Kesavan Venu Gopal (22 May 1948 – 11 October 2021 ), known popularly by his stage name Nedumudi Venu , was an Indian film actor from Kerala. Widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema, He wrote screenplays and directed one film.
Venu was born as Venugopal to P. K. Kesavan Nair, a school master and P. Kunjikkuttiyamma in Nedumudi, Alappuzha as the youngest of their five children. He had four elder brothers. He had his primary education from N S S Higher Secondary School, Nedumudi, and St. Mary's Higher Secondary School, Champakulam. He was involved in art and music since his academic period. After graduating from Sanatana Dharma College(SD College), Alappuzha, he worked as a journalist in Kalakaumudi and as a teacher in a tutorial institute. Venu was living in Thiruvananthapuram when he made friends with the likes of Aravindan, Padmarajan and Bharath Gopi. This ultimately paved way for his film career. He was a talented Mridangam player.
He was married to T. R. Susheela. He had two sons, Unni and Kannan.
Venu started his career in theater and went on to act in films. He was a member of Kavalam Narayana Panicker's dramas. He debuted in the film Thambu (1978) by director G Aravindan. His acting skills were showcased in the Bharathan film Aaravam . Padmarajan's Oridathoru Phayalwan and Kallan Pavithran set a milestone for him. It marked his start in Karanavar (head of the family) roles, which included most of his memorable performances.
Venu also wrote scripts for movies. He wrote the stories for the films Kattathe Kilikkoodu , Theertham , Sruthi , Ambada Njaane! , Oru Katha Oru Nunnakkatha , Savidham , and Angane Oru Avadhikkalathu . He also tried his hand in direction with Pooram . He acted in a few Tamil films with director Shankar, such as Kamal Hasan's Indian and Vikram's Anniyan .
Venu acted in some television serials. He acted in NFDC film Parinamam (The Change ), directed by P Venu that won the best screenplay award at the Ashdod International Film Festival held in Israel. He won the Best Actor award for his role in Saira at the Zimbabwe International Film Festival which concluded in September 2007; Saira was the only film from India to be included in the festival. The committee mentioned that he acted compellingly and convincingly in his portrayal of a man caught between secularism and fundamentalism.
National Film Awards:
1990 – Best Supporting Actor – His Highness Abdullah 2003 – Special Jury Award – Margam 2006 – National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Narration / Voice Over – Minukku
Kerala State Film Awards:
1980 – Second Best Actor – Chamaram 1981 – Best Actor – Vidaparayum munpe 1987 – Best Actor – Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam 1990 – Special Jury Award – Bharatham , Santhwanam 1994 – Second Best Actor – Thenmavin Kombath 2003 – Best Actor – Margam Asianet Film Awards
2005 – Best Supporting Actor Award – Thanmatra 2007 – Best Script Writer Award – Thaniye 2011 – Best Supporting Actor – Best Actor , Elsamma Enna Aankutty 2013 – Best Character Actor – "North 24 Kaatham" 2015 – Best Villain – Oru Second Class Yathra , Rudra Simhasanam
Filmfare Awards
1981 – Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam – Vida Parayum Munpe 1987 – Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam -Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam 1997 – Lifetime Achievement Award Kerala Film Critics Association Awards
2007 – Second Best Actor – Thaniye 2007 – Lifetime Achievement Award/Prathibha Puraskaram Other Awards
2003 – Best Actor Award won in Television Gallup Poll conducted by University of Kerala union for Ragardram (Doordarshan) 2006 – Sathyan Award 2006 – Kalavedi International Prathibha Award was presented at Tagore Theatre, Trivandrum in 2006. 2007 – Bahadoor Award 2008 – Kala Ratnam Award of KALA Abu Dhabi 2011 – Serve India Media Award 2015 – Vanitha Film Award for Best Villain for Oru Second Class Yathra and Rudra Simhasanam 2003 – Arimpara at the cannes International Film Festival & other filim festivals 2005 – Margam at the Havana International Film Festival 2007 – Saira – Best Actor Award at the Zimbabwe International Film Festival Venu died on 11 October 2021 at the age of 73. He was in treatment for liver-related ailments after recovering from COVID-19 prior to his death.
