Malayalam cinema is frequently used as a tool for social and political commentary :
Malayalam cinema began with a struggle for representation and identity. Malayalam cinema is frequently used as a tool
The first Malayalam film, Balan , was released in 1938, marking the beginning of a new era in Malayalam cinema. The film, directed by S. Nottanandan, was a mythological drama that showcased the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. During the 1940s and 1950s, Malayalam cinema was dominated by mythological and social dramas, which reflected the societal values and norms of the time. Filmmakers like G. R. Rao and P. Subramaniam were pioneers in shaping the early years of Malayalam cinema. was released in 1938