Krishna
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.
Filmography (122 Appearances)
Sri Sri
Kanthaswamy
Baladur
Message of Peace
Takkari Donga
Pandanti Samsaram
Vamsi
Ravanna
Rajakumarudu
Sultan
Osey Ramulamma
Subhakankshalu
Ramudochadu
Jagadeka Veerudu
Amma Donga!
Telugu Veera Levara
Yamaleela
Varasudu
Raktha Tharpanam
Naa Ille Naa Swargam
Alludu Diddina Kapuram
Indra Bhavanam
Nagastharam
Anna Thammudu
Rickshawala
Koduku Diddina Kapuram
Gudachari 117
Atha Mechina Alludu
Mugguru Kodukulu
Maharajashri Mayagaadu
Rajakiya Chadurangam
Kaliyuga Karnudu
Maa Voori Magaadu
Vishwanatha Nayakudu
Sankharavam
Makutamleni Maharaju
Khaidi Rudrayya
Jayam Manade
Simhasanam
Pachani Kapuram
Vajrayudham
Agni Parvatham
Dongalu Baboi Dongalu
Kanchu Kaagada
Yuddham
Iddaru Dongalu
Poratam
Ramarajyamlo Bheemaraju
Siripuram Monagadu
Adavi Simhalu
Kirayi Kotigadu
Mundadugu
Oorantha Sankranthi
Eenadu
Kalavaari Samsaram
Shamsher Shankar
Krishnavataram
Vayyari Bhamalu Vagalamari Bhartalu
Prema Nakshatram
Krishnarajunulu
Bangaru Koduku
Edi Dharmam Edi Nyayam
Bangaru Bhoomi
Gadasari Atta Sogasari Kodalu
Bhoga Bhagyalu
Guru Sishyulu
Rahasya Gudachari
Todu Dongalu
Ooriki Monagadu
Jathagadu
Bangaru Bava
Chuttalunnaru Jagrattha
Ram Robert Rahim
Adrushtavanthudu
Mama Allulla Saval
Gharana Donga
Kottapeta Rowdy
Devudichina Koduku
Bhale Krishnudu
Samajaniki Sawal
Burripalem Bullodu
Mande Gundelu
Kotta Alludu
Hema Hemeelu
Chal Mohana Ranga
Indradhanussu
Agent Gopi
Manasaakshi
Kurukshetram
Sri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club
Aadambaralu Anubandhalu
Alluri Seetarama Raju
Meena
Vintha Katha
Mayadari Malligadu
Neramu Siksha
Talli Kodukulu
Mallamma Katha
Rajamahal
Monagadostunnadu Jagratha
Pandanti Kapuram
James Bond 777
Nenu Manishine
Mosagallaku Mosagadu
Vidhi Vilasam
Akka Chellelu
Lakshmi Nivasam
Kuzhanthaikkaga
Manchi Kutumbam
Niluvu Dopidi
Teri Talaash Mein
Ave Kallu
Private Master
Stree Janma
Marapurani Katha
Sakshi
Goodachari 116
Kanne Manasulu
Tene Manasulu
Paruvu-Prathishtta
Kula Gotralu
Padandi Munduku
