V.P. Krishnan

Biography

V. P. Krishnan (born Vasudevan P. Krishnan; 2 May 1930 – 13 October 1996) was a highly respected Indian film editor who worked primarily in South Indian cinema. During a career spanning several decades, he edited more than 500 films across Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, making him one of the few editors to have worked extensively in five major Indian film industries.

Known for his professionalism and versatility, Krishnan maintained a low public profile despite being one of the busiest editors of his era. His Tamil film credits include Polladhavan (1980), Paritchaikku Neramaachu, Andaman Kadhali, Mounam Sammadham, Vaai Kozhuppu, and Keezh Vaanam Sivakkum. He also worked as an assistant editor on the celebrated historical film Karnan (1964).

Krishnan had a particularly strong association with Kannada cinema and worked on several films directed by Puttanna Kanagal. His editing earned him three Karnataka State Film Awards for Best Editor: for Belli Moda (1967–68), Upasane (1974–75), and Amrutha Ghalige (1983–84). He also won the Nandi Award for Best Editor for the Telugu film Magaadu.

Throughout his career, Krishnan collaborated with prominent filmmakers, including K. Madhu and Muktha Srinivasan, on several projects. His contribution to films in multiple languages and his mastery of editing made him an important yet understated figure in the history of Indian cinema.

V. P. Krishnan died on 13 October 1996 at the age of 66. His extensive body of work across five major film industries remains a significant part of Indian film-editing history.