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