinnabbayi-26313/cast-crew |url-status=live |archive-date=13 September 2022 |title=Chinnabbayi Cast & Crew |access-date=13 September 2022}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2004
|''[[Swarabhishekam]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|50th film/ Also lyricist 
National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu
|-
! scope="row" | 2010
| ''[[Subhapradam (film)|Subhapradam]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|Last Film as a director <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-subhapradam-is-jaded/20100719.htm|title=Subhapradam is jaded|website=Rediff|access-date=26 September 2020}}</ref>
|}

=== As an actor ===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film  
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" | Language
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | 1995
| ''[[Subha Sankalpam]]'' || Raayudu || Telugu || Debut as an actor
|-
| ''[[Kuruthipunal (film)|Kuruthipunal]]'' || Srinivasan || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Vajram (1995 film)|Vajram]]'' || Chakri's father || Telugu ||
|-
! scope="row" | 1996
| ''[[Kuruthipunal (film)|Drohi]]'' || Srinivasan || Telugu ||
|-
! scope="row" | 1999
| ''[[Mugavaree]]'' || Sridhar's father || Tamil ||
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | 2000
| ''[[Kalisundam Raa]]'' || Raghavayya || Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[Manasu Paddanu Kaani]]'' ||  Venu's father || Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[Kakkai Siraginilae]]'' || Sambasiva Iyer || Tamil ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2001
| ''[[Narasimha Naidu]]''  || Raghupathi Naidu || Telugu ||
|-
! rowspan="6" scope="row" | 2002
| ''[[Seema Simham]]'' ||  Visweswara Rao || Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu]]'' || Ramachandrayya || Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[Santosham (2002 film)|Santosham]]'' || Ramachandrayya || Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo]]'' || Balaramayya Naidu || Telugu ||
|-
| ''Kuchi Kuchi Koonamma'' || Sai's grandfather || Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[Bagavathi]]'' ||  Chief Minister || Tamil ||
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2003
| ''[[Pudhiya Geethai]]'' || Swamy || Tamil || Cameo appearance
|-
| ''[[Tagore (film)|Tagore]]'' || Chief Minister || Telugu ||
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2004
| ''[[Lakshmi Narasimha (film)|Lakshmi Narasimha]]'' ||  Lakshmi Narasimha's father || Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[Swarabhishekam]]'' || Srinivasachari || Telugu ||
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2005
| ''[[Athadu]]'' ||  CBI Officer  || Telugu || Cameo appearance
|-
| ''[[Andhrudu]]'' || Sangeetham Teacher/Surendra's father || Telugu ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2006
| ''[[Valliddari Vayasu Padahare]]'' ||  Judge  || Telugu || Cameo appearance
|-
! scope="row" | 2007
| ''[[Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule]]'' || Keerti's grandfather || Telugu ||
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2008
| ''[[Yaaradi Nee Mohini]]'' || Keerti's grandfather || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Pandurangadu]]'' || Pandurangadu's father || Telugu ||
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2011
| ''[[Mr. Perfect (film)|Mr. Perfect]]'' || Maggie's grandfather || Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[Rajapattai]]'' || Dakshanamurthy || Tamil ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2012
| ''[[Devasthanam (film)|Devasthanam]]'' || Srimannarayana || Telugu ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2013
| ''[[Singam II]]'' || Chief Minister || Tamil ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2014
| ''[[Lingaa]]'' || Karunakara || Tamil ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2015
| ''[[Uttama Villain]]'' || Poornachandra Rao || Tamil ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2016 
| ''[[Hyper (2016 film)|Hyper]]'' || [[Chief minister (India)|Chief Minister]] || Telugu||
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2018
| ''[[Prema Baraha]]'' || Seenu || Kannada||rowspan="2"| Bilingual film
|-
| ''[[Sollividava]]'' || Seenu || Tamil 
|-
! scope="row" | 2022
|''[[Oppanda]]''
|Rangaswamy
|Kannada
|Last film as an actor
|}

