Nedumudi Venu
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.
Acted in
Indian 3: War Mode
2025
as Krishnaswamy
Manorathangal
2024
as Madhavan Mash
Indian 2: Zero Tolerance
2024
as Krishnasamy
Jack N Jill
2022
as Retd. Colonel Nair
Centimeter
2022
Puzhu
2022
as Mohan
Bheeshma Parvam
2022
as Iravippilla
By Her
2022
Aaraattu
2022
as Sreedharan Master
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea
2021
as Samoothiri
Navarasa
2021
as Principal
Aanum Pennum
2021
as Vasudevan
Yuvam
2021
Thakkol
2019
Thelivu
2019
Chila NewGen Nattuvisheshangal
2019
A for Apple
2019
Shubharathri
2019
Kanchana 3
2019
as Kaali’s father
Madura Raja
2019
as Madhavan Nair
Vaarikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam
2019
Sarvam Thaala Mayam
2019
as Vembu Iyer
Panthu
2019
Thattumpurath Achuthan
2018
as Avhuthan's Father
Joseph
2018
Oru Kuprasidha Payyan
2018
as Adv. Santhosh Narayan
Johny Johny Yes Appa
2018
Oru Kuttanadan Blog
2018
as Vasudeva Kaimal
Kammara Sambhavam
2018
as Selvan Moopan
Khaleefa
2018
Carbon
2018
as Basheer
Daivame Kaithozham K.Kumar Akanam
2018
as God
DiwanjiMoola Grand Prix
2018
Udaharanam Sujatha
2017
as George Paul
Pokkiri Simon
2017
Oru Visheshapetta Biriyani Kissa
2017
as Krishnan Nair
Avarude Raavukal
2017
as Scobo Jhons
Buddhanum Chaplinum Chirikkunnu
2016
Ishti
2016
as Ramavikraman Namboodiri
Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho
2016
as Appooppan
Oppam
2016
as Justice Krishnamoorthy
Once Again
2016
as Pappu Pilla
Kadhantharam
2016
as Rajaram
Pavada
2016
as Pillai
Charlie
2015
as Kunjappan
Valiya Chirakulla Pakshikal
2015
as Chief Editor
Lord Livingstone 7000 Kandi
2015
as CKAK Menon
Rudra Simhasanam
2015
as Shivathanu
Nirnayakam
2015
as Vasu Kuttan
Oru Second Class Yathra
2015
as Narayanan
Alif
2015
as Kunjammadu Sahib
Rasam
2015
as Valliyottu Thirumeni
Aamayum Muyalum
2014
as Kashi
Names Unknown
2014
as Work Shop Master
Lal Bahadur Shastri
2014
as Bahadur
Ottamandaram
2014
Homely Meals
2014
as Father Dixon
Villali Veeran
2014
as Damodharji
Sapthamashree Thaskaraha
2014
as Nobilettan
Munnariyippu
2014
as Rama Moorthy
Law Point
2014
as Ramakrishnan
To Noora with Love
2014
Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal
2014
as Kuriachen
Gamer
2014
as Gamer
Nadodimannan
2013
as Thiruvithamkodu Thirumanassu
North 24 Kaatham
2013
as Gopalettan
Sringaravelan
2013
as Radha's Grand father
Memories
2013
as Father John
Kadal Kadannu Oru Maathukutty
2013
as Thomas
Tourist Home
2013
Money Back Policy
2013
as Onachan
Sound Thoma
2013
as Manikunju
Immanuel
2013
as Jabbar
Celluloid
2013
as Subramaniam
Isaac Newton S/O Philipose
2013
as Philipose
Puthiya Theerangal
2012
as K.P./ Advocate Immanuel / Kurian Paulose / Kumara Panickker
Bhoopadathil Illatha Oridam
2012
as Panchayat president
