The history of Malayalam cinema dates back to the 1920s, with the first film, Balan , released in 1939. However, it was not until the 1950s and 1960s that the industry began to gain momentum. The early years of Malayalam cinema were marked by social dramas and literary adaptations, which reflected the socio-cultural landscape of Kerala. The 1970s and 1980s saw the emergence of a new wave of filmmakers, who experimented with various genres, including comedy, drama, and thriller.