Deva Katta


Deva Katta is an American filmmaker of Indian descent who works in Telugu cinema. His films Vennela, Prasthanam and Autonagar Surya were widely received and have a cult following among Telugu audiences. In 2010, Prasthanam was showcased in the Indian Panorama section at the International Film Festival of India. The film also won two Filmfare awards including Filmfare South Critics Award for Best film and Nandi Award for Best Feature Film in 2010.

Career

Katta holds a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. He worked as a vehicle crashworthiness expert at General Motors. He graduated from film school before making a digital documentary film about Indian students in the United States, which was titled Valasa. He then debuted as a successful writer and director with the romantic comedy flick Vennela, portraying Indian students in America.

Early life

Deva Katta was born in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. His family moved to Chennai and Katta was brought up there. Katta studied in Chennai from 7th grade in Ramakrishna Mission School and did his mechanical engineering degree from Satyabhama Engineering College. He later moved to the United States for higher Engineering studies and film studies. Katta progressed into film-making while working as a full-time engineer in the automobile industry in the US.
Katta is a naturalized American citizen.

Filmography and awards