NV

Nedumudi Venu
Actor, Writer, Director, Additional Credits
Born May 22, 1948Died October 11, 2021 (73 years)
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.
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.
Filmography
2024 | |
2024 | Manorathangal (TV Series) · as Madhavan Mash |
2024 | Indian 2 · as Krishnasamy |
2023 | |
2022 | Jack N Jill · as Retd. Colonel Nair |
2022 | Puzhu · as Mohan |
2022 | Bheeshma Parvam · as Iravippilla |
2022 | Aaraattu · as Sreedharan Master |
2021 | Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea · as Samoothiri |
2021 | Navarasa (TV Series) · as Principal |
2021 | Aanum Pennum · as Vasudevan |
2021 | |
2019 | |
2019 | Vaarthakal Ithuvare · as Ittan Pillai |
2019 | |
2019 | |
2019 | Kanchana 3 · as Kaali’s Father |
2019 | Madhuraraja · as Madhavan Nair |
2019 | Varikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam · as Kurukkan Ponnappan |
2018 | Omnipresence of Rhythm · as Vembu Iyer |
2018 | Thattum Purath Achuthan · as Avhuthan's Father |
2018 | Joseph · as Adv. Srinivasan |
2018 | Oru Kuprasidha Payyan · as Adv. Santhosh Narayan |
2018 | |
2018 | Oru Kuttanadan Blog · as Vasudeva Kaimal |
2018 | Kammara Sambhavam · as Selvan Moopan |
2018 | Carbon · as Basheer |
2018 | Daivame Kaithozham K. Kumarakanam · as God |
2018 | |
2017 | Udaharanam Sujatha · as George Paul |
2017 | |
2017 | Oru Visheshapetta Biriyani Kissa · as Krishnan Nair |
2017 | Avarude Raavukal · as Scobo Jhons |
2016 | Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho · as Appooppan |
2016 | Oppam · as Justice Krishnamoorthy |
2016 | Once Again · as Pappu Pilla |
2016 | All of Us · as Cast |
2016 | Paavada · as Pillai |
2015 | Charlie · as Kunjappan |
2015 | Birds with Large Wings · as Chief Editor |
2015 | Lord Livingstone 7000 Kandi · as Ckak Menon |
2015 | Rudra Simhasanam · as Shivathanu |
2015 | Nirnnayakam · as Vasu Kuttan |
2015 | Oru Second Class Yathra · as Narayanan |
2015 | Saaradhi · as Cast |
2015 | Rasam · as Valliyottu Thirumeni |
2014 | Names Unknown · as Work Shop Master |
2014 | Aamayum Muyalum · as Kashi |
2014 | Lal Bahadur & Shastri · as Bahadur |
2014 | |
2014 | Homely Meals · as Father Dixon |
2014 | Sapthamashree Thaskaraha · as Nobilettan |
2014 | Villali Veeran · as Damodharji |
2014 | Munnariyippu · as Rama Moorthy |
2014 | Law Point · as Ramakrishnan |
2014 | |
2014 | Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal · as Kuriachen |
2013 | Nadodi Mannan · as Thiruvithamkodu Thirumanassu |
2013 | Sringaravelan · as Varmaji, Radha's Grand Father |
2013 | North 24 Kaatham · as Gopalettan |
2013 | Memories · as Father John |
2013 | Kadal Kadannu Oru Maathukutty · as Thomas |
2013 | Money Back Policy · as Onachan |
2013 | Orissa · as Immanuel |
2013 | Immanuel · as Jabbar |
2013 | Sound Thoma · as Manikunju |
2013 | Celluloid · as Subramaniam |
2013 | Isaac Newton S/O Philipose · as Philipose |
