Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, has a rich history and has made significant contributions to Indian cinema. With a thriving film industry based in Kerala, India, Malayalam cinema has produced a wide range of films that have gained national and international recognition.
For all its creative triumphs, Malayalam cinema is not without its contradictions. Despite the vogue for realistic stories, the industry still grapples with the legacy of caste and gender discrimination within its own ranks. The persecution of the first heroine, P.K. Rosy, serves as a historical marker of an issue that, while less blatant, persists in subtle forms. Furthermore, the industry has been plagued by a growing financial paradox. In 2025, an estimated 216 Malayalam films were released, but less than 10 per cent turned a profit. The post-pandemic OTT boom led to a surge in production, but with rising costs and saturated markets, the path to theatrical success has become increasingly difficult, threatening the sustainability of the very ecosystem that fosters such creative vibrancy. Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, has a
The star system played a crucial role in shaping the industry’s relationship with its audience. The MGR/Sivaji Ganesan model of Tamil cinema was replicated in Malayalam with the duos of from the 1940s, followed by Mammootty and Mohanlal in the 1980s. Prem Nazir, who worked in an astounding 610 films, became a cultural icon. In the 1980s, Mammootty and Mohanlal, known for their natural acting styles and author-backed roles, began their ascendancy, starring in 15 to 20 films each per year. However, with the formalisation of their fan associations, their roles often shifted to hypermasculine, larger-than-life characters. While they remain beloved figures, their output in recent decades has been less critically acclaimed, as the industry has moved towards more ensemble-driven, character-centric narratives. Despite the vogue for realistic stories, the industry