The industry briefly lost its way, chasing formulaic masala films, slapstick comedies, and remakes. However, directors like ( Swaham , 1994) kept arthouse alive.

Kerala’s literacy rate (over 96%) is the highest in India. This has created a film audience that reads voraciously, debates politics, and appreciates nuance. Malayali viewers are famous for rejecting mindless spectacle and embracing films that challenge narrative conventions.