Actor
-
Love In Anjengo (announced)
-
Mindscapes (TV Series) (filming) as
Madhavan
- Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam - Madhavan
2024
Indian 2 (post-production)
-
Orangu Marangalude Veedu (completed) as
Samuel
2022
Bheeshma Parvam as
Kochery Iravippilla
2022
Aaraattu as
Sreedharan Master
2021
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea as
Samoothiri
2021
Navarasa (TV Series) as
Principal
- Summer of '92 (2021) - Principal
2021
Aanum Pennum as
Vasudevan
2019
Vaarthakal Ithuvare as
Ittan Pillai
2019
Chila NewGen Nattuvisheshangal as
Karanavar
2019
Madhuraraja as
Madhavan Nair
2019
Varikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam as
Kurukkan Ponnappan
2018
Aalathoorile Ethiri Vettam
2018
Thattum Purath Achuthan as
Gangadharan
2018
Joseph as
Adv. Srinivasan
2018
Oru Kuprasidha Payyan as
Adv. Santhosh Narayanan
2018
Sarvam Thaala Mayam as
Vembu Iyer
2018
Johny Johny Yes Appa as
Advocate
2018
Oru Kuttanadan Blog as
Vasudeva Kaimal
2018
Kammara Sambhavam as
Selvan
2018
Daivame Kaithozham K. Kumarakanam as
God
2018
Diwanji Moola Grand Prix as
Davis
2017
Udaharanam Sujatha as
George Paul
2017
Pokkiri Simon: Oru Kadutha Aaradhakan as
Prof. Seetha Raman
2017
Oru Visheshapetta Biriyani Kissa
2017
Avarude Raavukal as
Scobo Johns
2016
Buddhanum Chaplinum Chirikkunnu as
Principal
2016
Ishti as
Ramavikraman Namboothiri
2016
Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho as
Ayyappan's Grandfather
2016
Once Again as
Pappu Pillai
2015
Birds with Large Wings as
Chief Editor
2015
Lord Livingstone 7000 Kandi as
C.K.A.K. Menon
2015
Rudra Simhasanam as
Shivathanu
2015
Nirnnayakam as
Venukuttan Nair
2015
Rasam as
Valliyottu Thirumeni
2014
Lal Bahadur & Shastri
2014
Names Unknown as
Workshop Master
2014
Homely Meals as
Father Dixon
2014
Sapthamashree Thaskaraha as
Noblettan
2014
Villali Veeran as
Damodarji
2014
Munnariyippu as
Rama Moorthy
2014
To Noora with Love as
Dr. Sajan Varghese
2014
Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal as
Kuriachen
2013
Tharattu Pattu (Short) as
Smarthan
2013
Nadodi Mannan as
Thiruvilancore Thirumanassu
2013
North 24 Kaatham as
Gopalettan
2013
Kadal Kadannu Oru Maathukutty
2013
Money Back Policy as
Onachan
2013
Celluloid as
P. Subrahmanyam
2013
Isaac Newton S/O Philipose
2012
Mazhavillinattam Vare
2012
White Paper as
Krishnan Nair
2012
Puthiya Theerangal as
K.P.
2012
Bhoopadathil Illatha Oridam
2012
Mr. Marumakan as
Rajagopalan Thampy
2012
Thiruvambadi Thamban as
Kunjoonju
2012
Mayamohini as
Sankaran Potti
2012
The King and the Commissioner as
Dr. E. K. Sudharshan a senior RAW officer
2012
Achante Aanmakkal as
Madhava Menon
2012
Akashathinte Niram as
Old man
2012
Njanum Ente Familiyum
2011
The Arab, The Camel, and P. Madhavan Nair as
Thomas Varghese
2011
Doctor Love as
Father of Gauri (Ananya)
2011
Collector as
Mahendra Varma
2011
Abu, Son of Adam as
Master
2011
August 15 as
V. G. Sadanandan
2011
Living Together as
Vasudevan Kartha grandfather of Shyama
2010
In Ghost House Inn as
Fr. Dominic
2010
Oru Naal Varum as
Havildar Vasudevan
2010
Pattinte Palazhi as
Usthad
2010
Punyam Aham as
Kaarackal Easwaran Namboodiri
2010
Raama Raavanan as
Annadurai
2010
Best Actor as
Denver Aasaan
2010
Pathinonnil Vyazham as
Kizhakkedam
2010
Elsamma Enna Aankutty as
Kunnel Pappan
2010
Malarvaadi Arts Club as
Kumaran
2010
Pokkiri Raja as
Madhavan Nair
2009
Gulumaal: The Escape as
Prabhakara Varma
2009
Swa Le as
Palazhi Shivashankara Pillai
2009
Keralotsavam 2009 as
Padmanabhan Embranthiri
2009
Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja as
Mooppan
2009
Ivar Vivahitharayal...? as
Freddy
2009
Bhagyadevatha as
Sadanadan Pillai
2009
Sagar Alias Jackie: Reloaded as
Kerala CM
2009
Love in Singapore as
Anderews Pereira
2008
Dae! Ingottu nokkiye...
