Plays several musical instruments and his recital of poetry is legendary in Kerala.

Won the National Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film His Highness Abdullah (1990), and a Special Mention for his performance in Margam (2003).

Recipient of the following Kerala State Film Awards: Second Best Actor Award for Chamaram (1980), Best Actor Award in 1981 (for different films), Best Actor Award for _Oru Minnaminuginte Nurungu Vettam (1987)_ , Special Jury Award for performances in Saandhwanom (1991) and Bharatham (1991), and Best Actor Award for Margam (2003).

The biggest moment in his career was going to the Cannes Film Festival as the lead actor in the film Arimpara (2003) directed by Murali Nair.

While in college, he performed in dramas along with Fazil and some others. When they won first prize in a competition, Kavalam Narayana Panicker, who was judging the event, invited them to join his experimental theater group. Venu credits that experience with acquiring an aesthetic perspective and the ability to view and enjoy all art forms, irrespective of its language and origin.