Directing

Vinayak Damodar Karnataki

Born January 19, 1906 · Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Died August 19, 1947 · aged 41

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 a…

Known For

Badi Maa

Badi Maa · 1945

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.

Bhikharan

Bhikharan · 1935

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.

King of Ayodhya

King of Ayodhya · 1932

King of Ayodhya

MovieHistoryDrama

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.

Holy Crime

Holy Crime · 1936

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

Vilasi Ishwar

Vilasi Ishwar · 1935

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.

Sairandhri

Sairandhri · 1933

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.

Sinhagad

Sinhagad · 1933

MovieHistoryWar

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.

Agnikankan: The Branded Oath

Agnikankan: The Branded Oath · 1932

Agnikankan: The Branded Oath

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.

Filmography

Sort

Badi Maa

Badi Maa · 1945

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.

Director

Bhikharan

Bhikharan · 1935

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.

Kumar

King of Ayodhya

King of Ayodhya · 1932

King of Ayodhya

MovieHistoryDrama

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.

Rohidas

Holy Crime

Holy Crime · 1936

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

Director

Vilasi Ishwar

Vilasi Ishwar · 1935

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.

Director

Sairandhri

Sairandhri · 1933

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.

King Virat

Sinhagad

Sinhagad · 1933

MovieHistoryWar

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.

Agnikankan: The Branded Oath

Agnikankan: The Branded Oath · 1932

Agnikankan: The Branded Oath

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.

Rajkumar Sudhirchandra

Nammoora Mandara Hoove

Nammoora Mandara Hoove · 1997

Nammoora Mandara Hoove

MovieRomanceDrama

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

Brandy Ki Botal

Brandy Ki Botal · 1939

Brandy Ki Botal

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

Director

Orphans of Society

Orphans of Society · 1935

Orphans of Society

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.

Director

Brahmachari

Brahmachari · 1938

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).

Director