Suresh Gopi made his debut as a child artist in 1965 by playing a small role in Odayil Ninnu. Later he made his debut as an adult in 1986 with an uncredited role in Niramulla Raavukal. He gained attention through the minor role of a prospective groom in T. P. Balagopalan M. A. (1986). Suresh Gopi went on to play few antagonistic and numerous supporting roles throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was noted for his villain role in Irupatham Noottandu (1987). It was the highest grossing Malayalam movie of that time. He had a major supporting role as Harry in Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (1988), which was also the highest grossing film at the time. Gopi's comic role as Sub Inspector Minnal Prathapan in Manu Uncle (1988) has over the years attained a cult status. His portrayal of Dr. Narendran in Padmarajan's 1990 film Innale (1990) was critically acclaimed and is considered by fans and critics to be one of the best performances of his career. Gopi also gained lot of appraisal for his portrayal of Aromal Chekavar in 1989 classic Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha. He played another memorable cameo comic role as Christopher Luke, a professional killer in Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam (1989). His other notable movies during the late 1980s include Bhoomiyile Rajakkanmar, New Delhi (1987), Moonnam Mura, 1921 (1988), Varnam, Douthyam, Nair Saab (1989). His notable films during the early 1990s includes In Harihar Nagar and Thoovalsparsham both released in 1990.