2008
Silambattam as
Vichu's grandfather
2008
Poi Solla Porom as
Sathyanathan
2008
Mizhikal Sakshi as
Lebba Sahib
2007
Sree Guruvayoorappan (TV Series) as
Poonthanam
2007
Ayur Rekha as
Captain Nair
2007
Indrajith as
Madhavan Nair
2007
Arabikkatha as
'Society' Gopalan
2007
Saira as
Ustad Ali Hussain
2007
Vinodayathra as
John Mathew
2007
Kayyoppu as
C.P. Vasudevan
2007
Changathipoocha as
Sreedharan Nair
2006
Pothan Vava as
Meppattor Vishnu Narayanan Nampoothiri
2006
Prajapathi as
Kaliyarmadom Kunjambu Nair
2005
Ponmudipuzhayorathu as
Muthappan
2005
Thanmathra as
Krishnan Nair
2005
Anniyan as
Parthasarathy Iyengar
2005
Finger Print as
Rama Varma Thampuran
2004
Maampazhakkaalam as
Raghavan Mash
2004
Ee Snehatheerathu as
Sashtri
2004
Vettam as
Retd. DIG Tom Uncle IPS
2004
Parayam as
Kannan Perumadiyoor
2004
Jalolsavam as
Alackal Govindan
2004
Vismayathumbathu as
Dr. Sunny Joseph
2003
Parinamam as
Damodaran Nambisan
2003
Manassinakkare as
Kuriakose
2003
Balettan as
Balachandran's Father
2003
Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum as
Child Psychologist
2003
Thilakkam as
Padmanabhan Master
2003
Mr. Brahmachari as
Sekharan Thampi
2002
Chathurangam as
Mathew Varghese
2002
Kunjikkoonan as
Prasad's Father
2002
Mazhathullikkilukkam as
Fr. Palackal
2002
Yathrakarude Sradhakku as
Viswanathan
2001
Jeevan Mashai as
Jeevan Mashai
2001
Nalacharitham Naalam Divasam as
Paapputty
2001
Ishtam as
Krishnankutty Menon
2001
Bhago Boot as
Bhago (uncredited)
2001
Cover Story as
Chandrashekara Menon
2001
Kakkakuyil as
Blind 'Thampuran'
2000
Aanamuttathe Aangalamar as
Shivasankara Menon
2000
Life Is Beautiful as
Principal
2000
Snehapoorvam Anna as
Uncle
2000
Susanna as
Colonel Ramachandran Nair
1999
English Medium as
Shankunni Nair
1999
Pallavur Devanarayanan as
Aasan
1999
Pranaya Nilavu as
Madhavan Nair
1999
Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal as
Aravindan
1999
Garshom as
Nazer's Father
1999
Thachiledathu Chundan as
Vasukuttan Nair
1999
Angane Oravadhikkalathu as
Delhi Pappachan
1998
Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu as
Dr. Subhash
1998
Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala as
Headmaster
1998
Rektha Sakshikal Zindabad as
Annan
1998
Sidhartha as
Karunakara Menon
1998
Sundarakilladi as
Rajamanikkam
1998
Thirakalkkappuram as
Vellayudhachan
1998
Harikrishnans as
Thampuran
1998
Oru Maravathoor Kanavu as
Palanichaamy
1997
Manthramothiram as
M. K. S. Warrier
1997
Verukal (TV Series) as
Paatta
1997
Ishtadanam as
Dhanapalan Thambi
1997
Chandralekha as
Chandra's Father
1996
Kumkumacheppu as
Uncle Vakkeel Sekharan
1996
Rajaputhran as
M. K. Nair
1996
Kaalapani as
Sreekandan Nair
1995
Kazhakam as
Temple Guardian
1995
Manikya Chempazhukka as
Adv. Bharathan
1995
Sakshyam as
Dominic Fernandes
1995
Sreeragam as
Periya Shasthri
1995
Thacholi Varghese Chekavar
1995
Ormakalundayirikkanam as
Jayan's Father
1995
Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njanum as
Prabhakara Menon
1995
Alancherry Thambrakkal as
Chaathukkutty Bhagavathar
1995
Spadikam as
Ravunni Master
1994
Chanakya Soothrangal as
P.N. Venugopala Varma
1994
