Veteran Telugu Film Producer Chalasani Venkateswara Rao Passes Away

Veteran Telugu film producer, distributor and exhibitor Chalasani Venkateswara Rao passed away on October 28, 2026, according to reports from the film industry. He was also known as JVR and Jagapathi Venkateswara Rao. He made significant contributions to Telugu cinema through film production, distribution and theatre management. His journey in the industry began as a booking clerk at a cinema hall. Through years of experience, he moved into theatre operations and film distribution before establishing himself as a producer.

Through Jagapathi Movie Creations, he produced several films, including ‘Neti Dourjanyam’, released in 1990, and ‘Karuninchi Kanakadurga’, directed by B. Vittalacharya. One of his notable projects was the mythological film ‘Dana Veera Soora Karna’, which he produced and directed for young audiences. Master NTR, the son of Nandamuri Janaki Ram, played Lord Krishna in the film. The production received a Nandi Award for Best Children’s Film. In his later years, Venkateswara Rao was reportedly involved in social service through the management of an old-age home in Vijayawada. His passing has prompted condolences from members of the Telugu film fraternity, who remember his contributions to cinema.