Krishnamurthy, Hunsur (b. 1914)

Born in Hunsur, Karnataka. Kannada and Telugu director of stage-inspired mythologicals, often starring Rajkumar. While writing Company Natak plays (e.g. Swarga Samrajya) for Bangalore-based Bharat Natak, also worked as scenarist, esp. for Vijaya Studio, remaking L.V. Prasad’s hit Pelli Chesi Choodu (1952) in Kannada as Madhuve Madi Nodu. Began as bit actor at Bombay Talkies; briefly with Bal Gandharva’s theatre troupe, then with Veeranna and Mohammed Peer’s Chandrakala Natak where, with Panthulu, he assisted Simha on Samsara Nauka (1936). Like Panthulu, from 1958 directed mid-budget morality plays. Claimed that mythological genre commanded better budgets, allowed greater emotional freedom and called for more directorial inventiveness than the socials. Helped redefine the Rajkumar persona from his earlier historicals into narratively freer near mythic fantasies ruled by destiny and the individual quest for eternal goodness. Script credits include: Hemareddy Malamma (1945; also act); Krishnaleele (1947); Jagan Mohini (1951); Nala Damayanti (1957); Bangarada Manushya (1972) and Boothayyana Maga Ayyu (1974). Also acted in Muttaide Bhagya (1956). His biography was written by Shyama Sundar Kulkarni (1988).

FILMOGRAPHY: 1958: Shri Krishna Garudi; 1960: Ashasundari/Ramasundari?; 1961: Mera Suhaag; 1962: Ratnamanjari; 1964: Veera Sankalpa; 1965: Satya Harishchandra; Madhuve Madi Nodu; 1966: Shri Kannika Parameshwari Kathe; 1967: Devuni Gelichina Manavudu/Devara? Gedda Manava; 1968: Addadari; 1971: Vishakanya; 1972: Jaga Mechida Maga; 1974: Bhakta Kumbhara; 1975: Mantra Shakti; 1977: Babruvahana; Veera Sindhoora Lakshmana; 1979:Kurubara Lakkanu Elizabeth Raniau; 1980: Bhakta Siriyala; Guru Sarvabhowma Shri Raghavendra Karune; 1981: Edeyuru Siddhalingeshwara/Siddhalingeshwara? Mahima; Shiva Mahima; 1982: Bhakta Dnyanadeva; 1984: Shivakanya/Shivakanye?; 1985: Shiva Kotta Saubhagya.

Director