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CINEMA

Hemanth M Rao: The Bangalore Engineer Who Wrote Andhadhun and Made Sapta Saagara

Engineering, a short stint in journalism, years as Kasaravalli's assistant, then a debut that made Bangalore cry.

QUICK ANSWER

  • Hemanth M Rao is a Bangalore-born Kannada director and screenwriter, born on 4 September 1983.
  • He debuted with Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016), co-wrote the Hindi thriller Andhadhun and made the two-part Sapta Saagaradaache Ello (2023).
  • His next film, the spy thriller 666 Operation Dream Theatre, was in production in 2026.
Tariq Sallam, founder of The City 24/7 Tariq Sallam September 24, 2026 • 2 min read • Updated October 17, 2026
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A film clapperboard, a script and a glowing lantern on a wooden bench overlooking a rocky seashore under a starry night sky with a crescent moon

Hemanth M Rao was born in Bangalore on 4 September 1983.

“A man searching for his missing father with Alzheimer's.”

• Wikipedia, on Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu

Hemanth M Rao is a Kannada film director and screenwriter born in Bangalore on 4 September 1983. After an engineering degree and a short stint in journalism, he entered film in 2005 as an assistant to Girish Kasaravalli, debuted with Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu in 2016, co-wrote the Hindi hit Andhadhun, and made the two-part Sapta Saagaradaache Ello.

If you have a friend who still cannot talk about Side B without going quiet, now you know who to blame. Here is the record.

Quick Information

He trained under Kasaravalli, then made the kind of films that send whole theatres home in silence.

Born
4 September 1983, Bangalore
Education
Engineering
Early career
Journalism; film from 2005
Assistant on
Gulabi Talkies (2008); Savari (2009); Prithvi (2010)
Debut
Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016)
Next
Kavaludaari
Hindi
Co-writer, Andhadhun (2018)
Recent
Sapta Saagaradaache Ello, Side A and Side B (2023)
Next film
666 Operation Dream Theatre, in production in 2026

Who Is Hemanth M Rao?

Hemanth M Rao is a Bangalore-born filmmaker known for character-driven Kannada dramas and thrillers. He runs the production banner Lost and Found Films, which co-produced the political satire Humble Politician Nograj.

What Is Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu About?

Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu, his 2016 debut, follows a man searching for his father, who has Alzheimer's and has gone missing, starring Anant Nag and Rakshit Shetty. Made on about Rs 2.4 crore, it was a box office success.

Did Hemanth M Rao Write Andhadhun?

Yes. He was one of the screenwriters on Sriram Raghavan's 2018 Hindi thriller Andhadhun.

What Is Sapta Saagaradaache Ello?

Sapta Saagaradaache Ello is his two-part romantic drama starring Rakshit Shetty, released in 2023 as Side A and Side B. His next film, the spy thriller 666 Operation Dream Theatre, was in production in 2026.

  • 2016 Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu
  • 2018 Andhadhun, co-writer
  • 2019 Kavaludaari
  • 2023 Sapta Saagaradaache Ello, Sides A and B
A LESSER-KNOWN FACT

He began in film as an assistant director to Girish Kasaravalli on Gulabi Talkies.

Why Does Hemanth M. Rao Belong in People of Bangalore?

THEIR BANGALORE CONNECTION

He was born in Bangalore and makes his films from the city's Kannada industry.

FAQs

Who is Hemanth M Rao?

A Bangalore-born Kannada film director and screenwriter.

What was Hemanth M Rao's first film?

Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016).

Did Hemanth M Rao work on Andhadhun?

Yes, as a co-writer.

Side A or Side B?

Tell me which half of Sapta Saagaradaache Ello you think is better. Click the WhatsApp icon at the bottom right of your screen and tell me. That is also the easiest way to reach The City 24/7 about anything at all, including nominating someone for People of Bangalore.

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Same city, new stories, always.

Tariq Sallam, founder of The City 24/7

Tariq Sallam

FOUNDER, THE CITY 24/7

placeBangalore calendar_monthSince 1991 groupsPeople. Places. Possibilities.

Tariq Sallam is the founder of The City 24/7, a platform dedicated to celebrating everything Bangalore. Having lived in the city since 1991, he has witnessed its remarkable journey from a laid-back Garden City to one of India’s most dynamic and innovative cities.

Passionate about its people, businesses, neighbourhoods, food, culture and hidden gems, Tariq believes every corner of Bangalore has a story worth telling. When he’s not writing or interviewing inspiring Bangaloreans, you’ll find him exploring the city. And through The City 24/7, he invites you to discover Bangalore with him, one story at a time.

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