Kovelamudi Raghavendra Rao is renowned as a master director in Telugu cinema, setting a benchmark for romantic movies. He has directed numerous successful films. He debuted as a director with "Babu" (1975) starring Shoban Babu. His major films include "Adavi Ramudu" , "Padaharella Vayasu" , "Vetagadu" , "Kondaveeti Simham" , "Devatha" , "Justice Chaudhury" , "Janaki Ramudu" , "Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari" , "Gharana Mogudu" , "Annamayya" , "Pelli Sandadi" , "Sri Ramadasu" and "Sahasa Veerudu Sagara Kanya." Celebrities like Venkatesh, Mahesh Babu, Allu Arjun, and Sridevi debuted under his direction. He also directed successful Hindi films like "Himmatwala" and "Tohfa." He directed blockbusters with almost all top Telugu heroes and made women-centric films like "Jyothi" , "Aame Katha" and "Kalpana." His son Prakash Kovelamudi is also a renowned actor and producer. Raghavendra Rao has received eight Nandi Awards, one IIFA Award, one SIIMA Award, five Filmfare South Awards, and two times 'CineMaa' Awards.