The first Malayalam film, "Balan," was released in 1938, marking the beginning of Malayalam cinema. The early years of Malayalam cinema were dominated by mythological and social dramas, which reflected the cultural and social values of Kerala. The films were primarily produced by and for the elite, and their purpose was to entertain and educate the masses. The 1950s and 1960s saw the emergence of a new generation of filmmakers who sought to experiment with new themes, styles, and narratives.