The Kannada movie directors have contributed a great deal to take their movies to commendable heights since the conception of cinema in India. Through ages Kannada movie directors have helped in the evolution of films. They have entertained the masses with commercial movies and thought provoking films as well and have compelled the audiences to introspect.

Some of the Kannada directors have acted in films and directed the films simultaneously. The Kannada directors are acclaimed for their versatility and have gained popularity for their films in not only India but also received positive reviews from foreign countries. They have gifted the Indian cinema with films that are both commercially successful and aesthetic.

Kannada documentary films also have a special significance in the Karnataka film industry. They deal with almost all the subjects of the society. Some of these documentaries deal with the ancient customs and some introspect the present scenario. The competent Kannada movie directors have won several states, National and International awards for their brilliant films. These directors have not only worked for their regional films but also on national basis and thus presented with several nationally acclaimed films. The favourite subjects of the commercial Kannada film directors are romance, suspense thrillers and action stories. However the art films depict a much wider canvas.

Some of prominent names in the category of Kannada directors include Mithayi Mane, Yograj Bhat, K. M. Chaitanya, Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar, Sadhu Kokila, Phani Ramachandra, Suresh Heblikar, T. N. Seetharam, Yaragudipati Varada Rao, Puttanna Kanagal, Prema Karanth and Girish Kasaravalli