Theater and performance arts have a long history in Kerala, with traditional art forms like Kathakali, Koothu, and Thumpty. These art forms have influenced Malayalam cinema, with many films incorporating elements of traditional theater and performance. The state has a thriving theater culture, with many amateur and professional theater groups producing plays that often tackle social issues and contemporary themes.

: Filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan , G. Aravindan , Padmarajan , and Bharathan brought national and international acclaim to Kerala.

Eliyas recalled the iconic scene in Kireedam where Sethumadhavan, the protagonist, is shattered by circumstances. It wasn't just a tragedy; it was a cultural commentary on how society corrupts the innocent. It resonated because Kerala has always been a society that champions the underdog but is simultaneously helpless against systemic rot.

For decades, Malayalam films were seen as “art-house” or “slow.” Today, they’re celebrated globally for their rootedness, realism, and respect for culture. Let’s explore how Malayalam cinema and Kerala’s culture feed each other.

In the last decade, a "New Generation" of filmmakers has shifted the focus from hero-centric epics to hyper-local, realistic narratives.