Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. It is one of the most popular and influential film industries in India, producing over 150 films a year. The industry is based in Kerala, a state in southwestern India, and has gained a significant following not only in India but also globally.
For a brief period in the early 2000s, the industry lost its way, mimicking Bollywood’s masala films. But the arrival of OTT (streaming) platforms in the 2010s triggered a second renaissance. Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, has a
In 2024, the industry watched Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), a brutal survival drama shot over 15 years in the deserts of Jordan. It was a $25 million gamble on a story about a Malayali migrant worker forced to herd goats. It became a blockbuster. Only in Kerala would the tale of a man drinking his own urine to survive out-earn a superhero film. For a brief period in the early 2000s,
The "New Wave" has also democratized the industry. The focus has shifted from the "superstars" (though Mammootty and Mohanlal remain legendary figures who have also adapted to this change) to ensemble casts and character-driven plots. This era has garnered national and international acclaim, particularly through streaming platforms, making Malayalam cinema a global benchmark for quality filmmaking. Conclusion It was a $25 million gamble on a