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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}
{{Tamil name|Venkadachalam|Mahadevan|Krishnankoil}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = K. V. Mahadevan
| image = K.V.MahadevanImg.jpg
| caption =
| birth_name = Krishnankoil Venkadachalam Mahadevan<br /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2001/06/29/stories/0929070h.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031020040250/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2001/06/29/stories/0929070h.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=20 October 2003|title=Article on K. V. Mahadevan in The Hindu|date=2001-06-29}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1918|03|14|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Krishnancoil]], [[Nagercoil]], present-day [[Kanyakumari District]]<ref name=hi>{{cite news|title=Forgotten heroes of Carnatic music|work=The Hindu|date=5 January 2015|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/forgotten-heroes-of-carnatic-music-from-nagercoil/article6755760.ece|last1=Kolappan|first1=B.}}</ref>
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2001|06|21|1918|03|14|df=yes}}
| death_place = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| instruments = Keyboard, piano
| genre = [[Film score]], [[Theatre]]
| occupations = [[Music director]]
| years_active = 1942–1992
| label =
| current_members =
| past_members =
}}
'''Krishnankoil Venkadachalam Mahadevan''' (14 March 1918 – 21 June 2001) was an Indian composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, and musician who won the inaugural [[National Film Award for Best Music Direction]] in (1967) for ''[[Kandan Karunai]]''. Known for his works in [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]], [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]], [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]], and [[Kannada cinema|Kannada]] films. He is best known for his contributions in works such as ''[[Manchi Manasulu]]'' (1962), ''[[Lava Kusa (1963 film)|Lava Kusa]]'' (1963), ''[[Thiruvilaiyadal]]'' (1965), ''[[Saraswati Sabatham|Saraswathi Sabatham]]'' (1966), ''Kandan Karunai'' (1967), ''[[Thillana Mohanambal]]'' (1968), ''[[Adimai Penn]]'' (1969), ''[[Balaraju Katha]]'' (1970), ''[[Aathi Parasakthi|Athiparasakthi]]'' (1971), ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]'' (1979), ''[[Saptapadi (1981 film)|Saptapadi]]'' (1981), ''[[Sirivennela]]'' (1986), ''[[Sruthilayalu]]'' (1987), ''[[Sutradharulu]]'' (1989), ''[[Pelli Pustakam (1991 film)|Pelli Pustakam]]'' (1991), and ''[[Swathi Kiranam]]'' (1992).

A contemporary of [[M. S. Viswanathan]] and [[T. K. Ramamoorthy]], starting his career in 1942 with ''[[Manonmani (film)|Manonmani]]'', Mahadevan scored music for over six hundred feature films, spanning four decades, and has garnered two [[National Film Awards]], three [[Andhra Pradesh]] state [[Nandi Award for Best Music Director|Nandi Awards]], a [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director|Tamil Nadu State Film Award]], and a [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Telugu|Filmfare Award South]].<ref name="The Hindu : K.V. Mahadevan dead">{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/06/22/stories/0222000u.htm |title=The Hindu : K.V. Mahadevan dead |publisher=Hinduonnet.com |date=2001-06-22 |access-date=2012-02-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313222216/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/06/22/stories/0222000u.htm |archive-date=13 March 2008 |url-status=usurped }}</ref> He was also conferred the title of "''Thirai Isai Thilagam''" (Pride of Cine Music Directors) in Tamil cinema. His assistant [[Pukazhenthi]] is credited to have usually writing the score and arranging the orchestra, after Mahadevan composes a tune.

== Early life and career ==

K. V. Mahadevan was born in 1918 at [[Krishnancoil]], a locality in [[Nagercoil]], [[Kanyakumari District]]. Father Venkadachalam Bhagavathar and Mother Pichaiyammal<ref name=hi />
K. V. Mahadevan, also called by his honorific name Thirai Isai Thilagam (lit. pride of film music),<ref>{{Citation|title=Thirai Isai Thilagam – K.V. Mahadevan – All Songs – Download or Listen Free – JioSaavn|date=15 June 2018|url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/thirai-isai-thilagam---k.v.-mahadevan/s-D7HiPMfeo_|language=en-US|access-date=2021-05-26}}</ref> did music composing for more than 50 years, beginning from 1942 until 1993.

