Malayalam cinema began in the 1920s, with the first film, "Balan," released in 1930. Over the years, Mollywood has produced many iconic filmmakers, such as Adoor Gopalakrishnan, A. K. Gopan, and K. S. Sethumadhavan, who have contributed to the growth and diversification of Malayalam cinema. The industry has also been influenced by various cultural and social movements, including the Kerala Renaissance, which emphasized social reform and cultural revival.