Rao gained national recognition for directing Hindi films such as, Swarg Narak, Jyoti Bane Jwala, Zakhmi Sher, Sarfarosh, Wafadaar, Prem Tapasya, Pyaasa Sawan, Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar, and Asha Jyoti. Rao holds "Limca World Record" for directing the most films. He directed works such as "Tandra Paparayudu" (1986), and "Surigaadu" (1992) which were screened at International Film Festival of India in the panorama section, and "Kante Koothurne Kanu" (1998) which received the National Film Award Special Mention Feature Film. In 1983, he directed Meghasandesam screened at the Indian panorama, Tashkent Film Festival, and Moscow film festival. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.