=== Other roles ===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | Language
! scope="col" | Credits
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
! scope="row" | 1951
| ''[[Pathala Bhairavi]]'' || Telugu<br />[[Tamil Language|Tamil]] || Assistant director 
|
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 1957
| ''[[Thodi Kodallu]]'' || Telugu || Audiographer 
|
|-
| ''[[Thodi Kodallu|Enga Veetu Mahalakshmi]] ''|| Tamil || Audiographer 
|
|-
! scope="row" | 1959
| ''[[Banda Ramudu]]'' || Telugu || Audiographer
|
|-
! scope="row" | 1961
| ''[[Iddaru Mitrulu (1961 film)|Iddaru Mitrulu]]'' || Telugu || Assistant director
|
|-
! scope="row" | 1964
| ''[[Mooga Manasulu]]'' || Telugu || Assistant director
|
|-
! scope="row" | 1964
| ''[[Doctor Chakravarty]]'' || Telugu || Assistant director
|
|-
|}

== Awards ==
[[File:The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Dada Saheb Phalke Award to the Director Shri K. Vishwanath, at the 64th National Film Awards Function, in New Delhi.jpg|thumb|[[Pranab Mukherjee|President Mukherjee]] presenting the [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] to Sh. Vishwanath at the [[64th National Film Awards]] on 3 May 2017.]]

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! Year !! Award !! Notes
|-
|1992
|[[Padma Shri]] Government of India
|<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf |title=Padma Awards |publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |date=2015 |access-date=21 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015193758/http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf |archive-date=15 October 2015 }}</ref>
|-
|1981
|Prize of the Public at the Besançon Film Festival of France
|<ref name="iffi.nic">{{cite web |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm29thNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=29NFA.pdf |title=Directorate of Film Festival |publisher=Iffi.nic.in |access-date=4 September 2012 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721170327/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm29thNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=29NFA.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|1982–87 
|Special Mention – [[Moscow International Film Festival]]
|<ref name="iffi.nic"/>
|-
|2014 
|Gulf Andhra Award for Life Time Achievement in Cinema – [[U.A.E.]]
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/K-Vishwanath-to-be-honoured-at-GAMA-Awards/articleshow/46137544.cms|title=K Vishwanath to be honoured at GAMA Awards|website=The Times of India|access-date=26 September 2020}}</ref>
|-
|2016 
|[[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] for lifetime achievement in cinema.
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kasinadhuni-vishwanath-dadasaheb-phalke-award-973285-2017-04-24|title=Dadasaheb Phalke Award goes to legendary filmmaker Kasinathuni Viswanath|first=Shivangi|last=Thakur|date=April 24, 2017|website=India Today|access-date=26 September 2020}}</ref><ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/rxqr5g8B0Yo Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20201028010733/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxqr5g8B0Yo&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxqr5g8B0Yo|title=64th National Film Awards: K. Viswanath receives Dadasaheb Phalke award|last=DD News|date=3 May 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|-
|1986
|[[List of Indian submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film|India's official entry to the 59th Academy Awards]] - [[Swathi Muthyam]]
|
|-
|1980
|[[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]] – ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]''
|
|-
|1982 
|[[Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration]] – ''[[Saptapadi (1981 film)|Saptapadi]]''
|
|-
|2013
|CNN-IBNs List of the 100 Greatest Indian Films of All Time - [[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]] and [[Sagara Sangamam]]
|
|-
|1987 
|[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu|Best Feature Film in Telugu]] – ''[[Swathi Muthyam]]''
|
|-
|1990 
|Best Feature Film in Telugu – ''[[Sutradharulu]]''
|
|-
|2005 
|Best Feature Film in Telugu – ''[[Swarabhishekam]]''
|
|-
|1980
|[[Nandi Award for Best Story Writer|Second Best Story Writer]] - ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]''
|
|-
|1981
|[[Nandi Award for Best Screenplay Writer|Best Screenplay Writer]] – ''[[Saptapadi (1981 film)|Saptapadi]]''
|
|-
|1982
|[[Nandi Award for Best Story Writer|Best Story Writer]] - ''[[Subhalekha]]''
|
|-
|1986
|[[Nandi Award for Best Director|Best Director]] – ''[[Swathi Muthyam]]''
|
|-
|1987
|[[Nandi Award for Best Director|Best Director]] – ''[[Sruthilayalu]]''
|
|-
|1992 
|[[Raghupathi Venkaiah Award]] – Lifetime achievement for outstanding contributions to Telugu cinema
|
|-
|1995 
|[[Nandi Award for Best Character Actor|Best Character Actor]] – ''[[Subha Sankalpam]]''
|
|-
|2000
|[[Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]] – ''[[Kalisundam Raa]]''
|
|-
|1988
|[[Cinema Express Awards – 1988|Cinema Express Award for Best Director]] – ''[[Swarnakamalam]]''
|<ref name="newspaper">{{Cite news|agency=Express News Service|title=Cinema Express awards|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=1989-03-11|access-date=2016-10-07|pages=4|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19910222&printsec=frontpage}}</ref>
|-
|2008
|[[CineMAA Awards|CineMAA Award for lifetime achievement]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/cinemaa-awards2008.html|title=Cinemaa awards 2008 presentation - Telugu cinema|website=www.idlebrain.com|access-date=26 September 2020}}</ref>
|-
|2022
|[[10th South Indian International Movie Awards|2021]]: [[SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award|Lifetime Achievement Award]]
|
|-
|1989 
|[[Filmfare Best Story Award]] – ''[[Eeshwar (1989 film)|Eeshwar]]
|
|-
|1974
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu|Best Director]] – ''[[O Seeta Katha]]''
|
|-
|1975 
|Best Director – ''[[Jeevana Jyothi (1975 film)|Jeevana Jyoti]]''
|
|-
|1982
|Best Director – ''[[Subhalekha]]''
|
|-
|1983 
|Best Director - ''[[Sagara Sangamam]]''
|
|-
|1986
|Best Director – ''[[Swathi Muthyam]]''
|
|-
|1987
|Best Director – ''[[Sruthilayalu]]''
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/35thAnnualFilmfareAwardsSouthWinners|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170205141932/https://archive.org/details/35thAnnualFilmfareAwardsSouthWinners|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 February 2017|title=35th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners : Santosh : Free Download &...|date=5 February 2017}}</ref>
|-
|1992
|Best Director – ''[[Aapadbandhavudu]]''
|
|-
|1995
|Best Director – ''[[Subha Sankalpam]]''
|
|-
|1994
|[[Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (South)|Lifetime Achievement]]
|
|}