Ithramathram
2012
as Gowdar
Friday
2012
as Purushothaman
Mr. Marumakan
2012
as Rajagopalan Thampy
Graamam
2012
as Govindankutty Maashu
Color of Sky
2012
as Old Man
Vadhiyar
2012
Thiruvambadi Thamban
2012
as Kunjoonju
Hero
2012
as Thankachan, Antony's father
Mayamohini
2012
as Sankaran Potti
The King & The Commissioner
2012
as Dr. E.K.Sudharshan
Achante Aanmakkal
2012
as Madhava Menon
Unnam
2012
as Murugan
Arabeem Ottakom P. Madhavan Nayarum in Oru Marubhoomi Kadha
2011
as Thoma
Ekadashy
2011
Teja Bhai and Family
2011
Orma Mathram
2011
Collector
2011
Violin
2011
as Doctor
Abu, Son of Adam
2011
as Govindan Master
Manikyakallu
2011
as Head master
Mohabbath
2011
August 15
2011
as V. G. Sadasivan
Living Together
2011
as Vasudevan Kartha
Arjunan Saakshi
2011
Best Actor
2010
as Denver Aashan
Pathinonnil Vyazham
2010
Elsamma Enna Aankutty
2010
as Kunnel Pappan
Raama Raavanan
2010
as Annadurai
Sakudumbam Shyamala
2010
as Shekaran IAS
Malarvaadi Arts Club
2010
as Kumaran
Oru Naal Varum
2010
as Havildar Vasudevan
Alexander The Great
2010
as Dr. Korah
Pokkiri Raja
2010
as Madhavan Nair
In Ghost House Inn
2010
as Father Dominic
Punyam Aham
2010
as Kaarackal Easwaran Namboodiri
Keralotsavam Mission 2009
2009
as Padmanabhan Embranthiri
Swa Le
2009
as Palazhi Sivasankarappilla
Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja
2009
as Moopan
Kana Kanmani
2009
as Iyer
Decent Parties
2009
Puthiya Mugham
2009
as Kichan's father
Ivar Vivahitharayal...?
2009
as Freddy Uncle
Passenger
2009
as Driver Nair
Bhoomi Malayalam
2009
Banaras
2009
Bhagyadevatha
2009
as Sadanadan Pillai
Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded
2009
as Chief Minister of Kerala
Love in Singapore
2009
as Andrews Perreira
Silambattam
2008
as Vichu's Grandfather
Pakal Nakshatrangal
2008
Thavalam
2008
as Panikker
Poi Solla Porom
2008
as K.R.Sathyanathan
Mizhikal Sakshi
2008
as Lebba Sahib
Dae! Ingottu Nokkiye...
2008
A Climate for Crime
2008
as Maathu
Four Women
2007
Chaurahen
2007
as Mr. Nair
Indrajith
2007
as Madhavan Nair
Nivedyam
2007
Arabikkatha
2007
as "Society" Gopalan
Khaki
2007
Vinodayathra
2007
as John Matthew
Kaiyoppu
2007
as C.P. Vasudevan
Changathipoocha
2007
as Sreedharan Nair
Palunku
2006
as Teacher
Pothan Vava
2006
as Meppattor Vishnu Narayanan Nampoothiri
Mahasamudram
2006
Aanachandam
2006
Prajapathi
2006
as Kaliyarmadom Kunjambu Nair
Rashtram
2006
as Chief Minister Janardhanan Kurup
Thanmathra
2005
as Krishnan Nair
Anandabhadram
2005
Mayookham
2005
as Unni's Father
December
2005
Anniyan
2005
as Parthasarathy Iyengar
Finger Print
2005
as Rama Varma Thampuran
Saira
2005
as Ustad Ali
Amrutham
2004
as Ravunni Nair
Mampazhakkalam
2004
as Raghavan Mash
Jalolsavam
2004
as Aalakkal Govindanashan
Vettam
2004
as Retd D.I.G (Uncle Tom)
Vismayathumbathu
2004
