Venkitesh V.P

Venkitesh V.P. (also known as Venki) is an Indian actor and television personality known for his work in Malayalam cinema and television. He gained recognition as a contestant on the reality show Nayika Nayakan and has appeared in multiple Malayalam films, including his Telugu film debut Kingdom.

Early life Venkitesh was born on August 9, 1993, to Pichumani, a Malayali-Tamil Brahmin, and Tharakumari, a Malayali Nair housewife, in Westfort Sreevaraham, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, adjacent to the Sri Padmanabha Swami temple.

Career

Television Venkitesh rose to prominence as a contestant in the Malayalam reality show Nayika Nayakan (2018) aired on Mazhavil Manorama, where he was noted for his comedic skills. He later appeared as a co-host on Udan Panam season 5 on Mazhavil Manorama.

Film Venkitesh began his acting career with small roles in Malayalam films such as Velipadinte Pusthakam (2017), Odiyan (2018), and Thattumpurath Achuthan (2018). He played one of the leads in Stand Up (2019). In 2021, he appeared in supporting roles in The Priest and Kho-Kho. In 2023, he appeared in Lovefully Yours Veda. He made his Telugu debut in 2025 with the film Kingdom playing the antagonist.

Other ventures In 2024, Venkitesh co-founded a startup named Suda Suda Idli in Thiruvananthapuram and now in Calicut (2nd Branch), Kerala, along with a group of friends. The initiative, which began as a street food truck with variety combination of Idli near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, gained media attention for its unique concept and for Venkitesh's active involvement in the operations.

Filmography

All films are in Malayalam-language, unless otherwise noted.

Year Title Role Notes 2014 Mizhi Thurakku 2015 Ammakkoru Tharattu 2017 Velipadinte Pusthakam College student 2018 Odiyan Villager Thattumpurath Achuthan Devotional singer 2021 The Priest Siddharth Kho-Kho Ben 2022 Viral Sebi 2023 Lovefully Yours Veda Jeevanlal 2024 Rebel Antony Debut Tamil film 2025 Kingdom Murugan Debut Telugu film

Television Year Show Role Channel 2018 Nayika Nayakan Contestant Mazhavil Manorama