THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Well-known Malayalam film actor and director, Venu Nagavally, died in a private hospital here this morning, hospital sources said.
Venu (61) had been keeping indifferent health for quite some time.His condition worsened about a week back and was moved to hospital.
Son of veteran writer and boradcaster late Nagavally R S Kurup, Venu had acted in over 100 films and directed 12 movies, many of them hits during the 1990s.
Venu had his breakthrough in 1978 'Ulkkadal', in which he played the role of s tragic hero, whose subdued but senstive portrayal made him an instant hit.
This was followed by a string of notable roles in well- appreciated movies like "Yavanika" and "Salini Ente Koottukari."
Venu, however, chose to recede behind the screen with the emergence of the super star era since mid-1990s concerntrating more on direction, scipt writing and production.
He also had a brief stint in All India Radio before giving up the job of broadcaster for a whole time film career.
His directorial hits included 'Lal Salam', which narrated the story of early Communists in Kerala, 'Sukhamo Devi' and 'Ai auto'. Most of these movies were scripted and produced by Venu himself.