Kesavan Venu Gopal, known popularly by his stage name Nedumudi Venu, was an Indian actor, writer and director. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema.
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 has 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, 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 is a talented Mridangam player.
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 Njane, Oru Katha Oru Nunnakkatha, Savidham, and Angane Oru Avadhikkalathu. He also tried his hand in direction with Pooram. He has also acted in a few Tamil films with director Shankar, such as Kamal Hasan's Indian and Vikram's Anniyan.
Venu has also 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.
Known For
Manichitrathazhu
(1993)
Thampy
Pranaya Nilavu
(1999)
Madhavan Nair
Kaalapani
(1996)
Sreekandan Nair
Full Filmography
Acting
Aaravam
(1978)
Maruthu
The Circus Tent
(1978)
Thakara
(1979)
Chellappanasar
Chamaram
(1980)
Father
Manjil Virinja Pookkal
(1980)
Seythalavi
Kolangal
(1981)
Paramu
Kallan Pavithran
(1981)
Pavithran
Parankimala
(1981)
Thenum Vayambum
(1981)
Ravi
Venal
(1981)
Chatta
(1981)
Kosara Bhairavan
Vida Parayum Munpe
(1981)
Xavier
Dhanya
(1981)
Palangal
(1981)
Ramankutty
Njan Onnu Parayatte
(1982)
Charlie
Ormakkayi
(1982)
Balu
Ilakkangal
(1982)
Unni
Kelkatha Sabdam
(1982)
Devan
Komaram
(1982)
Ente Mohangal Poovaninju
(1982)
Damu
Chillu
(1982)
Ponnum Poovum
(1982)
Dasan
Amrutha Geetham
(1982)
Mohan
Yavanika
(1982)
Balagopalan
Marmaram
(1982)
Narayana Iyer
Kaaliya Mardhanam
(1982)
Sreeni
Kaattile paattu
(1982)
Football
(1982)
Enikkum oru Divasam
(1982)
Vasu
Aadhipathyam
(1983)
Antony
Eettillam
(1983)
Vijayan
Veena Poovu
(1983)
Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback
(1983)
Paul Raj
Mandanmar Londonil
(1983)
Vasu Kumar
Prem Nazirine Kanmanilla
(1983)
Nedumudi Venu
Saagaram Santham
(1983)
Raghavan
Naseema
(1983)
Ravi
Rachana
(1983)
Achuthanunni
Kingini Kombu
(1983)
Kinnaram
(1983)
Unni
Oru Swakaryam
(1983)
Onnu Chirikku
(1983)
Dr. George
Asthram
(1983)
Krishnanunni
Veruthe Oru Pinakkam
(1984)
Ithiri Poove Chuvannapoove
(1984)
Potty
Parannu Parannu Parannu
(1984)
Vakkachan
Poochakkoru Mookkuthi
(1984)
Ravunni Menon
Sandyakkenthinu Sindhooram
(1984)
Ente Upasana
(1984)
Lathika's Uncle
Uyarangalil
(1984)
Johnie
Aayiram Abilashangal
(1984)
My Dear Kuttichathan
(1984)
Invisible Kuttichatan (voice)
Odaruthammava Aalariyam
(1984)
Major Nair
Oru Kochukatha Aarum Parayatha Katha
(1984)
Aravindan
Akkare
(1984)
Johnny
Appunni
(1984)
Appunni
Kaliyil Alpam Karyam
(1984)
Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu
(1984)
The Priest
Manasariyathe
(1984)
Venu
Mangalam Nerunnu
(1984)
Aarorumariyathe
(1984)
Govindankutty
Oru Kochu Swapnam
(1984)
Venu
Panchavadi Palam
(1984)
Shikhandi Pillai
Puli Varunne Puli
(1985)
Ramdas
Oduvil Kittiya Vartha
(1985)
Oru Sandesam Koodi
(1985)
Guruji Oru Vakku
(1985)
Charlie
Iniyum Kadha Thudarum
(1985)
Punnaram Cholli Cholli
(1985)
Sivaraman
Akkare Ninnoru Maran
(1985)
Sree Thankappan Nair
Mutharamkunnu P.O.
