Thota Tharrani’s work as Production Designer and Art Director has won him several accolades and awards. His sets are legendary for their realism.  He is the recipient of two national awards including the coveted ‘Padma Shri”, twelve state awards, ‘Filmfare’ awards and several other awards for his exemplary work.

His first movie as an independent art director was for the 1980 Telugu movie Nagamalli.