;[[Honorary doctorate]]
* [[Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University]]

=== Other honours ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Award !! Notes
|-
|2012 
|Viswa Vikhyata Darsaka Sarvabhowma for achievement in direction.<ref name="Special Correspondent"/>
|
|-
|2012  
|Chittoor V. Nagayya Puraskaram for lifetime achievement in cinema.<ref name="The Hindu"/>
|
|-
|2017 
|Film Nagar Cultural Center – Hyderabad Award for achievement in cinema.
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.tupaki.com/photogallery/events/FNCC-Team-Felicitates-K-Viswanath-and-SP-Balu-Photos/3243/20|title=FNCC Team Felicitates K Viswanath and SP Balu Photos – Photogallery – Page 20 |website=english.tupaki.com}}</ref>
|-
|2017 
|Telugu Film Director's Association Award for achievement in direction
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions1/felicitates-kviswanath1/index.html|title=Telugu Film Director's Association felicitates K Viswanath for Winning Dada Saheb Phalke Award – Telugu cinema|website=www.idlebrain.com}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|-
|2017 
|Aathmeeya Sanmanam from [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]] for achievement in cinema at Vijayawada Thummalapalli Kalakshetram
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/i-want-to-remain-humble-says-ace-director-k-viswanath/article19260288.ece|title=I want to remain humble, says ace director K. Viswanath|newspaper=The Hindu |date=12 July 2017|access-date=26 September 2020|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>
|}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{IMDb name|0899649}}

{{Navboxes|title=Awards received by K. Viswanath|list=
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
{{Dadasaheb Phalke Award}}
{{Raghupathi Venkaiah Award Recipients}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestStory}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestTeluguDirector}}
{{FilmfareLifetimeAchievementAwardSouth}}
{{Nandi Award for Best Director}}
{{Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{Nandi Award for Best Character Actor}}
{{SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Viswanath, Kasinadhuni}}
[[Category:1930 births]]
[[Category:2023 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Guntur]]
[[Category:Actors from Guntur district]]
[[Category:Telugu film directors]]
[[Category:Film directors from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Indian male screenwriters]]
[[Category:Hindi-language film directors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Telugu cinema]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:Indian male television actors]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Nandi Award winners]]
[[Category:Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients]]
[[Category:Male actors from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Directors who won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment National Film Award]]
[[Category:Directors who won the Best Film on National Integration National Film Award]]
[[Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners]]