The first Malayalam film, "Balan," was released in 1938, marking the beginning of the industry. However, it was not until the 1950s and 1960s that Malayalam cinema gained momentum, with films like "Nirmala" (1948) and "Snehi" (1952). The 1970s and 1980s saw a surge in socially relevant films, known as "parallel cinema," which tackled complex issues like poverty, inequality, and social injustice. This era produced iconic filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, K. S. Sethumadhavan, and P. A. Thomas.

The journey of Malayalam cinema began in 1928 with the release of Balaan , a film directed by S. Nottanandan. However, it was Mulligataariya (1938), directed by K. Subramaniam, that is considered the first major Malayalam film. The early years of Malayalam cinema were marked by the dominance of social dramas and mythological films, which were heavily influenced by traditional Kerala art forms like Kathakali and Koodiyattam.

Cinema has been a primary medium for exploring Kerala's complex socio-political landscape.

Malayalam cinema, often called , is more than just an entertainment industry; it is a profound reflection of Kerala's unique social fabric. Deeply rooted in the state's high literacy and rich literary tradition, the industry has built a reputation for realistic storytelling and artistic depth. A Mirror to Kerala’s Soul