 During his stay in Chennai, he was also involved with the Madras Design Demonstration Centre, a unit of the Government of Tamil Nadu where he assisted the centre in improving the handicrafts business and has illustrated a number of literary works in book form.Karaunakaran's debut in films was in 1978 when he designed the production of "Ekakini", directed by G. S. Panicker.The next year, when K. R. Mohanan made his debut film, "Ashwadhamavu", Karunakaran started his career as an art director, in which he also played a small part.