As Arun worked on "Spice Routes," he encountered both enthusiasm and skepticism. Some appreciated his bold approach to storytelling, while others were concerned about the portrayal of certain themes. Arun believed that his work was not about sensationalizing but about reflecting the realities and aspirations of his audience.
A later example that bridges the gap between the softcore era and artistic drama. As Arun worked on "Spice Routes," he encountered
The journey of Malayalam cinema began with social themes rather than the mythological tales common in other Indian industries at the time. : Vigathakumaran (1928) was the first silent feature, followed by Balan (1938), the first talkie. As Arun worked on "Spice Routes