M. V. S. Haranatha Rao (27 July 1948 – 9 October 2017) was a noted Telugu playwright,[5] script writer and actor.

[6] His notable films include Pratighatana, Anna, and Ammayi Kapuram, and he received five Nandi Awards.

Haranatha Rao used to travel from Ongole to Chennai/Hyderabad to have a good work life balance.

His play Kanya Vara sulkam has won the best drama award of the Andhra Pradesh Cultural Affairs Department.

[5] Kshira Sagara Mathanam (Churning of mythological ocean) got him Sahitya academy award.

[3] He received four Nandi Awards for the films Pratighatana, Bharata Nari, Anna, Ammayi Kapuram, Idaa Prapancham for his story/dialogues.