Arundhati director Kodi Ramakrishna no more

A trendsetter in Tollywood and a director of over 100 films, Kodi Ramakrishna passed away here at a corporate hospital on Friday. He was admitted to the hospital on Thursday after he complained of difficulty in breathing.

Known for his women-oriented movies, the writer-director-producer was the one to introduce Telugu film industry to graphics and went on to perfect this art during his 30 years in the film industry

Familiar to audiences by a bandana that had become his trademark, he has directed films in Hindi and all the Southern languages.

Born in Palakole in West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, his directorial debut was Intlo Ramaiah Veedhilo Krishnaiah with Chiranjeevi in the lead role.

The film was massive success that ran in the theatres for 525 days. He had made films with almost all top heroes and actresses. 'Nagarahavu' in Kannada in 2016 was his last film.

Mangammagari Manavadu, Aahuti, Ammoru, Devi, Devudu, Arundhati, Maa Aavida Collector, Satruvu, Deviputrudu were among his hit films. Suman, Arjun and Bhanu Chander were heroes he had introduced to the industry.

He had received the Raghupati Venkaiah award in 2012. He had won two Filmfare awards and ten Nandi awards. He had also acted in several films like Aasti Muredu, Aasa Baredu; Attagaru Swagatam, Dongata and Inti Donga were among the films he had played roles in.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu condoled the death of the celebrated director.

"Kodi Ramakrishna made many films with a rural background. Several leading heroes had acted in his films. His death is huge loss to the industry," Naidu tweeted. Janaseana leader Pawan Kalyan also condoled Kodi Ramakrishna’s death.