(1985)
Kuttan Pillai
Azhiyatha Bandhangal
(1985)
Unnikrishnan
Kathodu Kathoram
(1985)
Priest
Chidambaram
(1985)
Himself
Irakal
(1985)
Andrews
Ee Lokam Ivide Kure Manushyar
(1985)
Sakhavu
Ee Thanalil Ithiri Neram
(1985)
Oru Kadha Oru Nunakadha
(1986)
Appu Nair
Ponnum Kudathinum Pottu
(1986)
Dasan
Katturumbinum Kathu Kuthu
(1986)
Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi
(1986)
Sasidharan
Ennennum Kannettante
(1986)
Tharavadu Karanavar
Arappatta Kettiya Graamathil
(1986)
Gopi
Love Story
(1986)
Kumaran Nair / Radhakrishnan (dual role)
Panchagni
(1986)
Shekharan
Adiverukal
(1986)
Mizhineerppoovukal
(1986)
Pappan Priyappetta Pappan
(1986)
SI Kochappu
Meenamasathile Suryan
(1986)
Chirukandan's Father
Pranamam
(1986)
Usha's Father
Dheem Tharikida Thom
(1986)
Keerikkad Chellappan Nair
Ambili Ammavan
(1986)
Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare
(1986)
Dr. K. K. Menon
Doore Doore Oru Koodu Koottam
(1986)
Kunjan Nair
Rareeram
(1986)
Venu
Moonnu Masangalkku Munpu
(1986)
Thalavattam
(1986)
Dr. Unni Krishnan
Oridathu
(1987)
Overseer Sundaresan
Manja Mantharangal
(1987)
Professor Varma
Chilampu
(1987)
Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam
(1987)
Ravunni Nair
Neela Kurinji Poothappol....
(1987)
Sivaramakrishnan Nair
Cheppu
(1987)
Lecturer
Achuvettante Veedu
(1987)
Achuthankutty Nair
Sarvakalasala
(1987)
Aasan
Swathi Thirunal
(1987)
Kathakku Pinnil
(1987)
Rithubhedam
(1987)
Padamudra
(1988)
Dhwani
(1988)
Shekharan
Ore Thooval Pakshikal
(1988)
Witness
(1988)
Himself
Unnikrishnante Adyathe Christmas
(1988)
Vicharana
(1988)
Ramettan
Daisy
(1988)
Orkkapurathu
(1988)
Nicholas
Aranyakam
(1988)
Grandfather
Chithram
(1988)
Kaimal
Isabella
(1988)
Tourist Guide
Vaishali
(1988)
Rajaguru
Sanghunadam
(1988)
Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu
(1988)
Kumaren Nair
Vellanakalude Naadu
(1988)
Minister
Chakkikotha Chankaran
(1989)
Prabhakaran Thampi
Rugmini
(1989)
Anagha
(1989)
Dasharatham
(1989)
Scariah
Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnam
(1989)
Dr Kuriakose
Njangalude Kochu Doctor
(1989)
Hameed
Devadas
(1989)
Alicinte Anweshanam
(1989)
Viswanathan
Vadakkunokki Yantram
(1989)
Doctor
Vandanam
(1989)
Kurian Fernandez
Swagatham
(1989)
Devan Nair
Pooram
(1989)
Chellappan
Lal Salam
(1990)
Father Felix
Appu
(1990)
Chandikunju
His Highness Abdullah
(1990)
Maharaja Udayavarma
Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu
(1990)
Godman
Akkare Akkare Akkare
(1990)
Sivadasa Menon
Dr. Pasupathy
(1990)
Unnikannan Nair
Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam
(1990)
Valiya Thampuran
Vidhyarambham
(1990)
Madhavan Ezhuthachan
Pavakkoothu
(1990)
Aditya Varma
Champion Thomas
(1990)
Madhavan
Nettippattam
(1991)
Kumaran
Bhoomika
(1991)
Rama Warrier
Mukhachithram
(1991)
Fr. Felix
Bharatham
(1991)
Ramanathan
Perumthachan
(1991)
Unni Thampuran
Dhanam
(1991)
Rajappan
Kadavu
(1991)
Uncle Bun
(1991)
Jameskutty Chacko
Santhwanam
(1991)
Thambi
Vishnulokam
(1991)
Krishnanunni
Kizhakkunarum Pakshi
(1991)
Keli
(1991)
