The 1980s are widely regarded as the of Malayalam cinema. This era saw the rise of a "middle path"—films that balanced commercial appeal with high artistic merit.

A Social History of Malayalam cinema from its origins to 1990. - IJHSSI

The early 2010s sparked a "New Generation" movement that revolutionized storytelling techniques and production values.

Malayalam cinema began with J. C. Daniel’s silent feature Vigathakumaran (1928), which notably focused on social drama rather than the mythological themes prevalent in other Indian industries at the time.

: Landmark films like Chemmeen (1965) gave voice to marginalized communities, while Nirmalyam (1973) explored decaying feudal traditions.

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