The 1980s are widely regarded as the of Malayalam cinema. During this era, directors like Adoor Gopalakrishnan , Padmarajan , and Bharathan pioneered "middle-stream cinema"—a blend of artistic depth and mainstream appeal.

In the early 2010s, a "new generation movement" emerged, revitalizing the industry after a period of commercial stagnation.

For those looking to experience the settings that define Malayalam cinema, several locations in Kerala are essential:

Modern hits like Kumbalangi Nights and Jallikattu explore raw family dynamics, masculinity, and visceral human nature.