The 2010s witnessed a surge in independent Malayalam films that challenged mainstream cinema. Filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Hariharan, and I.V. Sasi continued to push the boundaries of storytelling, while new entrants like Jayan K. Cherian, Sanu John Varghese, and Lijo Jose Pellissery introduced fresh perspectives. These independent films often dealt with complex themes, such as mental health, social inequality, and existential crises.

: These platforms give directors the confidence to experiment with genres (e.g., dystopia, fantasy) that might not traditionally thrive in a "superstar" theater culture.