Pattathil Venugopala Menon (8 November 1940 – 25 May 2011), better known by his stage nameP. Venu, was an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter, and lyricist with over 20 films to his name. His work in Malayalam cinema was significant and most influential, covering all themes and genres over a career spanning more than 40 years. His most recognized film C.I.D. Nazir, in 1971, revolutionized movie-making in the investigative genre in Malayalam cinema. Following this film's commercial and critical success, he came up with two more in the series - Taxi Car in 1972 and Prethangalude Thazhvara in 1973, as the first investigative sequels in Malayalam cinema.
Venu's last film, Parinamam, released in 2003, won an honour for the Malayalam cinema on the global stage by winning the Best Screenplay Award at the Ashdod International Film Festival in Israel. In 2005, he was bestowed the Kala Prathiba (Icon of Creative Arts) by the Kerala Film Critics Association for his contribution to the Malayalam cinema. He was also an active member of MACTA (Malayalam Cine Technicians Association). He published his book titled Udyogastha Muthal (meaning ‘Udyogastha Onwards’) in 2010, reminiscing his life as a filmmaker and his experiences in the film industry.
Early life
Venu was born in Puranattukara, Thrissur district, Kerala, he was the son of Madhava Kurup and Amminiamma. His fascination and passion for filmmaking led him to Merryland Studio, Trivandrum, where he worked as an assistant director for a few years before making his directorial debut Udhyogastha in 1967.
P. Venu, during the making of Udhyogastha.
Career
Venu made his directorial debut with Udhyogastha (1967), regarded as the first Malayalam film to feature an ensemble cast of leading stars, including Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Madhu, K. P. Ummer, Sarada, and Vijaya Nirmala. The film also marked the acting debut of future National Film Award winner Shoba as a child artist, whom Venu introduced under the screen name "Baby Shoba". He followed its commercial success with the family dramas Virunnukari and Veettumrugam (both 1969).
In 1968, Venu directed Viruthan Shanku, one of the earliest full-length comedy films in Malayalam cinema, starring Adoor Bhasi in the lead role. Over the course of his career, he worked across a wide range of genres. In 1971, he directed C.I.D. Nazir, an investigative thriller that was followed by Taxi Car (1972) and Prethangalude Thazhvara (1973), the latter continuing the investigative narrative established in C.I.D. Nazir.
Venu later collaborated with actor Jayan on several films, including Ariyappedatha Rahasyam (1981), noted for its action sequences. His films were also recognised for their music, featuring songs such as "Anuraga Ganam Pole", "Ezhuthiyatharanu Sujatha", "Nin Madiyile", "Neela Nishidhini", and "Malayala Bhashathan". The soundtracks were composed by prominent music directors including M. S. Baburaj, G. Devarajan, K. Raghavan, R. K. Shekhar, M. K. Arjunan, Raveendran, and Johnson. During a career spanning more than four decades, Venu collaborated with many leading actors, technicians, musicians, cinematographers, and production companies, and introduced several newcomers to the Malayalam film industry.
Parinamam (The Change) 2003.
Venu directed Parinamam (The Change), an National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) production released in 2003. The film explores themes of ageing, loneliness, and social isolation. It centres on Balakrishna Marar, portrayed by Madampu Kunjukuttan, a retired man who experiences neglect from his family. Running parallel to his story is that of former judge Damodaran Nambeeshan, played by Nedumudi Venu, who travels to Kashi in search of peace. The film also follows the lives of five other elderly individuals facing similar challenges, examining their experiences of loss, isolation, and alienation within their families and society.
In 2003, Parinamam was screened at the Malayalam Film Festival in Dubai, the Chennai International Film Festival, and the Indian Panorama section of the International Film Festival of India. The film was also selected for screening at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004 and received the Best Screenplay award at the Ashdod International Film Festival in Israel in 2005.
Personal life
In 1972, Venu married Sasekala from Parithipulli in Palakkad district, Kerala. They have two children, Vijay Menon and Sridevi.
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