M. V. S. Haranatha Rao (27 July 1948 - 9 October 2017) was a prominent Telugu playwright, scriptwriter, and actor. A revered name in the industry, he has more than 150 films to his credit as a dialogue writer. Rao is best known for his remarkable work in movies like Pratighatana, Anna, and Ammayi Kapuram, and he was conferred with five Nandi Awards.