'Romance' Kumaran
Venal Kinavukal
(1991)
Venkita Ramayyar
Sargam
(1992)
Haridas' father
Poochakkaru Mani Kettum
(1992)
Ambotty
Yamanam
(1992)
Soorya Gayathri
(1992)
Manisankar Iyer
Champakkulam Thachan
(1992)
Kuttiraman
Aham
(1992)
Pandu Pandoru Rajakumari
(1992)
Balan Nambyar
Vietnam Colony
(1992)
Moosa Settu
Kamaladalam
(1992)
Secretary of Kerala Kala Mandiram Institute
Rajashilpi
(1992)
Madhavan
Sadayam
(1992)
Father Dominic
Malootty
(1992)
Raghavan
Aalavattam
(1993)
Kesavankutty
Oru Kadankatha Pole
(1993)
Kalippattam
(1993)
Kabuliwala
(1993)
Kabooliwala
Akashadoothu
(1993)
Fr.Vattappara
Midhunam
(1993)
Chekkodu Swamy
Padheyam
(1993)
Kunjikannan Nair
Devasuram
(1993)
Appu master
Venkalam
(1993)
Chathukutti
Maya Mayooram
(1993)
Hassan Bhai
Ente Sreekuttikku
(1993)
Ananthan Mashu
Aagneyam
(1993)
Samooham
(1993)
Balan Poduval
Samagamam
(1993)
Fr. Puthenthara
Manichitrathazhu
(1993)
Thampy
Pavithram
(1994)
Warrier
Enchantment
(1994)
Ummini
Rajadhani
(1994)
Panikker
Thenmavin Kombath
(1994)
Sreekrishnan Thampuran
Parinayam
(1994)
Ilayum Mullum
(1994)
Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njanum
(1995)
Kazhakam
(1995)
Aashaan
Thacholi Varghese Chekavar
(1995)
Ormakalundayirikkanam
(1995)
Nambiar
Sreeragam
(1995)
Periya Shasthri
Spadikam
(1995)
Ravunni Master
Mogamul
(1995)
Ranganna
Nirnayam
(1995)
Fr. Thayyil
Sakshyam
(1995)
Dominic Fernandes
Manikya Chempazhukka
(1995)
Adv. Bharathan
Alancheri Thamprakkal
(1995)
Chathukutti Bhagavathar
Udhyanapalakan
(1996)
Kaalapani
(1996)
Sreekandan Nair
Rajaputhran
(1996)
M. K. Nair
Devaraagam
(1996)
Indian
(1996)
Krishnasamy
Guru
(1997)
Teacher
Oru Yaatra Mozhi
(1997)
Appu
Itha Oru Snehagatha
(1997)
Chandralekha
(1997)
Chandra's father
Manasam
(1997)
Menon
Rishyasringan
(1997)
Churam
(1997)
Balagopalan
Superman
(1997)
Raman Nair
Ishtadanam
(1997)
Dhanapalan
Manthramothiram
(1997)
M. K. S. Warrier
Mangamma
(1997)
Nair
Daya
(1998)
Sultan
Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu
(1998)
Dr. Subhash
Raktha Sakshikal Zindabad
(1998)
Sidhartha
(1998)
Karunakara Menon
Oru Maravathoor Kanavu
(1998)
Harikrishnans
(1998)
Thampuran
Thirakalkkappuram
(1998)
Vellayudhachan
Birthday
(1998)
Sundara Killadi
(1998)
Head of Swapna Bhoomi
Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala
(1998)
The Headmaster
Megham
(1999)
Meenakshi's father
Pallavur Devanarayanan
(1999)
Aasan
Thachiledathu Chundan
(1999)
Vasukutty
Saree
(1999)
Stalin Sivadas
(1999)
Pranaya Nilavu
(1999)
Madhavan Nair
Devadasi
(1999)
Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal
(1999)
Aravindan
English Medium
(1999)
Sankunni Nair
Angene Oru Avadhikkalathu
(1999)
Delhi Pappachan
Madhuranombarakattu
(2000)
Baaghavatar
Susanna
(2000)
Mr. Butler
(2000)
Life Is Beautiful
(2000)
Principal
Ishtam
(2001)
Krishnankutty Menon
Kakkakuyil
(2001)
Blind 'Thampuran'
Cover Story
(2001)
Dubai
(2001)
Swaminathan
Jeevan Masai
(2001)
Jeevan Masai
Uthaman
(2001)
Kochantony
Ladies & Gentlemen
(2001)
Fernandez
Randam Bhavam
(2001)
Manikutty's Father
Phantom
(2002)
Shadow Kill
