Malayalam cinema began with J. C. Daniel’s silent feature Vigathakumaran (1928), which notably focused on social drama rather than the mythological themes prevalent in other Indian industries at the time.

The arrival of satellite rights and OTT platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sony LIV) liberated Malayalam cinema. Filmmakers like Lijo Jose Pellissery, Dileesh Pothan, and Mahesh Narayanan realized they no longer needed to cater to the lowest common denominator. The result was a renaissance that shocked India.

The renaissance brought a radical shift. Women are no longer just plot devices to motivate the male hero.