Place: Chennai
Born: 1949
Biography:
, an Indian film art director and production designer, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Born in 1949, Thota Venkanna's work spans across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema, earning him numerous accolades.
* Two National Film Awards * Two Filmfare Awards South * Four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards * Padma Shri in 2001, a prestigious honor from the Government of India for his contributions to the field of Art.
* Nayakan and Indian, which earned him National Film Awards * Construction of a massive set replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple for the Telugu movie Arjun * Work on over 100 feature films as a production designer, including three foreign productions: Pondichéry, dernier comptoir des Indes (French), Hanuman (French), and Branchie (Italian)
* Graduate Diploma in Mural Painting (1971) * Fellowship from the Government of France to study print-making * Print making courses from the Royal College of Art in London and New Delhi
Thota Venkanna's work is characterized by its attention to detail, innovative use of materials, and a deep understanding of Indian culture. His influence on Indian cinema is undeniable, with his sets and designs becoming an integral part of the storytelling process.