(2002)
Jailer
Thandavam
(2002)
Swaminathan
Kanmashi
(2002)
Menon
Chathurangam
(2002)
Mathew Varghese
Mazhathullikkilukkam
(2002)
Father Palaykkal
Yathrakarude Sradhakku
(2002)
Viswanathan
Kunjikkoonan
(2002)
Prasad's father
Manassinakkare
(2003)
Kuriakose
Mr. Brahmachari
(2003)
Sekharan Thampi
Balettan
(2003)
Balachandran's Father
Parinamam
(2003)
Arimpara
(2003)
Krishnan Unni
Maargam
(2003)
Venu Menon
Thilakkam
(2003)
Padmanabhan Master
Ente Veedu... Appuvinteyum
(2003)
Child Psychologist
Vettam
(2004)
Retd D.I.G (Uncle Tom)
Jalolsavam
(2004)
Aalakkal Govindanashan
Vismayathumbathu
(2004)
Dr. Sunny Joseph
Mampazhakkalam
(2004)
Raghavan Mash
Amrutham
(2004)
Ravunni Nair
December
(2005)
Anandabhadram
(2005)
Saira
(2005)
Ustad Ali
Mayookham
(2005)
Unni's Father
Finger Print
(2005)
Rama Varma Thampuran
Anniyan
(2005)
Parthasarathy Iyengar
Thanmathra
(2005)
Krishnan Nair
Pothan Vava
(2006)
Meppattor Vishnu Narayanan Nampoothiri
Prajapathi
(2006)
Kaliyarmadom Kunjambu Nair
Rashtram
(2006)
Chief Minister Janardhanan Kurup
Mahasamudram
(2006)
Palunku
(2006)
Teacher
Aanachandam
(2006)
Indrajith
(2007)
Madhavan Nair
Chaurahen
(2007)
Mr. Nair
Changathipoocha
(2007)
Sreedharan Nair
Vinodayathra
(2007)
John Matthew
Arabikkatha
(2007)
"Society" Gopalan
Nivedyam
(2007)
Four Women
(2007)
Kaiyoppu
(2007)
C.P. Vasudevan
Khaki
(2007)
A Climate for Crime
(2008)
Maathu
Mizhikal Sakshi
(2008)
Lebba Sahib
Dae! Ingottu Nokkiye...
(2008)
Thavalam
(2008)
Panikker
Pakal Nakshatrangal
(2008)
Poi Solla Porom
(2008)
K.R.Sathyanathan
Silambattam
(2008)
Vichu's Grandfather
Bhagyadevatha
(2009)
Sadanadan Pillai
Banaras
(2009)
Ivar Vivahitharayal...?
(2009)
Freddy Uncle
Kana Kanmani
(2009)
Iyer
Keralotsavam Mission 2009
(2009)
Padmanabhan Embranthiri
Puthiya Mugham
(2009)
Kichan's father
Love in Singapore
(2009)
Andrews Perreira
Swa Le
(2009)
Palazhi Sivasankarappilla
Bhoomi Malayalam
(2009)
Passenger
(2009)
Driver Nair
Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded
(2009)
Chief Minister of Kerala
Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja
(2009)
Moopan
Decent Parties
(2009)
Punyam Aham
(2010)
Kaarackal Easwaran Namboodiri
Pathinonnil Vyazham
(2010)
Malarvaadi Arts Club
(2010)
Kumaran
Alexander The Great
(2010)
Dr. Korah
In Ghost House Inn
(2010)
Father Dominic
Raama Raavanan
(2010)
Annadurai
Oru Naal Varum
(2010)
Havildar Vasudevan
Elsamma Enna Aankutty
(2010)
Kunnel Pappan
Pokkiri Raja
(2010)
Madhavan Nair
Sakudumbam Shyamala
(2010)
Shekaran IAS
Best Actor
(2010)
Denver Aashan
Collector
(2011)
Living Together
(2011)
Vasudevan Kartha
Mohabbath
(2011)
Violin
(2011)
Doctor
Ekadashy
(2011)
Manikyakallu
(2011)
Head master
Teja Bhai and Family
(2011)
Orma Mathram
(2011)
August 15
(2011)
V. G. Sadasivan
Arjunan Saakshi
(2011)
Arabeem Ottakom P. Madhavan Nayarum in Oru Marubhoomi Kadha
(2011)
Thoma
Abu, Son of Adam
(2011)
Govindan Master
Bhoopadathil Illatha Oridam
(2012)
Panchayat president
Puthiya Theerangal
(2012)
K.P./ Advocate Immanuel / Kurian Paulose / Kumara Panickker
Mayamohini
