. In 1928, he sold his belongings to produce the first Malayalam feature film, the silent social drama .

The industry is famous for a "Golden Age" in the 1980s and 90s, producing timeless satires and psychological thrillers. High-rated films according to : A sharp political satire. Manichithrathazhu : A benchmark in the psychological horror-thriller genre. : A poignant tragedy about fate and societal pressure.

During this decade, actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty rose to superstardom, but unlike the "invincible heroes" of other industries, their star power rested on . Mohanlal could cry on screen (and audiences sympathized); Mammootty could play a ruthless feudal lord with tragic flaws. This acceptance of masculine vulnerability is a distinct cultural trait of Kerala, where the patriarchy is present but perpetually challenged.

(2019) is widely praised for its critique of "toxic masculinity" and its realistic portrayal of family structures.

Malayalam cinema, often called "Mollywood," is celebrated for its

The 1960s to 1980s are considered the golden era of Malayalam cinema. Directors like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, K. S. Sethumadhavan, and P. Chandrakumar made significant contributions to the industry. Films like "Nishant" (1975), "Adoor" (1979), and "Swayamvaram" (1972) showcased the struggles of everyday life, politics, and social inequality.