Active in film criticism and parallel film promotion for six decades; film culture activist Chelavoor Venu no more

KOZHIKODE: Film culture activist Chelavoor Venu (80) passed away. He was undergoing treatment for old-age ailments. The funeral rites have been completed. Venu, who introduced world classic films to Malayalam through the Film Society movement, was active in film criticism and parallel film promotion for six decades. He was the General Secretary of Ashwini, the second film society in Kerala.

Venu, who was the editor of many parallel publications, has also produced television serials. He started by writing a review for the movie 'Umma' while studying in the 8th standard. His first publication was Yuvabhavana. Venu had worked as an assistant to director Ramu Kariat for some time.

He was the editor of Stadium, Psycho, Roopakala, Search Light, City Magazine and Varthaman. Venu had worked as the district secretary of the leftist student organization KSF and in the leadership of KSYF.

His books include Manassu Oru Samasya, Manassinte vazhikal etc. Film Academy and Federation of Film Societies of India have released a documentary 'Chelavoor Venu -Jeevithakalam' about Venu's life. Wife: Sukanya (retired secretariat employee).