Telugu Film Industry crowned him with title "Swara Brahma" (Creator/Father of Musical notes).
His song "mama mama mama" from 1962 Telugu movie ''[[Manchi Manasulu]]'' became popular those days, as a result, Telugu film industry with love started calling him "Mama" since then.

His favorite music instrument is [[Nadaswaram]] similar to ([[Shehnai]]).It could be the reason his compositions have always reflected its mellifluous pattern.
Another great characteristic from this scholar as it is known to everyone and open fact that he never asked lyricist to write lyrics for his earlier composed tunes. Always composed tunes to written lyrics.Very few in [[India]] have been able to exercise this feat with success.

Music has no [[Language]] barriers.
"Sisurvethi, pasurvethi, vethiganarasamphanihi" is a popular Sanskrit axiom which says that Music has the power to impress a child, animal, and the universe alike.
As we can read from Climax song of film ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]'' (1980), "Tatva Saadhana ku Satya Shodhana ku Sangeethame Pranamu" (Music is a Stair Case for attaining Enlightenment and truth discovery)

"Swara Brahma" left no foot prints of his mother tongue when it comes to his scores in other languages.
Telugu language being inherited from Sanskrit, has its own nativity which composers of Telugu as their mother tongue and "North" ([[O. P. Nayyar]]), "West" ([[C. Ramchandra]]), ([[Shankar–Jaikishan]]), ([[Laxmikant–Pyarelal]]), ([[Chirrantan Bhatt]]), "East" ([[R. D. Burman]]), ([[Salil Chowdhury]]), ([[Ravindra Jain]]), ([[Bappi Lahiri]]) like composers could fulfill effortlessly.
"Swara Brahma" automatically had fallen into that groove as he was getting to know meaning of lyrics for every song before composing them. Assistant Puhalendi too exhibited similar characteristics as it was evident from interludes orchestration.

According to famous Director [[K. Raghavendra Rao]] opinion as expressed by him, Mama "Mahadevan" is "Saraswati Putra" and
[[K. Chakravarthy]] is "Ekalavya".
His 1977 film ''[[Adavi Ramudu (1977 film)|Adavi Ramudu]]'' was recorded as the highest grossing Telugu film of the 1970s.
Director [[K. Raghavendra Rao]] 's father [[K. S. Prakash Rao]] mostly worked with [[Pendyala Nageswara Rao]] between 1950&1974.
[[K. Chakravarthy]] too composed good music for music lover [[K. Raghavendra Rao]] previous movies ''[[Jyothi (1976 film)|Jyothi]]'' (1976) and ''[[Kalpana (1977 film)|Kalpana]]'' (1977).

But Production house Sathya Chitra earlier production ''[[Tahsildar Gari Ammayi]]'' music was scored by Mama.
Based on their faith, Sathya chitra insisted and retained "Mama" for [[N. T. Rama Rao]] movie ''[[Adavi Ramudu (1977 film)|Adavi Ramudu]]'' (1977).
Mama's composition "Krushi vunte Manushulu Rushulavutaaru" (Effort makes Humans Saints) stands testimony to all stake holders of this movie and to every one who believes in determination.
"Yuva Chitra Arts" banner Producer [[K. Murari]] being ardent fan of "Mama" stopped producing movies ever since "Mama" called it a day in his career.
Director [[Bapu (director)]], Producer [[S. Gopala Reddy]], Director [[Kodi Ramakrishna]] and later in his career actor [[Mohan Babu]] loved working with "Mama".
It would be tough to guess between "Swara Brahma" and Director "[[K. Viswanath]]" as to, who was elemental in whose fame.
Combined effort returned laurels to art of Cinema. May be "Vidhaata talapuna prabhavinchinadi anaadi Jeevana Vedam".
Contemporary musician [[P. Bhanumathi]] criticized "Mama" about his score for movie ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]'' (1980) as lighter version [[Carnatic music]] [[Raga]]'s rendered by him. Later she even went on to sing a song "Shree Surya Narayanaa Melukoo" for "Mama" in his 1984 movie ''[[Mangammagari Manavadu]]''.

His music assistant known as Puhalendi in Telugu film industry was with him like a life partner throughout his life, though scored few films on his own.
Mahadevan-Puhalendi [[Pukazhenthi]] as music director duo scored music for 1993 [[N. T. Rama Rao]] movie ''[[Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhowmudu]]'' directed by [[Bapu (director)|Bapu]].

== Filmography ==
=== Tamil ===
{{div col}}
*''[[Manonmani (film)|Manonmani]]'' (1942) – Credited as Kalyanam Orchestra
*''[[Aanandan]] or Akkini Puraana Magimai'' (1942) – Credited as Kalyanam Orchestra with [[G. Ramanathan]]
*''Dhana Amaravathi'' (1947)
*''[[Devadasi]]'' (1948)
*''Jambam'' (1948)
*''[[Kumari (1952 film)|Kumari]]'' (1952)
*''[[Madana Mohini]]'' (1953)
*''[[Rohini (film)|Rohini]]'' (1953) – with [[G. Ramanathan]] and D. C. Dutt
*''[[Naalvar]]'' (1953)
*''[[Nallakalam]]'' (1954)
*''[[Mangalyam (1954 film)|Mangalyam]]'' (1954)
*''[[Koondukkili]]'' (1954)
*''[[Mullaivanam]]'' (1955)
*''[[Pennarasi]]'' (1955)
*''[[Asai Anna Arumai Thambi]]'' (1955)
*''[[Town Bus]]'' (1955)
*''[[Moondru Pengal]]'' (1956)
*''[[Thaaikkuppin Thaaram]]'' (1956)
*''[[Makkalai Petra Magarasi]]'' (1957)
*''[[Raja Rajan (film)|Raja Rajan]]'' (1957)
*''[[Neelamalai Thirudan]]'' (1957)
*''[[Mudhalali]]'' (1957)
*''[[Qaidi (1957 film)|Magudam Katha Mangai]]'' (1957)
*''[[Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum]]'' (1958)
*''[[Nalla Idathu Sambandham]]'' (1958)
*''[[Sampoorna Ramayanam (1958 film)|Sampoorna Ramayanam]]'' (1958)
*''[[Bommai Kalyanam]]'' (1958)
*''[[Thirudargal Jakkirathai]]'' (1958)
*''[[Sengottai Singam]]'' (1958)
*''[[Pillai Kaniyamudhu]]'' (1958)
*''[[Peria Koil]]'' (1958)
*''[[Manamulla Maruthaaram]]'' (1958)
*''[[Neelavukku Neranja Manasu]]'' (1958)
*''[[Sollu Thambi Sollu]]'' (1959)
*''Madhavi'' (1959)
*''[[Thayapola Pillai Noolapola Selai]]'' (1959)
*''[[Uzhavukkum Thozhilukkum Vandhanai Seivom]]'' (1959)
*''[[Vaazha Vaitha Deivam]]'' (1959)
*''[[Vannakili]]'' (1959)
*''[[Alli Petra Pillai]]'' (1959)
*''[[Naalu Veli Nilam]]'' (1959)
*''[[Kaveriyin Kanavan]]'' (1959)
*''[[Abalai Anjugam]]'' (1959)
*''[[Panchaali (1959 film)|Panchaali]]'' (1959)
*''[[Engal Kuladevi]]'' (1959)
*''Revathi'' (1960)
*''[[Thanthaikku Pin Thamaiyan]]'' (1960)
*''[[Sivagami]]'' (1960)
*''[[Aada Vandha Deivam]]'' (1960)
*''[[Thangam Manasu Thangam]]'' (1960)
*''Mahalakshmi'' (1960)
*''[[Padikkadha Medhai]]'' (1960)
*''[[Engal Selvi]]'' (1960)
*''[[Ponni Thirunaal]]'' (1960)
*''[[Paavai Vilakku]]'' (1960)
*''[[Yanai Paagan]]'' (1960)
*''[[Pudhiya Pathai]]'' (1960)
*''[[Thangarathinam]]'' (1960)
*''[[Kaithi Kannayiram]]'' (1960)
*''[[Veerakkanal]]'' (1960)
*''[[Kongunattu Thangam]]'' (1961)
*''[[Ellam Unakkaga]]'' (1961)
*''[[Sabaash Mapillai]]'' (1961)
*''[[Kumudham]]'' (1961)
*''[[Thayilla Pillai]]'' (1961)
*''[[Panam Panthiyile]]'' (1961)
*''[[Thai Sollai Thattathe]]'' (1961)
*''[[Panithirai]]'' (1961)
*''[[Rani Samyuktha]]'' (1962)
*''[[Madappura]]'' (1962)
*''[[Sarada (1962 film)|Sarada]]'' (1962)
*''[[Valar Pirai]]'' (1962)
*''[[Thayai Katha Thanayan]]'' (1962)
*''[[Vadivukku Valai Kappu]]'' (1962)
*''[[Kudumba Thalaivan]]'' (1962)
*''[[Azhagu Nila]]'' (1962)
*''Neeya Naana'' (1962)
*''[[Kavitha (1962 film)|Kavitha]]'' (1962)
*''[[Muthu Mandapam]]'' (1962)
*''[[Sengamala Theevu]]'' (1962)
*''Asthikkoru Aanum Asaikku Oru Ponnum'' (1962)
*''Pirandha Naal'' (1962)
*''[[Kadavulai Kanden]]'' (1963)
*''[[Koduthu Vaithaval]]'' (1963)
*''[[Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum]]'' (1963)
*''[[Vanambadi]]'' (1963)
*''[[Neengadha Ninaivu]]'' (1963)
*''[[Iruvar Ullam (1963 film)|Iruvar Ullam]]'' (1963)
*''[[Kattu Roja]]'' (1963)
*''[[Naan Vanangum Deivam]]'' (1963)
*''[[Kalai Arasi]]'' (1963)
*''[[Lava Kusa (1963 film)|Lava Kusa]]'' (1963) with Ghantsala
*''[[Aasai Alaigal]]'' (1963)
*''[[Kulamagal Radhai]]'' (1963)
*''[[Yarukku Sontham]]'' (1963)
*''[[Kunkhumam]]'' (1963)
*''[[Neethikkupin Paasam]]'' (1963)
*''[[Ratha Thilagam]]'' (1963)
*''[[Kaanchi Thalaivan]]'' (1963)
*''[[Annai Illam]]'' (1963)
*''[[Parisu]]'' (1963)
*''[[Thulasi Maadam]]'' (1963)
*''Ninaipadharku Neramillai'' (1963)
*''[[Ezhai Pangalan]]'' (1963)
*''[[Kaithiyin Kathali]]'' (1963)
*''Puratshi Veeran Pulithevan'' (1963)
*''[[Vettaikkaran (1964 film)|Vettaikkaran]]'' (1964)
*''[[Alli (film)|Alli]]'' (1964)
*''[[Vazhi Piranthadu]]'' (1964)
*''[[Thozhilali]]'' (1964)
*''[[Navarathri (1964 film)|Navarathri]]'' (1964)
*''[[Ullasa Payanam]]'' (1964)
*''[[Aayiram Roobai]]'' (1964)
*''Paditha Manaivi'' (1965)
*''[[Kaakum Karangal]]'' (1965)
*''[[Thiruvilaiyadal]]'' (1965)
*''[[Veera Abhimanyu (1965 film)|Veera Abhimanyu]]'' (1965)
*''[[Idhaya Kamalam]]'' (1965)
*''[[Kanni Thai]]'' (1965)
*''[[Enga Veettu Penn]]'' (1965)
*''[[Thazhampoo]]'' (1965)
*''[[Muharasi]]'' (1966)
*''[[Annavin Aasai]]'' (1966)
*''Thedi Vandha Thirumagal'' (1966)
*''[[Mahakavi Kalidas (1966 film)|Mahakavi Kalidas]]'' (1966)
*''[[Thaaye Unakkaga]]'' (1966)
*''[[Thaali Bhagyam]]'' (1966)
*''[[Chinnanchiru Ulagam]]'' (1966)
*''[[Saraswathi Sabatham]]'' (1966)
*''[[Thanippiravi]]'' (1966)
*''[[Selvam (1966 film)|Selvam]]'' (1966)
*''[[Thaikku Thalaimagan]]'' (1967)
*''[[Kandhan Karunai]]'' (1967)
*''[[Penne Nee Vaazhga]]'' (1967)
*''[[Thanga Thambi]]'' (1967)
*''[[Pesum Deivam]]'' (1967)
*''[[Arasa Kattalai]]'' (1967)
*''[[Paaladai]]'' (1967)
*''[[Seetha (1967 film)|Seetha]]'' (1967)
*''[[Thiruvarutchelvar]]'' (1967)
*''Ponnana Vazhvu'' (1967)
*''[[Kan Kanda Deivam]]'' (1967)
*''Rajathi'' (1967)
*''[[Muhurtha Naal]]'' (1967)
*''[[Vivasayi]]'' (1967)
*''[[Panama Pasama]]'' (1968)
*''[[Thirumal Perumai]]'' (1968)
*''Thanga Valayal'' (1968)
*''[[Ther Thiruvizha]]'' (1968)
*''[[Harichandra (1968 film)|Harichandra]]'' (1968)
*''[[Andru Kanda Mugam]]'' (1968)
*''[[Deiveega Uravu]]'' (1968)
*''[[Thillana Mohanambal]]'' (1968)
*''[[Delhi Mapillai]]'' (1968)
*''[[Jeevanamsam]]'' (1968)
*''[[Kadhal Vaaganam]]'' (1968)
*''[[Adimaippenn]]'' (1969)
*''[[Ethiroli]]'' (1969)
*''[[Aathi Parasakthi|Athiparasakthi]]'' (1971)
*''[[Irulum Oliyum]] '' (1971)
*''[[Thirumagal (1971 film)|Thirumagal]]'' (1971)
*''[[Vasantha Maligai]]'' (1972)
*''[[Kurathi Magan]]'' (1972)
*''[[Nalla Neram]]'' (1972)
*''[[Pattikaattu Ponnaiya]]'' (1972)
*''[[Engal Thanga Raja]]'' (1973)
*''[[Vani Rani (film)|Vani Rani]]'' (1974)
*''[[Netru Indru Naalai (1974 film)|Netru Indru Naalai]]'' (1974) - 1 song
*''[[Anbu Thangai]]'' (1974)
*''[[Satyam (1976 film)|Satyam]]'' (1975)
*''Ellaikkodu'' (1974)
*''[[Pallandu Vazhga]]'' (1975)
*''[[Uthaman (1976 film)|Uthaman]]'' (1976)
*''[[Enippadigal]]'' (1979)
*''[[Gnana Kuzhandhai]]'' (1979)
*''Manmatha Radhangal'' (1980)
*''Kadhal Kiligal'' (1981)
*''[[Antha Rathirikku Satchi Illai]]'' (1982)
*''[[Thoongatha Kannindru Ondru]]'' (1982)
*''[[Simma Soppanam]]'' (1984)
*''Mel Maruvathoor Aadhiparasakthi'' (1985)
*''[[Mel Maruvathoor Arpudhangal]]'' (1986)
*''Paimara Kappal'' (1988)
* ''Orey Thaai Orey Kulam'' (1988)
* ''Mahamayi'' (1991)
{{div col end}}