Poochakkaru Mani Kettum as
Ambotty
1994
Kabooliwala as
Kabuliwala / Baba
1994
Thenmavin Kombath as
Sreekrishnan
1993
Aalavattam as
Kesavankuty
1993
Bhoomi Geetham as
Balan Mashu
1993
Kalippattam as
Freddy Uncle who is a friend of Menon (Thilikan)
1993
Midhunam as
Chekkodu Swamy
1993
Ponnaram Thottathe rajavu
1993
Samagamam as
Fr. Puthenthara
1993
Manichithrathazhu as
Thampi
1993
Padheyam as
Kunjikannan Nair
1993
Aagneyam as
Mathew Stephen
1993
Akashadoothu as
Father Vattappara
1992
Champakkulam Thachan as
Kuttiraman
1992
Kamaladalam as
Secretary of Kerala Kala Mandiram Institute
1992
Pandu Pandoru Rajakumari as
Balan Nambyar
1992
Sargam as
Haridas' Father
1992
Snehasagaram as
Thankachan
1992
Soorya Gayathri as
Manisankar Iyer
1992
Vietnam Colony as
Moosa Sett
1991
Aavanikunnile Kinnaripookkal as
Balan
1991
Keli as
'Romance' Kumaran
1991
Mukha Chithram as
Fr. Felix
1991
Orutharam Randutharam Moonnutharam
1991
Uncle Bun as
Jemesekutty Chacko
1991
Venal Kinavukal as
Venkita Ramayyar
1991
Vishnulokam as
Krishnanunni
1991
Bharatham as
Kalloor Ramanathan / Raman
1991
The Master Carpenter as
Namboodiri's Friend
1990
Akkare Akkare Akkare as
Sivadasa Menon
1990
Champion Thomas as
Madhavan
1990
Kshanakathu as
Tuition Teacher
1990
Lal Salam as
Father Felix
1990
Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam as
Kunjoottan's father
1990
Nanma Niranjavan Srinivasan
1990
Vidhyarambham as
Madhavan Ezhuthachan
1990
Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu as
Warrier
1990
Dr. Pasupathy as
Unnikannan Nair
1990
His Highness Abdullah as
Udaya Varma
1989
Chakkikotha Chankaran as
Prabhakaran Thampi
1989
Devadas as
Manimangalathu Thampi
1989
Najagalude Kochu Doctor
1989
Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnam as
Dr. Kuriakose
1989
Vadakkunokkiyantram as
Doctor
1988
Doore Doore Oru Koodu Kootam as
Kunjan Nair
1988
Mrithunjayam as
Jayachandra Gounder
1988
Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu as
Kumaren Nair
1988
Onninu Purake Mattonnu as
A Father
1988
Ore Thooval Pakshikal
1988
Vellanakalude Naadu as
Minister
1988
Unnikrishnante Adyathe Christmas as
Ittichan
1988
Sanghnadam as
D. Y. S. P. Mohandas
1988
Orkkappurathu as
Nicholas
1988
Vicharana as
Ramankutty Nair
1987
Ezhuthapurangal as
Balakrishna Menon
1987
Janangalude Shradhakku as
Vasu Pillai
1987
Manja Manthrangal as
Professor
1987
Naradhan Keralathil as
Naradan
1987
Oru Maymasa Pularayil
1987
Oru Minnaminunginte Nurungu Vettam as
Ravunni Nair Mash
1987
Sruthi as
Ramavarma Thampuran
1987
Swathi Thirunal as
Iraiyamman Tampi
1987
Theertham as
Vishnu Namboothiri
1987
Varshangal Poyathariyathe
1987
Achuvettante Veedu as
Achuthankutty Nair
1987
Kayyethum Doorathu as
Prabhakaran
1987
Oridathu as
Sundaresan Pillai
1987
Kathakku Pinnil as
Sukumara Pillai the owner of Gayathri Theatres
1986
Atham Chitira Chothy as
Mukundan
1986
Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi as
Sasidharan
1986
Katturumbinum Kathu Kuthu as
P.R. Keshava Pilla
1986
Love Story as
Kumaran Nair / Radhakrishnan
1986
Mizhineer Poovukal as
Kumara Varma
1986
Nilakurinhi Poothappol as
Sivaramakrishnan Nair
1986