(2012)
Sankaran Potti
Achante Aanmakkal
(2012)
Madhava Menon
Ithramathram
(2012)
Gowdar
Graamam
(2012)
Govindankutty Maashu
Unnam
(2012)
Murugan
The King & The Commissioner
(2012)
Dr. E.K.Sudharshan
Vadhiyar
(2012)
Mr. Marumakan
(2012)
Rajagopalan Thampy
Friday
(2012)
Purushothaman
Color of Sky
(2012)
Old Man
Hero
(2012)
Thankachan, Antony's father
Thiruvambadi Thamban
(2012)
Kunjoonju
Celluloid
(2013)
Subramaniam
Immanuel
(2013)
Jabbar
Tourist Home
(2013)
Sringaravelan
(2013)
Radha's Grand father
Memories
(2013)
Father John
Kadal Kadannu Oru Maathukutty
(2013)
Thomas
North 24 Kaatham
(2013)
Gopalettan
Nadodimannan
(2013)
Thiruvithamkodu Thirumanassu
Sound Thoma
(2013)
Manikunju
Money Back Policy
(2013)
Onachan
Isaac Newton S/O Philipose
(2013)
Philipose
Gamer
(2014)
Gamer
Law Point
(2014)
Ramakrishnan
Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal
(2014)
Kuriachen
Names Unknown
(2014)
Work Shop Master
Lal Bahadur Shastri
(2014)
Bahadur
Ottamandaram
(2014)
To Noora with Love
(2014)
Aamayum Muyalum
(2014)
Kashi
Villali Veeran
(2014)
Damodharji
Munnariyippu
(2014)
Rama Moorthy
Sapthamashree Thaskaraha
(2014)
Nobilettan
Homely Meals
(2014)
Father Dixon
Rudra Simhasanam
(2015)
Shivathanu
Valiya Chirakulla Pakshikal
(2015)
Chief Editor
Lord Livingstone 7000 Kandi
(2015)
CKAK Menon
Charlie
(2015)
Kunjappan
Nirnayakam
(2015)
Vasu Kuttan
Alif
(2015)
Kunjammadu Sahib
Rasam
(2015)
Valliyottu Thirumeni
Oru Second Class Yathra
(2015)
Narayanan
Buddhanum Chaplinum Chirikkunnu
(2016)
Pinneyum
(2016)
Pappu Pilla
Kadhantharam
(2016)
Rajaram
Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho
(2016)
Appooppan
Oppam
(2016)
Justice Krishnamoorthy
Pavada
(2016)
Pillai
Ishti
(2016)
Ramavikraman Namboodiri
Oru Visheshapetta Biriyani Kissa
(2017)
Krishnan Nair
Avarude Raavukal
(2017)
Scobo Jhons
Pokkiri Simon
(2017)
Udaharanam Sujatha
(2017)
George Paul
Kammara Sambhavam
(2018)
Selvan Moopan
Joseph
(2018)
Thattumpurath Achuthan
(2018)
Avhuthan's Father
Johny Johny Yes Appa
(2018)
Oru Kuprasidha Payyan
(2018)
Adv. Santhosh Narayan
Khaleefa
(2018)
Carbon
(2018)
Basheer
Daivame Kaithozham K.Kumar Akanam
(2018)
God
DiwanjiMoola Grand Prix
(2018)
Oru Kuttanadan Blog
(2018)
Vasudeva Kaimal
Thakkol
(2019)
Thelivu
(2019)
A for Apple
(2019)
Shubharathri
(2019)
Chila NewGen Nattuvisheshangal
(2019)
Kanchana 3
(2019)
Kaali’s father
Madura Raja
(2019)
Madhavan Nair
Vaarikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam
(2019)
Panthu
(2019)
Sarvam Thaala Mayam
(2019)
Vembu Iyer
Yuvam
(2021)
Aanum Pennum
(2021)
Vasudevan
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea
(2021)
Samoothiri
Aaraattu
(2022)
Sreedharan Master
Bheeshma Parvam
(2022)
Iravippilla
Puzhu
(2022)
Mohan
Jack N Jill
(2022)
Retd. Colonel Nair
By Her
(2022)
Centimeter
(2022)
Indian 2
(2024)
Krishnasamy
Writing
Kattathe Kilikkoodu
(1983)
Story
Thalavattam
(1986)
Story
Pooram
(1989)
Writer
Aalavattam
(1993)
Story
Oru Kadankatha Pole
(1993)
Writer
Angene Oru Avadhikkalathu
(1999)
Writer
Rasam
(2015)
Screenplay
Directing