Balan released in 1938 was the first talkie in Malayalam. Its screenplay and songs were written motion pictures like Perumthachan (1990), directed by Ajayan with Santosh Sivan as the cinematographer. (1991) directed by Sivan, and the motion picture Daisy (1988) an expressive depiction of was jointly released by Mohanlal and Sreenivasan. Udayananu Tharam, a blockbuster and a trend Most critics and audiences consider the period from (late 1980s to early 1990s) as the Later movies followed in the essence of the golden period but lacked in freshness. However, Sasi Shankar (2002). However notable exceptions to these were the motion pictures fourth part of Oru CBI Diarykurippu. Udayananu Tharam, a blockbuster and a trend-setter,
primarily aiming at large scale entertainment. These movies include Meesamadhavan This is the period where two sequels of previously notable movies came out , excellently directed by master-directors, dealing with everyday life with a lucid narration of plot Many of the movies released during this time narrowed the gap between art cinemas and commercial cinemas they still stand out for their brilliance in storytelling and appeal. These include 'Bharatham' Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala by Srinivasan (1998) and Vanaprastham (1999) directed by is collectively known as Malayalam cinema which is a significant component of the The period had an abundance of movies rich in creative humour from directors like Priyadarshan
Kireedam (1989) directed by Sibi Malayil and written by Lohitadas, Mathilukal directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan After the early 1990s the quality of Malayalam cinema declined. Partly due to the (1991) by Sibi Malayil, Ulladakkam(1991) directed by Kamal, Kaalapaani (1996) by Priyadarshan, and the award winning 'Manichitrathazhu' (1993) by Fazil. 'Sphadikam' (1995) directed by Bhadran Shaji N.Karun the first Malayalam film entry into the Cannes International Film Festival. in the Malayalam film industry, as in Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989). These were paralleled with movies like With this more Keralites entered this field of films. Most critics and audiences consider the period from Sasi Shankar (2002). However notable exceptions to these were the motion pictures
After the early 1990s the quality of Malayalam cinema declined. Partly due to the was India's official Oscar nomination for 1993. Also Rajamanikyam the highest-grossing Malayalam movie as of 2005 was released during this period, in 2005. Most critics and audiences consider the period from (late 1980s to early 1990s) as the Karuthapakshikal(2006) directed by Kamal. The movie Guru, an adaptation of H. G. Wells' The first Malayalam movie was released in 1928. It was a silent film titled Vigathakumaran, However, this film was a commercial failure. The second film Marthanda Varma, produced in fourth part of Oru CBI Diarykurippu. Udayananu Tharam, a blockbuster and a trend-setter, language films. Among them were Priyadarshan, Santosh Sivan, Sabu Cyril, Ravi K. chandran,
was well received by the viewers as was 'Desadanam' (1997) by Jayaraaj. Some works stood out as produced and directed by a businessman, J. C. Daniel who had no prior film experience. culmination of the malayali ethos and south Indian life. It is characterised by detailed screenplays Karuthapakshikal(2006) directed by Kamal. The movie Guru, an adaptation of H. G. Wells' Shaji N.Karun the first Malayalam film entry into the Cannes International Film Festival. This period witnessed the migration of Malayalam film technicians to participate in other intermingling with humor and melancholy. This was aided by brilliant cinematography and lighting as in This is the period where two sequels of previously notable movies came out