=== Telugu ===

{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|
*''[[Manchi Manasulu]]'' (1962)
*''[[Dagudu Moothalu]]'' (1964)
*''[[Mooga Manasulu]]'' (1964)
*''[[Antastulu]]'' (1965)
*''[[Aastiparulu]]'' (1966)
*''[[Kanchu Kota]]'' (1967)
*''[[Manushulu Marali]]'' (1969)
*''[[Akka Chellelu]]'' (1970)
*''Mallee Pelli'' (1970)
*Iddaru Ammayilu (1970)
*''[[Balaraju Katha]]'' (1970)
*''Anuradha'' (1971)
*''Dasara Bullodu'' (1971)
*''Prem Nagar'' (1971)
*''Inspector Bharya'' (1972)
*''[[Badi Panthulu]]'' (1972)
*''[[Bangaru Babu (1973 film)|Bangaru Babu]]'' (1973)
*''[[Andala Ramudu (1973 film)|Andala Ramudu]]'' (1973)
*''[[Mayadari Malligadu]]'' (1973)
*''[[Mutyala Muggu]]'' (1975)
*''[[Siri Siri Muvva]]'' (1976)
*''[[Monagadu]]'' (1976)
*''[[Adavi Ramudu (1977 film)|Adavi Ramudu]]'' (1977)
*''[[Indradhanussu 1978 film|Indradhanussu]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indradhanusu (1978) |url=https://indiancine.ma/SGU |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> (1978)
*''[[Mana Voori Pandavulu]]'' (1978)
* ''Kalanthakulu'' (1978)
*''[[Srungara Ramudu]]'' (1979)
*''[[Mande Gundelu]]'' (1979)
*''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]'' (1979)
*''[[Gorintaku (1979 film)]]'' (1979)
*''[[Vamsa Vruksham]]'' (1980)
*''[[Subhodhayam]]'' (1980)
*''[[Aadavaallu Meeku Joharlu (1981 film)|Aadavaallu Meeku Joharlu]]'' (1981)
*''[[Saptapadi (1981 film)|Saptapadi]]'' (1981)
*''[[Agni Poolu (film)|Agni Poolu]]'' (1981)
*''[[Golconda Abbulu]]'' (1982)
*''[[Subhalekha]]'' (1982)
*''[[Kaliyuga Ramudu]]'' (1982)
*''[[Trisulam (film)|Trisulam]]'' (1982)
*''[[Kanchana Ganga (1984 film)|Kanchana Ganga]]'' (1984)
*''[[Siksha (film)|Siksha]]'' (1985)
*''[[Sirivennela]]'' (1986)
*''[[Sruthilayalu]]'' (1987)
*''[[Srinivasa Kalyanam (1987 film)|Srinivasa Kalyanam]]'' (1987)
*''[[Janaki Ramudu]]'' (1988)
*''[[Sutradharulu]]'' (1989)
*''[[Adavilo Abhimanyudu]]'' (1989)
*''[[Muddula Mavayya]]'' (1989)
*''Pralayam'' (1990)
*''[[Nari Nari Naduma Murari]]'' (1990)
*''[[Alludugaru]]'' (1990)
*''[[Assembly Rowdy]]'' (1991)
*''[[Pelli Pustakam (1991 film)|Pelli Pustakam]]'' (1991)
*''[[Swathi Kiranam]]'' (1992)
*''[[Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhowmudu]]'' (1993)
*''[[Bobbili Bullodu]]'' (1996)
}}

=== Malayalam ===
*''[[Nairu Pidicha Pulivalu]]'' (1958) – [[Background Score]] only
*''[[Aana Valarthiya Vanampadiyude Makan]]'' (1971)
*''[[Padmatheertham]]''(1978)
*''[[Kayalum Kayarum]]'' (1979)
*''[[Enne Snehikkoo Enne Maathram]]'' (1981)
*''[[Kakka (film)|Kakka]]'' (1982)
*''[[Piriyilla Naam]]'' (1984)
*''[[Vepraalam]]'' (1984)
*''[[Rangam (film)|Rangam]]'' (1985)
*''Mangalya Charthu'' (1987)

