He made his Telugu directorial debut with "Neethi Nijayithi" (1972). He then directed social problem films like "Dikkatra Parvathi" (1974), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil, Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil for that year, and "Tharam Marindhi", which won Nandi Award for Best Feature Film, both of which were premiered at International Film Festival of India and the Moscow Film Festival. The 1987 silent film, "Pushpaka Vimana" gained international acclaim, including 1988 Cannes Film Festival premiere in the International Critics' Week. The film has received the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, and Filmfare Award South for Best Film.