Yanamadala Kasi Viswanath is an Indian actor and film director known for his work in Telugu cinema.[1] He has worked as an assistant director, associate director, and co-director on over 25 films. Viswanath made his directorial debut with the romantic comedy Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu (2002), which became a blockbuster.[2] He then directed Tholi Choopulone (2003), which marked the debut of Nandamuri Kalyan Ram.[3] In 2008, he transitioned to acting with Nacchavule, which became a breakthrough role, and since then, he has appeared in over 90 films.[4]

Yanamadala Kasi Viswanath
Born
EducationB.Com
OccupationsActor, director, screenwriter
Years active2002–present
SpouseHema Latha
Children2

Early life

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He was born in Purushottapatnam, Seethanagaram mandal near Rajahmundry, East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. He completed his primary education in his native village. From 6th to 12th standard, he studied in Polavaram government high school. He did his B.Com. degree from Raja Mahendravaram. His uncles used to own a film theater. He used to watch films from his childhood. Inspired by the films he used to prepare simple scripts and narrate them to his mother. She also encouraged him.

When he was studying intermediate, he watched a film shooting of Tholi Kodi Koosindi (1981) directed by K. Balachander. He got inspired by that movie and used to discuss films with his uncles. He proposed to his family that he should enter into film industry. His cousin Gadde Ratnaji Rao took him to Chennai and introduced him to Kanoori Ranjith Kumar who was producing the film Lanke Bindelu.[4]

Film career

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Film making

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He started as assistant director to Vijaya Nirmala for the film Lanke Bindelu.[5] When the film industry gradually shifted to Hyderabad, he moved there to work with Suresh Productions assisting in their film making. He worked as a co-director for hit films like Preminchukundam Raa (1997), Ganesh (1998), Kalisundam Raa (2000). Then he got promoted to director for the film Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu (2002) written by himself. He also directed the film Toli Choopulone (2003) produced by Usha Kiran Movies. It was Nandamuri Kalyan Ram's first film as a lead actor.

Actor

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He got good name as a director for his first film. When he was waiting for the next film, he visited Annavaram temple. Director Ravi Babu met him there and offered a father role in his upcoming film Nachavule (2008). Ravi Babu and Viswanath knew each other when they were working for Suresh Productions. He accepted that role and it earned him good recognition as an actor. Later he played similar roles in many films.[4]

Personal life

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Director Sriwass is his cousin.[5]

Filmography

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As director

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YearTitle Notes
2002Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu Also lyricist
2003Toli Choopulone

As actor

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YearTitleRole Notes
2008NacchavuleLuv's father
2009RideMahesh's father
2010Darling
Namo VenkatesaRamanujam
Kalavar KingRajesh's father
2011Parama Veera ChakraIncome tax officer
Mr. PerfectMaggie's relative
KandireegaShruti's father
MugguruBalatripura Sundari's uncle
It's My Love StoryArjun's father
PriyuduMadhu Latha's father
2012Lovely
Adhinayakudu Minister
Endukante PremantaChef at Sravanthi's house
Mem Vayasuku VachamLucky's father
Tuneega TuneegaMaithri's father
2013Mirchi
2014Kotha JantaSuvarna's father
Pyar Mein PadipoyaneChinna's father
Drushyam Restaurant Owner
Govindudu AndarivadeleSatya's father
Erra Bus
2015 Pataas Police officer
Bhale Bhale Magadivoy Praveen's Boss
2016DictatorBabji
RunSrinivas
Karam DosaTransport Office Owner
2017Sathamanam Bhavati
GunturoduSuryanarayana's friend
Maa AbbayiAbbayi's father
Nenorakam
Vaisakham
Kadaisi Bench KarthiKarthi's father Tamil film
Okka KshanamRamakrishna
2018Naa Peru SuryaVarsha's father
PanthamAkshara's Father
SaakshyamAdvocate Murthy
Anaganaga O Premakatha
2019RakshasuduConstable Viswanath
2020Aswathama
Amrutham Dhvitheeyam Sanjeevan's father
2021 Most Eligible Bachelor Defence lawyer
2022 Chor Bazaar Judge
2023 Ranga Maarthaanda
2024 Vey Dharuvey Shankar's father
Kismat Karthik's father
Shivam Bhaje
Vidya Vasula Aham

References

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  1. MAA Stars. "Kasi Viswanath". maastars.com. Movie Artists Association. Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  2. "Telugu actress hospitalised after fall". Rediff.com. 16 February 2006. Retrieved 22 May 2011.
  3. Jeevi. "Toli Choopulone Movie Review". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 "Interview with Director, Actor Kasi Viswanath". NTV. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  5. 1 2 Shiva. "Y. Kasi Viswanath Youtube interview". Youtube. Shiva. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
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