The relationship between cinema and culture in Kerala can be divided into three distinct phases:

Malayalam cinema has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. Over the years, it has evolved into a distinct film industry, producing a wide range of films, from drama and comedy to horror and thriller. Some notable aspects of Malayalam cinema include:

If you want to understand the Kerala of today—not the tourist brochure, but the real Kerala of striking workers, literate housewives, football-crazy boys, and political zealots—skip the travel guide. Just watch a Malayalam movie.

What makes a "Malayalam film" distinctly of Kerala culture? It is the minutiae.

Some notable Malayalam films that reflect Kerala culture: