To understand Malayalam cinema, one must first understand the culture from which it stems: a land of high literacy, matrilineal traditions, communist history, and a deep connection to the land and sea.
Malayalam cinema has had a significant influence on Indian cinema as a whole. Many Bollywood films have been inspired by Malayalam films, and some have even been remade. The industry has also produced talented actors and directors who have made a mark in other film industries. To understand Malayalam cinema, one must first understand
Malayalam cinema is not merely a form of entertainment for the people of Kerala; it is a , a political pamphlet , and a family album . It has the unique ability to laugh at itself one moment (see: Kunjiramayanam ) and deliver a devastating monologue on death and meaning the next (see: Thanmathra ). The industry has also produced talented actors and