: Malayalam cinema began in the 1920s with the production of the first Malayalam film, "Balan," in 1928. However, it was not until the 1950s and 1960s that Malayalam cinema gained popularity with films like "Nokketha Doorathu Kannum Nattu" (1953) and "Chemmeen" (1965).
: Since its early days, the industry has heavily relied on Kerala’s rich literary heritage. Landmark films like Neelakuyil (1954) and : Malayalam cinema began in the 1920s with
, the first Malayalam actress who was forced into exile because of her Dalit background, remains a critical point of discussion regarding representational space for marginalized communities. The Role of Women " in 1928. However