as Dr. Sunny Joseph
Manassinakkare
2003
as Kuriakose
Maargam
2003
as Venu Menon
Balettan
2003
as Balachandran's Father
Ente Veedu... Appuvinteyum
2003
as Child Psychologist
Thilakkam
2003
as Padmanabhan Master
Parinamam
2003
Mr. Brahmachari
2003
as Sekharan Thampi
Arimpara
2003
as Krishnan Unni
Yathrakarude Sradhakku
2002
as Viswanathan
Chathurangam
2002
as Mathew Varghese
Shadow Kill
2002
as Jailer
Thandavam
2002
as Swaminathan
Phantom
2002
Kanmashi
2002
as Menon
Mazhathullikkilukkam
2002
as Father Palaykkal
Kunjikkoonan
2002
as Prasad's father
Ishtam
2001
as Krishnankutty Menon
Randam Bhavam
2001
as Manikutty's Father
Uthaman
2001
as Kochantony
Cover Story
2001
Dubai
2001
as Swaminathan
Kakkakuyil
2001
as Blind 'Thampuran'
Ladies & Gentlemen
2001
as Fernandez
Jeevan Masai
2001
as Jeevan Masai
Susanna
2000
Mr. Butler
2000
Life Is Beautiful
2000
as Principal
Madhuranombarakattu
2000
as Baaghavatar
Saree
1999
Pranaya Nilavu
1999
as Madhavan Nair
English Medium
1999
as Sankunni Nair
Devadasi
1999
Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal
1999
as Aravindan
Pallavur Devanarayanan
1999
as Aasan
Stalin Sivadas
1999
Megham
1999
as Meenakshi's father
Thachiledathu Chundan
1999
as Vasukutty
Angene Oru Avadhikkalathu
1999
as Delhi Pappachan
Sundara Killadi
1998
as Head of Swapna Bhoomi
Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala
1998
as The Headmaster
Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu
1998
as Dr. Subhash
Raktha Sakshikal Zindabad
1998
Oru Maravathoor Kanavu
1998
Harikrishnans
1998
as Thampuran
Sidhartha
1998
as Karunakara Menon
Daya
1998
as Sultan
Thirakalkkappuram
1998
as Vellayudhachan
Birthday
1998
Superman
1997
as Raman Nair
Guru
1997
as Teacher
Churam
1997
as Balagopalan
Chandralekha
1997
as Chandra's father
Itha Oru Snehagatha
1997
Manthramothiram
1997
as M. K. S. Warrier
Oru Yaatra Mozhi
1997
as Appu
Rishyasringan
1997
Ishtadanam
1997
as Dhanapalan
Manasam
1997
as Menon
Mangamma
1997
as Nair
Udhyanapalakan
1996
Indian
1996
as Krishnasamy
Kaalapani
1996
as Sreekandan Nair
Rajaputhran
1996
as M. K. Nair
Devaraagam
1996
Sakshyam
1995
as Dominic Fernandes
Sreeragam
1995
as Periya Shasthri
Ormakalundayirikkanam
1995
as Nambiar
Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njanum
1995
Thacholi Varghese Chekavar
1995
Mogamul
1995
as Ranganna
Manikya Chempazhukka
1995
as Adv. Bharathan
Spadikam
1995
as Ravunni Master
Alancheri Thamprakkal
1995
as Chathukutti Bhagavathar
Nirnayam
1995
as Fr. Thayyil
Kazhakam
1995
as Aashaan
Enchantment
1994
as Ummini
Ilayum Mullum
1994
Parinayam
1994
Rajadhani
1994
as Panikker
Thenmavin Kombath
1994
as Sreekrishnan Thampuran
Pavithram
1994
as Warrier
Manichitrathazhu
1993
as Thampy
Padheyam
1993
as Kunjikannan Nair
Samooham
1993
as Balan Poduval
Aagneyam
1993
