Cinema in Kerala draws from ancient visual traditions like Tholpavakkuthu (puppet dance) and classical arts like Kathakali , which use visual storytelling techniques that predate modern film.
Historically, Malayalam films have been deeply intertwined with Kerala’s rich literature. Many classics, such as Chemmeen (1965), were direct adaptations of renowned novels, fostering a culture where scripts are expected to have narrative integrity.
Early and classic Mollywood heavily adapted works by legendary writers like Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. This established a culture of prioritising narrative depth over hollow commercial formulas.
: Films often act as a site of political and satirical commentary . For instance, the cult classic Sandesham (1991) satirized the extreme political leanings of Kerala's youth.
In recent years, Malayalam cinema has gained international recognition, with films like "Take Off" (2017) and "Sudani from Nigeria" (2018) receiving critical acclaim at global film festivals. The industry has also seen a rise in diaspora films, which explore the experiences of Keralites living abroad.