The first Malayalam film, "Balan," was released in 1938, marking the beginning of a new era in Indian cinema. The film, directed by S. Nottanandan, was a mythological drama that set the tone for the themes and storytelling styles that would become characteristic of Malayalam cinema. In the early days, Malayalam films were heavily influenced by traditional Kerala art forms, such as Kathakali and Koothu.
Starting in the 1960s, a strong "Film Society Movement" emerged in Kerala. This movement treated cinema as a serious art form, fostering "parallel" or "new wave" cinema that prioritized artistic integrity over commercial tropes. 2. Cultural Characteristics & Themes The first Malayalam film, "Balan," was released in