The first Malayalam film, "Balan," was released in 1938, directed by S. Nottan and produced by J. S. Nottan. The film was a huge success and paved the way for the growth of the Malayalam film industry. During this period, most Malayalam films were mythological and devotional in nature, with stories drawn from Hindu epics and mythology.
Unlike many Indian film industries that leaned toward escapism, Malayalam cinema was deeply influenced by Kerala's high literacy rates and its "Library Movement".
Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, is a thriving film industry based in Kerala, India. With a rich history spanning over a century, it has evolved into a unique blend of artistic expression and commercial success. The industry has produced some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films in Indian cinema.
In recent years, specifically with the arrival of directors like Lijo Jose Pellissery ( Jallikattu , Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam ) and writers like Syam Pushkaran, Malayalam cinema has embraced the ugly. The protagonists are often liars, cheats, or cowards.