The first Malayalam film, "Balan," was released in 1938, marking the beginning of the state's film industry. The early days of Malayalam cinema were marked by a struggle to find a foothold, with limited resources and infrastructure. However, with the support of the local government and the enthusiasm of the audience, the industry slowly began to grow. The 1950s and 1960s are often referred to as the "Golden Age" of Malayalam cinema, with films like "Nokketha Doorathu Kannum Nattu" (1952) and "Chemmeen" (1965) gaining critical acclaim.