Kannada film director SK Bhagavan passes away earlier today; CM Basavaraj Bommai pays tribute in Twitter post

Well-known Kannada film director SK Bhagavan passed away earlier today at the age of 89. His death was attributed to age-related illness. More details are awaited.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai also took to Twitter to confirm the news and express his grief over the renowned veteran film director's death.

He wrote a special message for the late director in Kannada which translates to - "Renowned director of Kannada film industry Shri S. K. I was very saddened to hear the news of Bhagavan's death. I pray for his soul. I pray that God gives strength to his family to bear this pain."


He continued, "Dorai-Bhagavan duo has given many tasteful films to Kannada cinema. Dr and his friend Dorai Raj directed 55 films including 'Kasthuri Niwas', 'Eradu Soyam', 'Bayalu Dari', 'Giri Kanye', 'Hosa Lekuk' starring Rajkumar. Om Shantih."


SK Bhagwan was born on 5th July, 1933 and began his journey performing in theatre plays at an early age alongside Hirannaiah Mithra Mandali. He began working in the movie industry in 1956, as Kanagal Prabhakar Shastri's assistant. Soon after, he was listed alongside A.C. Narasimha Murthy as the co-director of 'Rajadurgada Rahasya' (1967).

He made his directorial debut when he co-directed 'Jedara Bale' with Dorai Raj under the moniker Dorai-Bhagavan in 1968. They were the first Kannada filmmakers to make James Bond-style films.

In the following years, the duo directed many films such as 'Kasturi Nivasa,' 'Eradu Kanasu', 'Bayaludaari', 'Gaalimaatu', 'Chandanada Gombe', 'Hosa Belaku', 'Benkiya Bale', 'Jeevana Chaitra', and more Bond-style films like 'Goa Dalli C.I.D 999,' Operation Jackpot Nalli C.I.D 999, and Operation Diamond Racke Together with Rajkumar, the team produced a number of films with Anant Nag and Lakshmi, the most of which were adapted from books.

After Dorai Raj passed away, Bhagavan took a long break from directing; their last film together was 'Baalondu Chaduranga' in 1996. He made a comeback in 2019 with Aduva Gombe, the 50th movie he has directed, at the age of 85.