2012 | Puthiya Theerangal · as K.p./ Advocate Immanuel / Kurian Paulose / Kumara Panickker |
2012 | Bhoopadathil Illatha Oridam · as Panchayat President |
2012 | Mr. Marumakan · as Rajagopalan Thampy |
2012 | Friday · as Purushothaman |
2012 | |
2012 | Thiruvambadi Thamban · as Kunjoonju |
2012 | Hero · as Thankachan, Antony's Father |
2012 | Mayamohini · as Sankaran Potti |
2012 | The King and the Commissioner · as Dr. E. K. Sudharshan |
2012 | Achante Aanmakkal · as Madhava Menon |
2012 | Akashathinte Niram · as Old Man |
2012 | Unnam · as Murugan |
2012 | Njanum Ente Familiyum · as Cast |
2011 | The Arab, The Camel, and P. Madhavan Nair · as Thoma |
2011 | Doctor Love · as Father Of Gauri (ananya) |
2011 | |
2011 | |
2011 | |
2011 | Violin · as Doctor |
2011 | Abu, Son of Adam · as Govindan Master |
2011 | Manikyakallu · as Head Master |
2011 | |
2011 | August 15 · as V. G. Sadasivan |
2011 | |
2010 | Best Actor · as Denver Aashan |
2010 | |
2010 | Elsamma Enna Aankutty · as Kunnel Pappan |
2010 | Penpattanam · as Rich Man |
2010 | Sakudumbam Shyamala · as Shekaran Ias |
2010 | Malarvaadi Arts Club · as Kumaran |
2010 | Oru Naal Varum · as Havildar Vasudevan |
2010 | Pokkiri Raja · as Madhavan Nair |
2010 | Alexander the Great · as Dr. Korah |
2010 | Pullimaan · as Raman |
2010 | In Ghost House Inn · as Father Dominic |
2010 | Pattinte Palazhi · as Usthad |
2009 | Keralotsavam 2009 · as Padmanabhan Embranthiri |
2009 | Swa Le · as Palazhi Sivasankarappilla |
2009 | Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja · as Moopan |
2009 | Kaana Kanmani · as Iyer |
2009 | |
2009 | Puthiya Mugham · as Kichan's Father |
2009 | Ivar Vivahitharayal...? · as Freddy Uncle |
2009 | Passenger · as Driver Nair |
2009 | |
2009 | Bhagyadevatha · as Sadanadan Pillai |
2009 | Sagar Alias Jackie: Reloaded · as Chief Minister Of Kerala |
2009 | Gulumaal: The Escape · as Prabhakara Varma |
2009 | Love in Singapore · as Andrews Perreira |
2009 | Samayam · as Cast |
2008 | Silambattam · as Vichu's Grandfather |
2008 | |
2008 | Thavalam · as Panikker |
2008 | Poi Solla Porom · as K.r.sathyanathan |
2008 | Mizhikal Sakshi · as Lebba Sahib |
2008 | |
2008 | College Kumaran · as Cast |
2008 | Novel · as Cast |
2007 | Ayur Rekha · as Captain Nair |
2007 | |
2007 | Chaurahen · as Mr. Nair |
2007 | Indrajith · as Madhavan Nair |
2007 | |
2007 | Black Cat · as Cast |
2007 | Arabikkatha · as "society" Gopalan |
2007 | |
2007 | Vinodayathra · as John Matthew |
2007 | Kayyoppu · as C.p. Vasudevan |
2007 | Changathipoocha · as Sreedharan Nair |
2006 | Palunku · as Teacher |
2006 | Pothan Vava · as Meppattor Vishnu Narayanan Nampoothiri |
2006 | Mahasamudram · as Cast |
2006 | |
2006 | Prajapathi · as Kaliyarmadom Kunjambu Nair |
2006 | Rashtram · as Chief Minister Janardhanan Kurup |
2005 | Thanmathra · as Krishnan Nair |
2005 | Mayookham · as Unni's Father |
2005 | |
2005 | |
2005 | Anniyan · as Parthasarathy Iyengar |