Akashadoothu
1993
as Fr.Vattappara
Oru Kadankatha Pole
1993
Kalippattam
1993
Midhunam
1993
as Chekkodu Swamy
Maya Mayooram
1993
as Hassan Bhai
Devasuram
1993
as Appu master
Kabuliwala
1993
as Kabooliwala
Aalavattam
1993
as Kesavankutty
Venkalam
1993
as Chathukutti
Ente Sreekuttikku
1993
as Ananthan Mashu
Samagamam
1993
as Fr. Puthenthara
Vietnam Colony
1992
as Moosa Settu
Soorya Gayathri
1992
as Manisankar Iyer
Rajashilpi
1992
as Madhavan
Sadayam
1992
as Father Dominic
Aham
1992
Kamaladalam
1992
as Secretary of Kerala Kala Mandiram Institute
Poochakkaru Mani Kettum
1992
as Ambotty
Sargam
1992
as Haridas' father
Malootty
1992
as Raghavan
Pandu Pandoru Rajakumari
1992
as Balan Nambyar
Yamanam
1992
Champakkulam Thachan
1992
as Kuttiraman
Nettippattam
1991
as Kumaran
Santhwanam
1991
as Thambi
Venal Kinavukal
1991
as Venkita Ramayyar
Bhoomika
1991
as Rama Warrier
Uncle Bun
1991
as Jameskutty Chacko
Mukhachithram
1991
as Fr. Felix
Kizhakkunarum Pakshi
1991
Vishnulokam
1991
as Krishnanunni
Bharatham
1991
as Ramanathan
Keli
1991
as 'Romance' Kumaran
Dhanam
1991
as Rajappan
Kadavu
1991
Perumthachan
1991
as Unni Thampuran
Vidhyarambham
1990
as Madhavan Ezhuthachan
Lal Salam
1990
as Father Felix
Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu
1990
as Godman
Champion Thomas
1990
as Madhavan
Appu
1990
as Chandikunju
Pavakkoothu
1990
as Aditya Varma
His Highness Abdullah
1990
as Maharaja Udayavarma
Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam
1990
as Valiya Thampuran
Akkare Akkare Akkare
1990
as Sivadasa Menon
Dr. Pasupathy
1990
as Unnikannan Nair
Devadas
1989
Dasharatham
1989
as Scariah
Chakkikotha Chankaran
1989
as Prabhakaran Thampi
Anagha
1989
Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnam
1989
as Dr Kuriakose
Vadakkunokki Yantram
1989
as Doctor
Vandanam
1989
as Kurian Fernandez
Swagatham
1989
as Devan Nair
Njangalude Kochu Doctor
1989
as Hameed
Pooram
1989
as Chellappan
Rugmini
1989
Alicinte Anweshanam
1989
as Viswanathan
Dhwani
1988
as Shekharan
Chithram
1988
as Kaimal
Aranyakam
1988
as Grandfather
Vellanakalude Naadu
1988
as Minister
Vaishali
1988
as Rajaguru
Isabella
1988
as Tourist Guide
Padamudra
1988
Orkkapurathu
1988
as Nicholas
Sanghunadam
1988
Unnikrishnante Adyathe Christmas
1988
Witness
1988
as Himself
Daisy
1988
Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu
1988
as Kumaren Nair
Vicharana
1988
as Ramettan
Ore Thooval Pakshikal
1988
Swathi Thirunal
1987
Achuvettante Veedu
1987
as Achuthankutty Nair
Cheppu
1987
as Lecturer
And There Was a Village...
1987
as Overseer Sundaresan
Chilampu
1987
Sarvakalasala
1987
as Aasan
Rithubhedam
1987
Manja Mantharangal
1987
as Professor Varma
Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam
1987
as Ravunni Nair
Kathakku Pinnil
1987
Neela Kurinji Poothappol....
