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
Vettam
(2004)
Retd D.I.G (Uncle Tom)
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea
(2021)
Samoothiri
My Dear Kuttichathan
(1984)
Invisible Kuttichatan (voice)
Arabeem Ottakom P. Madhavan Nayarum in Oru Marubhoomi Kadha
(2011)
Thoma
Sundara Killadi
(1998)
Head of Swapna Bhoomi
Anniyan
(2005)
Parthasarathy Iyengar
Chaurahen
(2007)
Mr. Nair
Kanchana 3
(2019)
Kaali’s father
Indian
(1996)
Krishnasamy
Full Filmography
Acting
Aaravam
(1978)
Maruthu
The Circus Tent
(1978)
Thakara
(1979)
Chellappanasar
Manjil Virinja Pookkal
(1980)
Seythalavi
Chamaram
(1980)
Father
Kolangal
(1981)
Paramu
Vida Parayum Munpe
(1981)
Xavier
Thenum Vayambum
(1981)
Ravi
Chatta
(1981)
Kosara Bhairavan
Kallan Pavithran
(1981)
Pavithran
Venal
(1981)
Dhanya
(1981)
Parankimala
(1981)
Palangal
(1981)
Ramankutty
Kaaliya Mardhanam
(1982)
Sreeni
Enikkum oru Divasam
(1982)
Vasu
Komaram
(1982)
Njan Onnu Parayatte
(1982)
Charlie
Ormakkayi
(1982)
Balu
Kaattile paattu
(1982)
Kelkatha Sabdam
(1982)
Devan
Chillu
(1982)
Yavanika
(1982)
Balagopalan
Football
(1982)
Ente Mohangal Poovaninju
(1982)
Damu
Amrutha Geetham
(1982)
Mohan
Ponnum Poovum
(1982)
Dasan
Marmaram
(1982)
Narayana Iyer
Ilakkangal
(1982)
Unni
Eettillam
(1983)
Vijayan
Veena Poovu
(1983)
Aadhipathyam
(1983)
Antony
Kinnaram
(1983)
Unni
Oru Swakaryam
(1983)
Kingini Kombu
(1983)
Naseema
(1983)
Ravi
Rachana
(1983)
Achuthanunni
Onnu Chirikku
(1983)
Dr. George
Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback
(1983)
Paul Raj
Prem Nazirine Kanmanilla
(1983)
Nedumudi Venu
Saagaram Santham
(1983)
Raghavan
Asthram
(1983)
Krishnanunni
Mandanmar Londonil
(1983)
Vasu Kumar
Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu
(1984)
The Priest
Odaruthammava Aalariyam
(1984)
Major Nair
Uyarangalil
(1984)
Johnie
Poochakkoru Mookkuthi
(1984)
Ravunni Menon
Oru Kochukatha Aarum Parayatha Katha
(1984)
Aravindan
Ithiri Poove Chuvannapoove
(1984)
Potty
Appunni
(1984)
Appunni
Mangalam Nerunnu
(1984)
Kaliyil Alpam Karyam
(1984)
Sandyakkenthinu Sindhooram
(1984)
My Dear Kuttichathan
(1984)
Invisible Kuttichatan (voice)
Aayiram Abilashangal
(1984)
Oru Kochu Swapnam
(1984)
Venu
Veruthe Oru Pinakkam
(1984)
Ente Upasana
(1984)
Lathika's Uncle
Manasariyathe
(1984)
Venu
Akkare
(1984)
Johnny
Aarorumariyathe
(1984)
Govindankutty
Parannu Parannu Parannu
(1984)
Vakkachan
Panchavadi Palam
(1984)
Shikhandi Pillai
Iniyum Kadha Thudarum
(1985)
Puli Varunne Puli
(1985)
Ramdas
Akkare Ninnoru Maran
(1985)
Sree Thankappan Nair
Irakal
(1985)
Andrews
Oduvil Kittiya Vartha
(1985)
Guruji Oru Vakku
(1985)
Charlie
Chidambaram
(1985)
Himself
Punnaram Cholli Cholli
(1985)
Sivaraman
Kathodu Kathoram
(1985)
Priest
Oru Sandesam Koodi
(1985)
Ee Thanalil Ithiri Neram
(1985)
Mutharamkunnu P.O.