2005 | Finger Print · as Rama Varma Thampuran |
2005 | Ponmudipuzhayorathu · as Muthappan |
2005 | December · as Cast |
2004 | Amrutham · as Ravunni Nair |
2004 | Maampazhakkaalam · as Raghavan Mash |
2004 | Ee Snehatheerathu · as Sashtri |
2004 | Vettam · as Retd D.i.g (uncle Tom) |
2004 | Parayam · as Kannan Perumadiyoor |
2004 | Jalolsavam · as Aalakkal Govindanashan |
2004 | Vismayathumbathu · as Dr. Sunny Joseph |
2003 | Manassinakkare · as Kuriakose |
2003 | Balettan · as Balachandran's Father |
2003 | Thilakkam · as Padmanabhan Master |
2003 | Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum · as Child Psychologist |
2003 | Mr. Brahmachari · as Sekharan Thampi |
2002 | Yathrakarude Sradhakku · as Viswanathan |
2002 | Chathurangam · as Mathew Varghese |
2002 | Nizhalkkuthu · as Jailer |
2002 | Thandavam · as Swaminathan |
2002 | |
2002 | Kanmashi · as Menon |
2002 | Mazhathullikkilukkam · as Father Palaykkal |
2002 | Kunjikkoonan · as Prasad's Father |
2001 | Ishtam · as Krishnankutty Menon |
2001 | Randam Bhavam · as Manikutty's Father |
2001 | |
2001 | Dubai · as Swaminathan |
2001 | Kakkakuyil · as Blind 'thampuran' |
2001 | Jeevan Mashai · as Jeevan Masai |
2001 | Nalacharitham Naalam Divasam · as Paapputty |
2000 | Aanamuttathe Aangalamar · as Shivasankara Menon |
2000 | |
2000 | |
2000 | Life Is Beautiful · as Principal |
2000 | Madhuranombarakattu · as Baaghavatar |
2000 | Snehapoorvam Anna · as Uncle |
1999 | Pranaya Nilavu · as Madhavan Nair |
1999 | English Medium · as Sankunni Nair |
1999 | |
1999 | Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal · as Aravindan |
1999 | Pallavur Devanarayanan · as Aasan |
1999 | |
1999 | Thachiledathu Chundan · as Vasukutty |
1999 | Megham · as Meenakshi's Father |
1999 | Angane Oravadhikkalathu · as Delhi Pappachan |
1998 | Sundarakilladi · as Head Of Swapna Bhoomi |
1998 | Daya · as Sultan |
1998 | Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala · as The Headmaster |
1998 | Harikrishnans · as Thampuran |
1998 | |
1998 | Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu · as Dr. Subhash |
1998 | Sidhartha · as Karunakara Menon |
1998 | Thirakalkkappuram · as Vellayudhachan |
1998 | |
1998 | |
1998 | Manjukalam Kazhinju · as Cast |
1997 | Ishtadanam · as Dhanapalan |
1997 | Superman · as Raman Nair |
1997 | Guru · as Teacher |
1997 | Churam · as Balagopalan |
1997 | Chandralekha · as Udhaya Varma |
1997 | |
1997 | |
1997 | Manthramothiram · as M. K. S. Warrier |
1997 | Oru Yathramozhi · as Appu |
1997 | |
1997 | Manasam · as Menon |
1997 | |
1996 | |
1996 | Rajaputhran · as M. K. Nair |
1996 | Indian · as Krishnasamy |
1996 | Kaalapani · as Sreekandan Nair |
1996 | |
1996 | Kumkumacheppu · as Uncle Vakkeel Sekharan |
1995 | Sakshyam · as Dominic Fernandes |
1995 | Ormakalundayirikkanam · as Nambiar |
1995 | |
1995 | |
1995 | Manikya Chempazhukka · as Adv. Bharathan |
1995 | Alancherry Thambrakkal · as Chathukutti Bhagavathar |