1987
as Sivaramakrishnan Nair
Ezhuthappurangal
1987
Rareeram
1986
as Venu
Ambili Ammavan
1986
Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi
1986
as Sasidharan
Pranamam
1986
as Usha's Father
Thalavattam
1986
as Dr. Unni Krishnan
Adiverukal
1986
Moonnu Masangalkku Munpu
1986
Panchagni
1986
as Shekharan
Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare
1986
as Dr. K. K. Menon
Mizhineerppoovukal
1986
Pappan Priyappetta Pappan
1986
as SI Kochappu
Meenamasathile Suryan
1986
as Chirukandan's Father
Kaveri
1986
Ponnum Kudathinum Pottu
1986
as Dasan
Arappatta Kettiya Graamathil
1986
as Gopi
Ennennum Kannettante
1986
as Tharavadu Karanavar
Katturumbinum Kathu Kuthu
1986
Love Story
1986
as Kumaran Nair / Radhakrishnan (dual role)
Oru Kadha Oru Nunakadha
1986
as Appu Nair
Doore Doore Oru Koodu Koottam
1986
as Kunjan Nair
Dheem Tharikida Thom
1986
as Keerikkad Chellappan Nair
Kathodu Kathoram
1985
as Priest
Guruji Oru Vakku
1985
as Charlie
Puli Varunne Puli
1985
as Ramdas
Ee Lokam Ivide Kure Manushyar
1985
as Sakhavu
Irakal
1985
as Andrews
Akkare Ninnoru Maran
1985
as Sree Thankappan Nair
Iniyum Kadha Thudarum
1985
Azhiyatha Bandhangal
1985
as Unnikrishnan
Mutharamkunnu P.O.
1985
as Kuttan Pillai
Oru Sandesam Koodi
1985
Oduvil Kittiya Vartha
1985
Chidambaram
1985
as Himself
Ee Thanalil Ithiri Neram
1985
Punnaram Cholli Cholli
1985
as Sivaraman
Ente Upasana
1984
as Lathika's Uncle
Uyarangalil
1984
as Johnie
Sandyakkenthinu Sindhooram
1984
Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu
1984
as The Priest
Akkare
1984
as Johnny
Panchavadi Palam
1984
as Shikhandi Pillai
My Dear Kuttichathan
1984
as Invisible Kuttichatan (voice)
Parannu Parannu Parannu
1984
as Vakkachan
Aayiram Abilashangal
1984
Appunni
1984
as Appunni
Poochakkoru Mookkuthi
1984
as Ravunni Menon
Kaliyil Alpam Karyam
1984
Mangalam Nerunnu
1984
Oru Kochukatha Aarum Parayatha Katha
1984
as Aravindan
Ithiri Poove Chuvannapoove
1984
as Potty
Odaruthammava Aalariyam
1984
as Major Nair
Aarorumariyathe
1984
as Govindankutty
Manasariyathe
1984
as Venu
Oru Kochu Swapnam
1984
as Venu
Veruthe Oru Pinakkam
1984
Prem Nazirine Kanmanilla
1983
as Nedumudi Venu
Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback
1983
as Paul Raj
Asthram
1983
as Krishnanunni
Saagaram Santham
1983
as Raghavan
Kingini Kombu
1983
Mandanmar Londonil
1983
as Vasu Kumar
Onnu Chirikku
1983
as Dr. George
Aadhipathyam
1983
as Antony
Oru Swakaryam
1983
Eettillam
1983
as Vijayan
Rachana
1983
as Achuthanunni
Naseema
1983
as Ravi
Kinnaram
1983
as Unni
Veena Poovu
1983
Njan Onnu Parayatte
1982
as Charlie
Marmaram
1982
as Narayana Iyer
Enikkum oru Divasam
1982
as Vasu
Ormakkayi
1982
as Balu
Amrutha Geetham
1982
as Mohan
Kaaliya Mardhanam
1982
as Sreeni
Chillu
1982
Ente Mohangal Poovaninju
1982
as Damu
Kelkatha Sabdam
1982
as Devan
Ponnum Poovum
1982
as Dasan
Komaram
1982
Yavanika
1982
as Balagopalan
Football
1982
Ilakkangal
1982
as Unni
Kaattile paattu
1982
Thenum Vayambum
1981
as Ravi
Vida Parayum Munpe
1981
as Xavier
Chatta
1981
as Kosara Bhairavan
Kolangal
1981
as Paramu
Dhanya
1981
Parankimala
1981
Venal
1981
Kallan Pavithran
1981
as Pavithran
Palangal
1981
as Ramankutty
Manjil Virinja Pookkal
1980
as Seythalavi
Chamaram
1980
as Father
Thakara
1979
as Chellappanasar
Aaravam
1978
as Maruthu
The Circus Tent
1978