Condolences poured in for legendary filmmaker and actor K Viswanath who passed away on Thursday night, February 2 due to health related ailments in Hyderabad. He was 92. The director is known for turning movies into blockbusters through his directorial merit. A recipient of several awards, including the Dadasahebh Phalke and Lifetime Achievement award, the director was born in 1930 in Repalle of Andhra Pradesh. The director has made over 50 films in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil cinema since 1965. Some of his notable films include Swathi Muthyam(1985), Swayam Krushi (1987), Sagara Sangamam (1988), Subha Sankalpam(1995) among others.
Several actors and politicians are grieving the death of the veteran filmmaker. From actors Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi, Mammooty, Radhika, Anil Kapoor, Venkatesh to politicians like former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Andhra Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao among others, have sent condolence messages hailing the director for his contribution to the film industry.
Actor Kamal Kaasan in a handwritten note that he shared on his social media account said, “Kalathapasvi K Viswanath gaaru fully understood the transience of life and immortality of art. Hence his art will be celebrated beyond his lifetime and reign. Long Live his art, An Ardent Fan, Kamal Haasan, 2023.”
Meanwhile, Chiranjeevi who acted in K Vishwanath’s movies like Swayam Krushi, Subhalekeha, Apadbhandavudu, released a note in Telugu which said, “Today is a very sad day. The news of the passing away of a father-like figure, Kalathapasvi K Viswanath gaaru is disturbing. There are not enough words to describe his greatness. He used to make films that would impress pundits and laymen alike. He had a unique style of filmmaking. Probably there would not be any other director like him who turned sensitive art films into blockbusters.”
Another renowned actor in Tollywood, Nandamuri Balakrishna said, “The passing away of Kalathapaswi K Vishwanath garu is an irreparable loss to the Telugu film industry. Every bit of his movies reflect Telugu pride and are a tribute to Indian culture and traditions. His movies are a pride to Telugu cinema… I pray that the soul of Kalathapasvi would rest in peace and express my deep condolences to the family.” Balakrishna has acted in Janani Janmabhoomi under K Viswanath’s direction.
Salute to a master . pic.twitter.com/zs0ElDYVUM
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 3, 2023
Shocked beyond words!
— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) February 3, 2023
Shri K Viswanath ‘s loss is an irreplaceable void to Indian / Telugu Cinema and to me personally! Man of numerous iconic, timeless films! The Legend Will Live on! Om Shanti !! pic.twitter.com/3JzLrCCs6z
ప్రపంచంలో ఎవ్వరైనా మీ తెలుగు సినిమా గొప్పదనం ఏంటి అని అడిగితే మాకు K. విశ్వనాధ్ గారు ఉన్నారు అని రొమ్ము విరిచి గర్వంగా చెప్పుకుంటాం.
— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) February 3, 2023
Your signature on Telugu Cinema &art in general will shine brightly forever.
సినిమా గ్రామర్ లో మీరు నేర్పిన పాత్రలకు ఆజన్మాన్తo రుణపడి ఉంటాము sir
Deeply saddened by the demise of Sri K Viswanath Garu.
— Mammootty (@mammukka) February 2, 2023
Had the privilege of being directed by him in Swathikiranam. My thoughts and prayers with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/6ElhuSh53e
నరుడి బ్రతుకు నటన, ఈశ్వరుడి తలపు ఘటన .. ఆ రెంటి నట్టనడుమ తన తపన సాగించి , తపస్సు కావించి, తనువు చాలించిన ఋషి వెండితెరకి ఇకపై దొరకునా అటువంటి సేవ !
— mmkeeravaani (@mmkeeravaani) February 2, 2023
విశ్వనాథ్‌గారి మరణం తీవ్రవిచారానికి గురిచేసింది. తెలుగు సంస్కృతికి, భారతీయ కళలకు నిలువుటద్దం విశ్వనాథ్‌గారు. ఆయన దర్శకత్వంలో రూపుదిద్దుకున్న చిత్రాలు తెలుగు సినీరంగానికి అసమాన గౌరవాన్ని తెచ్చాయి. తెలుగువారి గుండెల్లో కళాతపస్విగా శాశ్వతంగా నిలిచిపోతారు.#KVishwanath pic.twitter.com/XKAq2E68yn
— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) February 2, 2023
Deeply grieved to hear of the demise of renowned film director, Sri K. Viswanath. As a film-maker he brought depth & dignity to the medium earning global recognition for his movies with a message. May his atma attain sadgati! Om shanti! pic.twitter.com/snX4RVsIVJ
— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) February 3, 2023
Rest in peace Vishwanath garu … thank u for everything.. u
— Anushka Shetty (@MsAnushkaShetty) February 3, 2023
Continue to live in our hearts #RipLegend pic.twitter.com/QfjPIYAfsx