=== Kannada ===
*''[[Manini (1979 film)|Manini]]'' (1979)
*''[[Guru Shishyaru (1981 film)|Guru Shishyaru]]'' (1981)
*''[[Krishna Rukmini]]'' (1988)
*''Shabarimale Swamy Ayyappa'' (1990)
*''[[Pedda Gedda]]'' (1981)

=== Playback Singer ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Film !! Language !! Song !! Co-singer !! Music
|-
| 1952 || ''[[Kumari (1952 film)|Kumari]]'' || Tamil || Aanukkoru Penn Venumey || || K. V. Mahadevan
|-
| rowspan=4|1953 || rowspan=4|''[[Madana Mohini]]'' || rowspan=4|Tamil || Unmaikke Ulagil Uyarvuthaan Illaiye || || rowspan=4|K. V. Mahadevan
|-
| Peru Sollum Pillai Illaiye || G. Kasthoori
|-
| Vaazhiya Senthamizh Thaaye ||
|-
| Kannodu Kannaayi Rahasiyam Pesi || [[P. Leela]]
|-
| rowspan=2|1953 || rowspan=2|''[[Naalvar]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || Abaraadham Roobaa Aimbadhu || [[K. Rani (singer)|K. Rani]] || rowspan=2|K. V. Mahadevan
|-
| Lavukku Lavukku Love || [[K. Rani (singer)|K. Rani]]
|-
| 1954 || ''[[Koondukkili]]'' || Tamil || Raatthirikku Boovaavukku Laatteri || [[T. M. Soundararajan]] & V. N. Sundharam || K. V. Mahadevan
|-
| rowspan=2|1955 || rowspan=2|''[[Asai Anna Arumai Thambi]]'' || rowspan=2|Tamil || Pozhaikkum Vazhiyai Paaru || Thodi Kannan, [[S. C. Krishnan]], [[P. Susheela]], Udutha Sarojini & Padma || rowspan=2|K. V. Mahadevan
|-
| Kaanaadha Kaatchigalai Paaru || [[K. Rani (singer)|K. Rani]]
|}

== Awards ==
*[[National Film Award for Best Music Direction]] (1967) for ''[[Kandan Karunai]]'' (first recipient of the award)<ref name="National Awards Winners 1967: Complete list of winners of National Awards 1967">{{cite news|last1=The Times of India|first1=Entertainment|title=National Awards Winners 1967: Complete list of winners of National Awards 1967|work=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/national-awards-winners/1967/108|accessdate=11 August 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324034914/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/national-awards-winners/1967/108|archivedate=24 March 2020}}</ref>
*[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director]] (1969) for ''[[Adimai Penn]]''
*National Film Award for Best Music Direction (1980) for ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]''
*[[Nandi Award for Best Music Director]] (1980) for ''Sankarabharanam''
*Nandi Award for Best Music Director (1987) for ''[[Shrutilayalu]]''
*Nandi Award for Best Music Director (1991) for ''Manjeera Nadam''
*[[Filmfare Best Music Director Award (Telugu)]] (1992) for ''[[Swathi Kiranam]]''

== Personal life ==
K.V.Mahadevan, at the time of his death, was survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters. The famous son being V. Mahadevan, whose debut role was that of a judge in the Tamil film [[Maasilamani]].

== Death ==
K.V. Mahadevan died on 21 June 2001 in [[Chennai]] when he was 83.<ref name="The Hindu : K.V. Mahadevan dead" />

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{NationalFilmAwardBestMusicDirection}}{{Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Telugu}}{{Nandi Award for Best Music Director}}{{TamilNaduStateAwardForBestMusicDirector}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mahadevan, K. V.}}
[[Category:Best Music Direction National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:People from Kanyakumari district]]
[[Category:Tamil film score composers]]
[[Category:Telugu film score composers]]
[[Category:Kannada film score composers]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Tamil musicians]]
[[Category:1918 births]]
[[Category:2001 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian musicians]]
[[Category:Malayalam film score composers]]
[[Category:Indian male film score composers]]
[[Category:20th-century male musicians]]

K. V. Mahadevan - Revision history

CleanupBot at 03:45, 22 March 2026