Hemanth M. Rao (born September 4, 1983) is an Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer who works primarily in Kannada cinema. He made his directorial debut with the drama Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016), which he also wrote. The film was remade in Tamil as 60 Vayadhu Maaniram (2018), with Rao credited for the original story. In 2018, he co-wrote the screenplay for the Hindi black comedy thriller Andhadhun, winning the National Film Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Rao followed this with the neo-noir thriller Kavaludaari (2019), which he wrote and directed. The film was subsequently remade in Tamil as Kabadadaari (2021) and in Telugu as Kapatadhaari (2021), both carrying his story credit. In 2023, he wrote, directed, and co-edited the two-part romantic drama Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side A and Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side B. As a producer, Rao has backed independent Kannada productions through his banner, including Humble Politician Nograj (2018), Bheemasena Nalamaharaja (2020), and Agnyathavasi (2025). His early credits include an acting appearance in the television film The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Journey of Radiance (2000).
