The first Malayalam film, "Balan," was released in 1938, marking the beginning of a new era in Kerala's entertainment industry. The film, directed by S. Nottanadan, was a musical drama that captured the essence of Kerala's folk culture. In the early years, Malayalam cinema was heavily influenced by Indian mythology, folklore, and classical music. The films were often based on literary works, such as the epic poem "Tholkappiyam," and featured traditional dance forms like Kathakali and Koothu.