Pappan Priyappetta Pappan
1986
Ponnum Kudthinu Pottu as
Dasan
1986
Rithubhedam as
Krishnanunni
1986
Sughamodevi as
Dr. Venugopal
1986
Sunil Vayassu 20 as
Military Sir
1986
Thalavattam as
Dr. Unnikrishnan
1986
Pranamam as
Usha's Father
1986
Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare as
Dr. K.K. Menon
1986
Moonnu Masangalkku Munpu
1986
Arappatta Kettiya Graamathil as
Gopi
1986
Chekkaeran Oru Chilla
1986
Oru Katha Oru Nunnakkatha as
Appu Nair
1986
Dheem Tharikida Thom as
Keerikkad Chellappan Pillai
1985
Akkare Ninnoru Maran as
K.P. Thankappan Nair
1985
Ambada Njane! as
Kuttikrishnan's Grandfather
1985
Azhiyatha Bandhangal as
Unnikrishnan
1985
Guruji Oru Vakku as
Charly
1985
Kaiyum Thalayum Purathidaruthu as
Panchayath Secretary
1985
Meenamasathile Sooryan as
Chirukandan's Father
1985
Mutharamkunnu P.O. as
Kuttan Pillai
1985
Onathumbikkoru Oonjaal
1985
Oru Naal Innoru Naal as
Venu
1985
Prinicipal Olivil as
MA Babu MA
1985
Punnaram Cholli Cholli as
Shivaraman
1985
Kathodu Kathoram as
Priest
1985
Puli Varunne Puli as
Ramdas
1985
Ee Lokam Ivide Kure Manushyar as
Sakhavu
1985
Iniyum Kadha Thudarum as
Moidu
1985
Oduvil Kittiya Vartha
1985
Ee Thanalil Ithiri Neram as
Adv. Menon
1984
Aarorumariyathe as
Govindankutty
1984
Ithiri Poove Chuvannapoove as
Potty
1984
Nokketha Dhoorathu Kannum Nattu as
A Priest
1984
Oodarathuammava Aalariyam
1984
Oru Kochukatha Aarum Parayatha Katha as
Aravindan
1984
Oru Kochu Swapnam as
Venu
1984
Panchavadi Palam as
Pilla
1984
Parannu Parannu Parannu as
Vakkachan
1984
Poochakkoru Mookkuthi as
Ravunni Menon
1984
Veruthe Oru Pinakkam as
Ravi
1984
Ente Upasana as
Sreekumar's Father
1983
Enikku Visakkunu as
Chacko
1983
Mandanmmar Londanil as
Vaasu Kumar
1983
Marmaram as
Narayana Iyer
1983
Onnu Chirikku as
Dr. George
1983
Rachana as
K. Achuthanunni
1983
Sagaram Santham as
Raghavettan
1983
Lekhayude Maranam: Oru Flashback as
Paulraj
1983
Eettillam as
Vijayan (as Venu)
1983
Oridathoru Phayalvaan
1982
Alolam as
Kuttan Thampuran
1982
Enikkum Oru Divosam as
Vasu
1982
Ente Mohangal Poovaninju as
Damu
1982
Njan Onnu Parayatte as
Charlie
1982
Kelkatha Shabdam as
Devan
1981
Chatta as
Kosara Bhairavan
1981
Kallan Pavithran as
Pavithran
1980
Sooryante Maranum as
Aditya
1980
Manjil Virinja Pookkal as
Seythalavi
1979
Cheriyachante Kroora Krithyangal as
A Priest
1979
Thakara as
Chellappanasari
Writer
2015
Rasam (screenplay, dialogue)
2007
Thaniye (dialogue) / (screenplay)
1999
Angane Oravadhikkalathu (screenplay) / (story)
1993
Oru Kadankatha Pole (story)
1992
Pandu Pandoru Rajakumari (story)
1989
Pooram (story, screenplay, dialogue)
1986
Kaveri (screenplay, dialogue)
1985
Ambada Njane! (story)
1983
Kattathe Kilikoodu (story)
1980
Aarohanam (story, screenplay, dialogue)
Music Department
2016
Paavada (playback singer)
2009
Swa Le (playback singer)
1989
Vandanam (playback singer)
1986
Dheem Tharikida Thom (lyricist) / (playback singer)
1983
Mandanmmar Londanil (playback singer)
1982
Alolam (playback singer)
1981
Venal (playback singer)
Director
Composer
Soundtrack
2016
Paavada (performer: "Ehalokajeevitham")
Thanks
Self
1983
Prem Nazirine Kanmanilla as
Self