The first Malayalam film, "Balan," was released in 1938, marking the beginning of the industry. However, it wasn't until the 1950s and 1960s that Malayalam cinema gained momentum, with films like "Nokketha Doorathu Kannum Nattu" (1955) and "Chemmeen" (1965). These early films laid the foundation for the industry, showcasing the lives of ordinary Keralites, their struggles, and their cultural practices.