(1985)
Kuttan Pillai
Ee Lokam Ivide Kure Manushyar
(1985)
Sakhavu
Azhiyatha Bandhangal
(1985)
Unnikrishnan
Mizhineerppoovukal
(1986)
Dheem Tharikida Thom
(1986)
Keerikkad Chellappan Nair
Moonnu Masangalkku Munpu
(1986)
Arappatta Kettiya Graamathil
(1986)
Gopi
Adiverukal
(1986)
Oru Kadha Oru Nunakadha
(1986)
Appu Nair
Panchagni
(1986)
Shekharan
Pappan Priyappetta Pappan
(1986)
SI Kochappu
Doore Doore Oru Koodu Koottam
(1986)
Kunjan Nair
Ambili Ammavan
(1986)
Meenamasathile Suryan
(1986)
Chirukandan's Father
Ennennum Kannettante
(1986)
Tharavadu Karanavar
Pranamam
(1986)
Usha's Father
Love Story
(1986)
Kumaran Nair / Radhakrishnan (dual role)
Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi
(1986)
Sasidharan
Ponnum Kudathinum Pottu
(1986)
Dasan
Katturumbinum Kathu Kuthu
(1986)
Rareeram
(1986)
Venu
Thalavattam
(1986)
Dr. Unni Krishnan
Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare
(1986)
Dr. K. K. Menon
Manja Mantharangal
(1987)
Professor Varma
Chilampu
(1987)
Kathakku Pinnil
(1987)
Sarvakalasala
(1987)
Aasan
Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam
(1987)
Ravunni Nair
Neela Kurinji Poothappol....
(1987)
Sivaramakrishnan Nair
Oridathu
(1987)
Overseer Sundaresan
Rithubhedam
(1987)
Achuvettante Veedu
(1987)
Achuthankutty Nair
Swathi Thirunal
(1987)
Cheppu
(1987)
Lecturer
Witness
(1988)
Himself
Dhwani
(1988)
Shekharan
Sanghunadam
(1988)
Unnikrishnante Adyathe Christmas
(1988)
Ore Thooval Pakshikal
(1988)
Vicharana
(1988)
Ramettan
Vellanakalude Naadu
(1988)
Minister
Chithram
(1988)
Kaimal
Aranyakam
(1988)
Grandfather
Orkkapurathu
(1988)
Nicholas
Isabella
(1988)
Tourist Guide
Padamudra
(1988)
Vaishali
(1988)
Rajaguru
Daisy
(1988)
Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu
(1988)
Kumaren Nair
Chakkikotha Chankaran
(1989)
Prabhakaran Thampi
Anagha
(1989)
Dasharatham
(1989)
Scariah
Swagatham
(1989)
Devan Nair
Alicinte Anweshanam
(1989)
Viswanathan
Njangalude Kochu Doctor
(1989)
Hameed
Devadas
(1989)
Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnam
(1989)
Dr Kuriakose
Vadakkunokki Yantram
(1989)
Doctor
Vandanam
(1989)
Kurian Fernandez
Pooram
(1989)
Chellappan
Rugmini
(1989)
Lal Salam
(1990)
Father Felix
Champion Thomas
(1990)
Madhavan
Vidhyarambham
(1990)
Madhavan Ezhuthachan
Dr. Pasupathy
(1990)
Unnikannan Nair
His Highness Abdullah
(1990)
Maharaja Udayavarma
Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu
(1990)
Godman
Akkare Akkare Akkare
(1990)
Sivadasa Menon
Pavakkoothu
(1990)
Aditya Varma
Appu
(1990)
Chandikunju
Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam
(1990)
Valiya Thampuran
Nettippattam
(1991)
Kumaran
Mukhachithram
(1991)
Fr. Felix
Bharatham
(1991)
Ramanathan
Perumthachan
(1991)
Unni Thampuran
Uncle Bun
(1991)
Jameskutty Chacko
Keli
(1991)
'Romance' Kumaran
Bhoomika
(1991)
Rama Warrier
Kadavu
(1991)
Dhanam
(1991)
Rajappan
Vishnulokam
(1991)
Krishnanunni
Kizhakkunarum Pakshi
(1991)
Venal Kinavukal
(1991)
Venkita Ramayyar
Santhwanam
(1991)
Thambi
Poochakkaru Mani Kettum
(1992)
Ambotty
Pandu Pandoru Rajakumari
(1992)
Balan Nambyar
Champakkulam Thachan
(1992)
Kuttiraman
Vietnam Colony
(1992)
Moosa Settu
Soorya Gayathri
(1992)
