The first Malayalam film, "Balan," was released in 1938, marking the beginning of the industry. During the early years, films were primarily based on mythological and historical subjects, with influences from Indian epics and folklore. The 1950s and 1960s saw a shift towards social and literary themes, with films like "Nokketha Doorathu Kannum Nattu" (1953) and "Chemmeen" (1965), which explored the lives of common people and the struggles of fishermen.

The 1980s and 1990s are often referred to as the Golden Era of Malayalam cinema. This period saw the emergence of iconic filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, A. K. Gopan, and I. V. Sasi, who produced critically acclaimed films that showcased Kerala's culture and society. Movies like "Swayamvaram" (1972), "Nishant" (1975), and "Papanasam" (1985) tackled complex themes like social inequality, politics, and human relationships.