: Balan (1938) marked the transition to sound, though early films remained heavily influenced by Tamil and theatre-style aesthetics.
Malayalam literature has had a significant impact on the state's cinema. Many films have been adapted from literary works, including novels, short stories, and plays. For example, , which was adapted from Ramu Kariat's novel of the same name, became a huge success and is still considered one of the best Malayalam films ever made. : Balan (1938) marked the transition to sound,
, released in 1938, was the first sound film in the language. : The 1965 film and plays. For example
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