The first Malayalam film, , was released in 1936, marking the beginning of a new era in Kerala's entertainment industry. The film, directed by S. Nottan, was a critical and commercial success, setting the stage for the growth of Malayalam cinema. During the 1940s and 1950s, films like Nirmala (1948) and Snehamulla (1952) further solidified the foundation of Malayalam cinema, exploring themes of love, family, and social issues.