Kerala’s famous “communist cardamom” isn’t the only spice. The state has a wry, self-deprecating wit that saturates its cinema. -scripted films of the 80s/90s (like Vadakkunokkiyanthram ) dissected middle-class insecurities with surgical sarcasm. Recent films like Romancham (a hilarious haunted-house story based on a real Ouija board incident) or Thallumaala (a hyper-stylized, chaotic film about pointless brawls) show a willingness to be absurd, meta, and unapologetically local.
The 1980s saw a new wave in Malayalam cinema, led by writer-director Padmarajan. His films, such as "Peruvazhiyambalam" (1985), "Innu Pookum Ennoru Nidhiyum Pookum" (1985), and "Moonamam" (1991), were known for their complex narratives, atmospheric settings, and introspective themes. Padmarajan's work influenced a generation of filmmakers, including A. K. Gopan, I. V. Sasi, and Jayaraj. Recent films like Romancham (a hilarious haunted-house story
Today, Malayalam cinema is undergoing a "New Wave" characterized by technical finesse and unconventional storytelling. With the advent of streaming platforms, Mollywood's hyper-local stories—ranging from gritty crime dramas to nuanced character studies—have found a global audience. The industry continues to thrive by maintaining its core identity: a focus on "relatable themes" that resonate with the everyday joys and struggles of the Malayali people. With the advent of streaming platforms
In the words of the great filmmaker John Abraham: “Cinema is not a mirror held to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.” For Malayalam cinema, that hammer is forged in the cultural soil of Kerala. and Jayaraj. Today