1995 | Spadikam · as Ravunni Master |
1995 | Nirnnayam · as Fr. Thayyil |
1994 | |
1994 | Rajadhani · as Panikker |
1994 | Thenmavin Kombath · as Sreekrishnan Thampuran |
1994 | Pavithram · as Warrier |
1994 | Poochakkaru Mani Kettum · as Ambotty |
1994 | Kabooliwala · as Kabooliwala |
1994 | Nandini Oppol · as Cast |
1993 | Manichithrathazhu · as Thampy |
1993 | Golanthara Vartha · as Cast |
1993 | Padheyam · as Kunjikannan Nair |
1993 | Akashadoothu · as Fr.vattappara |
1993 | |
1993 | Maya Mayuram · as Hassan Bhai |
1993 | |
1993 | Midhunam · as Chekkodu Swamy |
1993 | Devasuram · as Appu Master |
1993 | Venkalam · as Chathukutti |
1993 | Ente Sreekuttikku · as Ananthan Mashu |
1993 | Samooham · as Balan Poduval |
1993 | Samagamam · as Fr. Puthenthara |
1993 | Ponnaram Thottathe rajavu · as Cast |
1992 | Vietnam Colony · as Moosa Settu |
1992 | Soorya Gayathri · as Manisankar Iyer |
1992 | Rajashilpi · as Madhavan |
1992 | |
1992 | Kamaladalam · as Secretary Of Kerala Kala Mandiram Institute |
1992 | Sargam · as Haridas' Father |
1992 | Sadayam · as Father Dominic |
1992 | Pandu Pandoru Rajakumari · as Balan Nambyar |
1992 | Malootty · as Raghavan |
1992 | Champakkulam Thachan · as Kuttiraman |
1991 | Nettippattam · as Kumaran |
1991 | Bhoomika · as Rama Warrier |
1991 | Uncle Bun · as Jameskutty Chacko |
1991 | Mukha Chithram · as Fr. Felix |
1991 | |
1991 | Vishnulokam · as Krishnanunni |
1991 | Bharatham · as Ramanathan |
1991 | Keli · as 'romance' Kumaran |
1991 | Dhanam · as Rajappan |
1991 | The Master Carpenter · as Unni Thampuran |
1991 | Aavanikunnile Kinnaripookkal · as Balan |
1990 | Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu · as Godman |
1990 | Lal Salam · as Father Felix |
1990 | Champion Thomas · as Madhavan |
1990 | Appu · as Chandikunju |
1990 | Dr. Pasupathy · as Unnikannan Nair |
1990 | His Highness Abdullah · as Maharaja Udayavarma |
1990 | Nanma Niranjavan Srinivasan · as Cast |
1990 | Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam · as Valiya Thampuran |
1990 | Akkare Akkare Akkare · as Sivadasa Menon |
1989 | |
1989 | Vaishali · as Rajaguru |
1989 | Dasharatham · as Scariah |
1989 | Vachanam · as Advocate |
1989 | Chakkikotha Chankaran · as Prabhakaran Thampi |
1989 | Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnam · as Dr Kuriakose |
1989 | Vadakkunokkiyantram · as Doctor |
1989 | Vandanam · as Kurian Fernandez |
1989 | Swagatham · as Devan Nair |
1989 | Pooram · as Chellappan |
1989 | Anagha · as Sugathan |
1989 | Najagalude Kochu Doctor · as Cast |
1988 | Dhwani · as Shekharan |
1988 | |
1988 | Chithram · as Kaimal |
1988 | Aranyakam · as Grandfather |
1988 | Vellanakalude Naadu · as Minister |
1988 | Isabella · as Tourist Guide |
1988 | |
1988 | Orkkappurathu · as Nicholas |
1988 | |
1988 | Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu · as Kumaren Nair |
1988 | Doore Doore Oru Koodu Kootam · as Kunjan Nair |
1988 | Mrithunjayam · as Jayachandra Gounder |
1987 | Ayitham · as Cast |
1987 | Achuvettante Veedu · as Achuthankutty Nair |
1987 | |
1987 | Cheppu · as Lecturer |
1987 | Oridathu · as Overseer Sundaresan |
1987 | Sarvakalasala · as Aasan |
1987 | Manja Manthrangal · as Professor Varma |
1987 | Oru Minnaminunginte Nurungu Vettam · as Ravunni Nair |
1987 | |
1987 | Varshangal Poyathariyathe · as Cast |
1987 | Theertham · as Vishnu Namboothiri |
1987 | Sruthi · as Ramavarma Thampuran |
1987 | Kanikanum Neram · as Sethu |
1986 | |
1986 | |
1986 | Rareeram · as Venu |
1986 | Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi · as Sasidharan |
1986 | Pranamam · as Usha's Father |
1986 | Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare · as Dr. K. K. Menon |
1986 | Thalavattam · as Dr. Unni Krishnan |
1986 | |
1986 | Sukhamo Devi · as Dr. Venugopal |
1986 | Pappan Priyappetta Pappan · as Si Kochappu |
1986 | Panchagni · as Shekharan |
1986 | |
1986 | Ponnum Kudthinu Pottu · as Dasan |
1986 | Arappatta Kettiya Graamathil · as Gopi |
1986 | Ennennum Kannettante · as Tharavadu Karanavar |
1986 | Oru Katha Oru Nunnakkatha · as Appu Nair |
1986 | Dheem Tharikida Thom · as Keerikkad Chellappan Nair |
1986 | |
1986 | Sunil Vayassu 20 · as Military Sir |
1985 | |
1985 | Kathodu Kathoram · as Priest |
1985 | Guruji Oru Vakku · as Charlie |
1985 | Puli Varunne Puli · as Ramdas |
1985 | Ee Lokam Ivide Kure Manushyar · as Sakhavu |
1985 | Irakal · as Andrews |
1985 | Akkare Ninnoru Maran · as Sree Thankappan Nair |
1985 | |
1985 | Mutharamkunnu P.O. · as Kuttan Pillai |
1985 | |
1985 | Punnaram Cholli Cholli · as Sivaraman |
1985 | Oru Naal Innoru Naal · as Venu |
1984 | Ente Upasana · as Lathika's Uncle |
1984 | Uyarangalil · as Johnie |
1984 | Nokketha Dhoorathu Kannum Nattu · as The Priest |
1984 | Akkare · as Johnny |
1984 | Panchavadi Palam · as Shikhandi Pillai |
1984 | My Dear Kuttichaathan · as Invisible Kuttichatan (voice) |
1984 | Parannu Parannu Parannu · as Vakkachan |
1984 | Appunni · as Appunni |
1984 | |
1984 | Poochakkoru Mookkuthi · as Ravunni Menon |
1984 | Oru Kochukatha Aarum Parayatha Katha · as Aravindan |
1984 | |
1984 | Oodarathuammava Aalariyam · as Major Nair |
1984 | Manasariyathe · as Venu |
1984 | Oru Kochu Swapnam · as Venu |
1983 | Lekhayude Maranam: Oru Flashback · as Paul Raj |
1983 | Asthram · as Krishnanunni |
1983 | Eettillam · as Vijayan |
1983 | Rachana · as Achuthanunni |
1983 | Kinnaram · as Unni |
1983 | Oridathoru Phayalvaan · as Cast |
1982 | Ente Mohangal Poovaninju · as Damu |
1982 | Yavanika · as Balagopalan |
1982 | Ilakkangal · as Unni |
1982 | |
1981 | Vida Parayum Mumbe · as Xavier |
1981 | Prema Geethangal · as Cast |
1981 | Kallan Pavithran · as Pavithran |
1980 | Manjil Virinja Pookkal · as Seythalavi |
1980 | Chamaram · as Father |
1980 | Aravam · as Maruthu |
1980 | Aarohanam · as Gopi |
1979 | Thakara · as Chellappanasar |
1978 |