The rise of OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar has been a game-changer, breaking down geographical barriers and giving Malayalam cinema a true global audience. Films like Joji (2021) were reviewed by major international critics, and Malayalam movies now regularly top the most-watched lists on streaming services, revered for their realistic storytelling and technical brilliance.

His films, such as Swayamvaram (1972) and Elippathayam (1981), dismantled feudal mindsets and explored the psychological anxieties of the post-colonial Malayali youth.

Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, has a rich history and a distinct cultural identity that has evolved over the years. With a thriving film industry based in Kerala, India, