Vinayak Damodar Karnataki

Directing

Vinayak Damodar Karnataki

Born 1906-01-19 · Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Master Vinayak emerged from the culturally influential Kolhapur film scene that shaped early Marathi cinema. He began as an actor, later shifted into direction and production, and became known for his ability to blend social themes with entertainment in a period when Indian cinema was still solidifying narrative conventions. Although his life was short, his contribution was recognised partly for advancing women in cinema and supporting younger talent who would become important later.

Acting credits

Bhikharan poster
8.0

Madhavi's world is upended when her husband, Kedar, leaves her for the wealthy Chandra. Forced onto the streets, Madhavi finds solace in singing and soon crosses paths with artist Kumar, becoming his muse. Their connection deepens, but fate intervenes, leading Madhavi on a path that transforms her into a renowned singing star.

Bhikharan

1935

King of Ayodhya poster
10.0

Ayodhyecha Raja, literally "The King of Ayodhya", was the first Marathi talkie. It is based on the mythological story of Raja Harishchandra of Ayodhya and his test by sage Vishwamitra, as recounted in Valmiki's epic, Ramayana. The film was also made as a double-version, Ayodhya Ka Raja (1932) in Hindi, making it the first double version talkie of Indian cinema.

King of Ayodhya

1932

Holy Crime poster
9.0

A celebrated melodrama. A bank employee who steals money to buy medicine for his dying wife is caught, jailed and dies of shame.

Holy Crime

1936

Nammoora Mandara Hoove poster
6.5

Shivrajkumar comes to his close friend, Ramesh's home town and falls in love with the girl whom Ramesh loves (Prema).

Nammoora Mandara Hoove

1997

Brandy Ki Botal poster
8.0

A clerk in a municipal office discovers brandy to save his boss's ill son, leading to adventures.

Brandy Ki Botal

1939

Vilasi Ishwar poster
8.0

It is a melodrama about tlie rich and callous Vilas who abandons girlfriend Shama when he discovers that she is pregnant. She raises her son Nandu with the help of her younger brother and the film's hero, Sanjeev. When Vilas re-enters thier lives, it is with a new name, Ishwar, and with the intention of seducing the rich Princess Indira who loves Sanjeev. Ishwar has a bad accident and an attack of amnesia that also leads to a confession of his past deeds.

Vilasi Ishwar

1935

Orphans of Society poster
7.0

A melodrama about the rich and callous Vilas (Pendharkar), who abandons girlfriend Shama (Wadkar) whe he discovers that she is pregnant. She raises her son Nandu (Mainkar) with the help of her younger brother and the film's hero, Sanjeev (Vinayak). When Vilas re-enters their lives, it is with a new name, Ishwar, and with the intention of seducing the rich Princess Indira (Samarth) who loves Sanjeev. Ishwar has a bad accident and an attack of amnesia that also leads to a confession of his past deeds.

Orphans of Society

1935

Brahmachari poster
9.0

This film addresses the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu organization emphasizing celibacy and discipline, which became the power base of the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Brahmachari

1938

No artwork available
9.0

An anti-imperialist version of the Vishnu Purana legend tells of the villainous Kans plotting to marry Devaki to Dikpal, commander of Magadh's army. The people of Mathura fear that Magadh will destroy their city-state and foil Kans' scheme as Devaki marries the beggar Vasudev. The heavens forecast, accurately, that Devaki's eighth son Krishna shall cause Kans' death.

Akashwani

1934

Sairandhri poster
7.0

Set during the Pandavas’ exile in the Mahabharata, the story focuses on Draupadi living incognito as a maid-in-waiting named Sairandhari in King Virata’s palace. The arrogant Keechak becomes obsessed with her, prompting Bhima (disguised as a cook) to intervene and kill Keechak to protect her honor.

Sairandhri

1933

No artwork available
8.0

The hypocritically pious philanthropist Dinanath (Pendharkar) drinks alcohol claiming it to be holy water, womanizes and swindles people in private.

Dharmaveer

1937

Sinhagad poster
8.0

Udaybhanu captures Kamlakumari who is planning to commit Sati and brings her to his fort in Kondana. Tanaji Malusare prepares to attack the fort with fifty soldiers. He manages to scale it but is killed in the battle with Udaybhanu. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj arrives and wins the fort but he is despondent on losing his most trusted Lieutenant.

Sinhagad

1933

Agnikankan: The Branded Oath poster
8.0

Prince Sudhirchandra goes into hiding as an infant when his father gets overthrown by Naagraya, a greedy minister. After 20 years, Sudhirchandra returns to reclaim his throne.

Agnikankan: The Branded Oath

1932

Behind the camera

Badi Maa poster
7.0

A devoted woman, Badi Maa dedicates her life to raising her deceased friend's child, her love and sacrifices influencing all around her, leading to emotional conflicts as the child matures.

Badi Maa

1945

Holy Crime poster
9.0

A celebrated melodrama. A bank employee who steals money to buy medicine for his dying wife is caught, jailed and dies of shame.

Holy Crime

1936

Brandy Ki Botal poster
8.0

A clerk in a municipal office discovers brandy to save his boss's ill son, leading to adventures.

Brandy Ki Botal

1939

Vilasi Ishwar poster
8.0

It is a melodrama about tlie rich and callous Vilas who abandons girlfriend Shama when he discovers that she is pregnant. She raises her son Nandu with the help of her younger brother and the film's hero, Sanjeev. When Vilas re-enters thier lives, it is with a new name, Ishwar, and with the intention of seducing the rich Princess Indira who loves Sanjeev. Ishwar has a bad accident and an attack of amnesia that also leads to a confession of his past deeds.

Vilasi Ishwar

1935

Orphans of Society poster
7.0

A melodrama about the rich and callous Vilas (Pendharkar), who abandons girlfriend Shama (Wadkar) whe he discovers that she is pregnant. She raises her son Nandu (Mainkar) with the help of her younger brother and the film's hero, Sanjeev (Vinayak). When Vilas re-enters their lives, it is with a new name, Ishwar, and with the intention of seducing the rich Princess Indira (Samarth) who loves Sanjeev. Ishwar has a bad accident and an attack of amnesia that also leads to a confession of his past deeds.

Orphans of Society

1935

Brahmachari poster
9.0

This film addresses the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu organization emphasizing celibacy and discipline, which became the power base of the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Brahmachari

1938

No artwork available
8.0

The hypocritically pious philanthropist Dinanath (Pendharkar) drinks alcohol claiming it to be holy water, womanizes and swindles people in private.

Dharmaveer

1937