and Mohanlal —the two titans of the industry—did not become superstars by playing gods. Mohanlal became a legend by playing a drunk, lazy police officer (Kuthiravattam Pappan) and a jealous, insecure actor (in Iruvar ). Mammootty excels at playing the broken patriarch or the cunning villain.

Often referred to as the "overlooked genius" of Indian cinema, the Malayalam film industry has quietly shifted from making art-house films that only film festival junkies watched to producing mainstream blockbusters that are smarter, darker, and more realistic than anything else coming out of the subcontinent.

Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, is a thriving film industry based in Kerala, India. With a rich history spanning over a century, it has evolved into a significant cultural phenomenon, reflecting the values, traditions, and experiences of the Malayali people. The industry has produced numerous iconic films, actors, and directors, who have not only gained national recognition but also contributed to the country's cultural landscape.

Some popular Malayalam films include: