Directing
Karuna Kumar
Born 1976-05-05
Karuna Kumar is an acclaimed Telugu film writer and director known for blending rooted storytelling with cinematic scale. His debut feature, Palasa 1978 (2020), a gritty period drama set in rural Andhra Pradesh, received widespread critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of caste politics and social unrest. Then he made the OTT anthology Metro Kathalu (2020). He went on to direct the commercial hit Sridevi Soda Center (2021), the satirical comedy Kalapuram (2022), and MATKA (2024) Karuna's upcoming project, Honey, is a suspense-driven thriller. Beyond cinema, he is the author of Savarlakonda, a bestselling Telugu short story collection celebrated for its rich depiction of rural life. Known for his ability to craft emotionally resonant narratives rooted in regional culture, Karuna Kumar continues to work across theatrical and streaming platforms, developing original content that bridges local authenticity with global appeal.
Acting credits
NRThe movie is about a family in a small town and how a small issue changes their relationships...
Katha Kamamishu
2025
6.7Three brothers brought together by chance navigate their love lives while jealousy from village elders brews.
Naa Saami Ranga
2024
7.3Defeated and humiliated in a fight while trying to defuse a conflict among his fellow villagers, a photographer vows revenge on his attacker.
Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya
2020
Behind the camera
2.6A broken family, a forbidden ritual, and a child trapped between reality and delusion. Honey exposes systemic abuse and spiritual madness, where the most terrifying monsters are painfully real.
Honey
2026
2.6A broken family, a forbidden ritual, and a child trapped between reality and delusion. Honey exposes systemic abuse and spiritual madness, where the most terrifying monsters are painfully real.
Honey
2026
NRRevolving around Hyderabad, a city like no other, are the lives of eight people grappling with life-changing choices as their fates entwine with each other. However, they're determined to rise above the occasion and make room for life and a little more.
Metro Kathalu
2020
5.9A lightman falls for a girl who runs a soda centre. While love blossoms between the couple, caste prejudice that runs deeply rooted in their town will not allow them to prevail.
Sridevi Soda Center
2021
5.9A lightman falls for a girl who runs a soda centre. While love blossoms between the couple, caste prejudice that runs deeply rooted in their town will not allow them to prevail.
Sridevi Soda Center
2021
4.9Set between the years 1958 and 1982, Matka tells the story of Vasu, who rises from poverty to create a powerful gambling empire in India, ultimately leading the nation into a battle with the government. Based on real events, the tale explores themes of love, moral choices, and the consequences of ambition.
Matka
2024
4.9Set between the years 1958 and 1982, Matka tells the story of Vasu, who rises from poverty to create a powerful gambling empire in India, ultimately leading the nation into a battle with the government. Based on real events, the tale explores themes of love, moral choices, and the consequences of ambition.
Matka
2024
NRAn aspiring young director, Rajesh struggles to shoot his debut film in the small village of Kalapuram. Cheated by a group of scamsters, will he be able to fulfil his dream?
Kalapuram
2022
NRAn aspiring young director, Rajesh struggles to shoot his debut film in the small village of Kalapuram. Cheated by a group of scamsters, will he be able to fulfil his dream?
Kalapuram
2022
6.3Mohan Rao and his elder brother face Pedda Shavukar and Chinna Shavukar, a political battle where low caste fights the high caste power.
Palasa 1978
2020