Legendary Cinematographer & Director M.V. Raghu Celebrates 50 Years in Cinema at Grand Golden Jubilee Event
The legendary cinematographer and director M.V. Raghu recently completed 50 illustrious years in the Indian film industry. To mark this momentous occasion, his Golden Jubilee celebrations were held grandly at Prasad Labs in Hyderabad, attended by numerous film personalities who honored his immense contributions to cinema.
M.V. Raghu, who began his career in 1974 and is popularly known as 'Kallu Raghu,' is responsible for the stunning visuals in all-time classics such as Swathi Muthyam, Sirivennela, Sithara, and Anveshana. Furthermore, his directorial debut, the film Kallu, earned him the Filmfare Award for Best First Film Director, along with four Nandi Awards.
Tributes from the Film Fraternity
During the event, several celebrities shared their admiration and experiences of working with the maestro:
Actor Tanikella Bharani:
"It is a joy to celebrate M.V. Raghu Garu’s Golden Jubilee in the film industry. He worked with so many great directors and technicians. I especially love the shot in the film Sithara where he showed the heroine Bhanupriya’s eyes reflected in a piece of broken glass within a palace—that scene is a testament to Raghu’s creativity. I was so inspired by it that I incorporated similar mirrors in the house I built. It's heartwarming that he still works with the same spirit today."
Actor Suman:
"Raghu Garu was one of the reasons I was selected as the hero for Sithara. The three great technicians for that film were Vamsy, Ilaiyaraaja, and M.V. Raghu. His contribution to the film industry is extraordinary. We worked together on America Alludu, and he even taught me cinematography during the shoot. Despite our busy schedules, we all came here purely out of affection to congratulate him."
Actor Murali Mohan:
"While there may be actors who complete 50 years in the industry, it is very rare for a technician to achieve this milestone. M.V. Raghu worked with great directors like Vijaya Bapineedu and Viswanath Garu, and many great heroes. It is commendable that the humility he possessed in his early days remains with him even now. It is commendable that he is now sharing his vast experience through a Film Institute to the current generation."
Cinematographer Chota K. Naidu:
"M.V. Raghu Garu is one of my gurus, along with VSR Swamy and Gopal Reddy. His visuals for Sithara were magnificent. I was astonished when I saw the audience talking about the camera work after watching Anveshana in the theater, and I wondered if people would ever talk about my work like that. I consider those currently training under him to be very lucky."
Actor Uttej:
"Raghu Garu is a great technician. He captured the beauty of nature so originally in films like Sirivennela and Aalapana, especially considering the technology limitations of that era. Showing a great actor beautifully on screen is only possible because of the cinematographer. I extend my best wishes to him on his Golden Jubilee."
Actor Sivaji Raja:
"M.V. Raghu Garu is the guru for many actors who have made a name today, including myself. The film Kallu gave me recognition, which allowed me to act in hundreds of films afterward. I wish Raghu Garu continues to work and train more disciples for many years to come."
M.V. Raghu Reflects on His Career
In his address, M.V. Raghu spoke about his incredible journey:
"In my 50-year career, I was fortunate to work with numerous great actors and technicians. I worked with legends like P.L. Roy, the cinematographer for Lava Kusa, and Marcus Bartley, who shot Mayabazaar. My gurus were V.S.R. Swamy Garu and later Gopal Reddy Garu. I had the privilege of working with stalwarts like NTR and ANR. Everyone on this stage is a reason for my journey. Their encouragement whenever I delivered a good visual is why I earned a great name."
He continued, highlighting his dedication:
"I am a workaholic and never compromise if something isn't right. I worked on two films with K. Viswanath Garu: Swathi Muthyam and Sirivennela. Swathi Muthyam is the only film from our country to be sent to the Oscars, and I was the cinematographer for it. I have also been a member of the Oscar committee for the past two years."
Raghu Garu concluded by stating that this event was organized thanks to Uday Kiran of his institute. He emphasized the crucial role Director Vamsy played in his career, stating, "If I achieved anything as a cinematographer, Vamsy's role is key."
Other attendees at the ceremony included actress Annapurna, cinematographers S. Gopal Reddy and P.G. Vinda, and director Veera Shankar.
