# R. Narayana Murthy

R. Narayana Murthy (born 31 December 1954) is an Indian actor and filmmaker known for his work in Telugu cinema. He is recognized for creating socially conscious films that address issues such as social justice, class struggle, unemployment, crony capitalism, environmental concerns, land disputes, and political unrest. His films often portray the exploitation of marginalized communities and the challenges faced by the lower strata of society.
Murthy produces most of his films under the banner Sneha Chitra Pictures and is noted for his left-oriented approach to storytelling. He frequently explores themes of systemic oppression and social inequalities, particularly highlighting the atrocities committed by dominant classes.
Throughout his career, Murthy has acted in several notable films, including Ardharatri Swatantram (1986), Adavi Diviteelu (1990), Laal Salaam (1992), Dhandora (1993), Erra Sainyam (1994), Cheemala Dandu (1995), Dalam (1996), Cheekati Suryudu (1998), Vooru Manadiraa (2002), and Vegu Chukkalu (2004). His work in Dhandora (1993) earned him the Nandi Special Jury Award.

## Early life

R. Narayana Murthy was born on 31 December 1954 in Mallampeta, a village in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh. He completed his schooling in Sankhavaram and later moved to Madras after finishing his intermediate studies, aspiring to pursue a career in the film industry. He initially worked as a junior artist in the Krishna-starrer Neramu Siksha (1973). However, on the advice of director Dasari Narayana Rao, he returned to his studies and completed a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Peddapuram.

## Career

After completing his degree, Murthy returned to Madras to pursue acting. He played a supporting role in the film Needa (1979) and appeared in notable films such as Korikale Gurralaithe (1979), Sita Ramulu (1980), Agni Poolu (1981), and Viswaroopam (1981). His collaboration with Dasari Narayana Rao led to prominent roles in Sangeeta (1981) and Orey Rickshaw (1995), which established him as a lead actor.
Murthy launched his production house, Sneha Chitra Pictures, in Rampachodavaram on 10 June 1984. His debut production, Ardharatri Swatantram, was released in November 1986. The film was well-received, earning Murthy recognition as a filmmaker known for left-leaning and socially conscious themes.
From 1986 to 2018, Murthy produced and directed 29 films under the Sneha Chitra Pictures banner. His works addressed various social issues and resonated with audiences, achieving significant box office success. Many of his films enjoyed long theatrical runs, with several celebrating silver jubilees (25 weeks).

## Selected filmography

* Pranam Khareedu (1978)
* Anthuleni Vintha Katha (1979) as Nagabhushanam
* Agni Poolu (1981)
* Sangeeta (1981)
* Pratigna (1982) as Ramudu
* Iddaru Kiladilu (1983)
* M. L. A. Yedukondalu (1983)
* Sardar (1984) as Sivaprasad
* Kondaveeti Nagulu (1984) as Ramudu
* Ardharatri Swatantram (1986)
* Alochinchandi (1988)
* Nyayaniki Siksha (1988) as Reporter
* Bhooporatam (1989)
* Adavi Diviteelu (1990)
* Swatantra Bharatam (1991)
* Laal Salaam (1992)
* Dandora (1993)
* Erra Sainyam (1994)
* Cheemala Dandu (1995)
* Orey Rikshaw (1995)
* Errodu (1995)
* Aranyam (1996)
* Raitu Rajyam (1996)
* Dalam (1997)
* Singanna (1997)
* Cheekati Suryulu (1998)
* Telugodu (1998)
* Koolanna (1999)
* Chalo Assembly (2000)
* Vooru Manadiraa (2002)
* Bheemudu (2003)
* Vegu Chukkalu (2003)
* Gangamma Jaatara (2004)
* Amma Meeda Ottu (2005)
* Adavi Biddalu (2006)
* Yeh Dharti Hamaari (2007; Hindi)
* Andamaina Manasulo (2008)
* Erra Samudram (2008)
* Devarakonda Veerayya (2008)
* Veera Telangana (2010)
* Poru Telangana (2011)
* People's War (2012)
* Nirbhaya Bharatham (2013)
* Rajyadhikaram (2014)
* Dandakaranyam (2016)
* Head Constable Venkataramayya (2017)
* Annadaatha Sukheebhava (2018)
* Solo Brathuke So Better (2020)
* Raitanna (2021)