Karuna Kumar

Director · b. 1976

Karuna Kumar is an acclaimed Telugu film writer and director known for blending rooted storytelling with cinematic scale. His debut feature, Palasa 1978 (2020), a gritty period drama set in rural Andhra Pradesh, received widespread critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of caste politics and social unrest. Then he made the OTT anthology Metro Kathalu (2020). He went on to direct the commercial hit Sridevi Soda Center (2021), the satirical comedy Kalapuram (2022), and MATKA (2024) Karuna's upcoming project, Honey, is a suspense-driven thriller. Beyond cinema, he is the author of Savarlakonda, a bestselling Telugu short story collection celebrated for its rich depiction of rural life. Known for his ability to craft emotionally resonant narratives rooted in regional culture, Karuna Kumar continues to work across theatrical and streaming platforms, developing original content that bridges local authenticity with global appeal.