Manisankar Iyer
Yamanam
(1992)
Aham
(1992)
Sadayam
(1992)
Father Dominic
Rajashilpi
(1992)
Madhavan
Kamaladalam
(1992)
Secretary of Kerala Kala Mandiram Institute
Malootty
(1992)
Raghavan
Sargam
(1992)
Haridas' father
Aalavattam
(1993)
Kesavankutty
Padheyam
(1993)
Kunjikannan Nair
Midhunam
(1993)
Chekkodu Swamy
Kabuliwala
(1993)
Kabooliwala
Akashadoothu
(1993)
Fr.Vattappara
Kalippattam
(1993)
Oru Kadankatha Pole
(1993)
Samooham
(1993)
Balan Poduval
Devasuram
(1993)
Appu master
Venkalam
(1993)
Chathukutti
Maya Mayooram
(1993)
Hassan Bhai
Aagneyam
(1993)
Samagamam
(1993)
Fr. Puthenthara
Manichitrathazhu
(1993)
Thampy
Ente Sreekuttikku
(1993)
Ananthan Mashu
Pavithram
(1994)
Warrier
Rajadhani
(1994)
Panikker
Enchantment
(1994)
Ummini
Thenmavin Kombath
(1994)
Sreekrishnan Thampuran
Parinayam
(1994)
Ilayum Mullum
(1994)
Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njanum
(1995)
Kazhakam
(1995)
Aashaan
Ormakalundayirikkanam
(1995)
Nambiar
Alancheri Thamprakkal
(1995)
Chathukutti Bhagavathar
Sreeragam
(1995)
Periya Shasthri
Spadikam
(1995)
Ravunni Master
Mogamul
(1995)
Ranganna
Nirnayam
(1995)
Fr. Thayyil
Thacholi Varghese Chekavar
(1995)
Sakshyam
(1995)
Dominic Fernandes
Manikya Chempazhukka
(1995)
Adv. Bharathan
Kaalapani
(1996)
Sreekandan Nair
Rajaputhran
(1996)
M. K. Nair
Udhyanapalakan
(1996)
Devaraagam
(1996)
Indian
(1996)
Krishnasamy
Oru Yaatra Mozhi
(1997)
Appu
Guru
(1997)
Teacher
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
Raktha Sakshikal Zindabad
(1998)
Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu
(1998)
Dr. Subhash
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
Cover Story
(2001)
Kakkakuyil
(2001)
Blind 'Thampuran'
Dubai
(2001)
Swaminathan
Jeevan Masai
(2001)
Jeevan Masai
Ladies & Gentlemen
(2001)
Fernandez
Uthaman
(2001)
Kochantony
Randam Bhavam
(2001)
Manikutty's Father
Thandavam
(2002)
Swaminathan
Chathurangam
(2002)
Mathew Varghese
Phantom
(2002)
Shadow Kill
(2002)
Jailer
Kanmashi
(2002)
Menon
Mazhathullikkilukkam
(2002)
Father Palaykkal
Kunjikkoonan
(2002)
Prasad's father
Yathrakarude Sradhakku
(2002)
Viswanathan
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
Jalolsavam
(2004)
Aalakkal Govindanashan
Vettam
(2004)
Retd D.I.G (Uncle Tom)
Vismayathumbathu
(2004)
Dr. Sunny Joseph
Mampazhakkalam
(2004)
Raghavan Mash
Amrutham
(2004)
Ravunni Nair
December
(2005)
Anandabhadram
(2005)
Mayookham
(2005)
Unni's Father
Finger Print
(2005)
Rama Varma Thampuran
Anniyan
(2005)
Parthasarathy Iyengar
Thanmathra
(2005)
Krishnan Nair
Saira
(2005)
Ustad Ali
Pothan Vava
(2006)
Meppattor Vishnu Narayanan Nampoothiri
Prajapathi
(2006)
Kaliyarmadom Kunjambu Nair
Rashtram
(2006)
Chief Minister Janardhanan Kurup
Palunku
(2006)
Teacher
Mahasamudram
(2006)
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
Keralotsavam Mission 2009
(2009)
Padmanabhan Embranthiri
Kana Kanmani
(2009)
Iyer
Puthiya Mugham
(2009)
Kichan's father
Swa Le
(2009)
Palazhi Sivasankarappilla
Love in Singapore
(2009)
Andrews Perreira
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)
Daivame Kaithozham K.Kumar Akanam
(2018)
God
Carbon
(2018)
Basheer
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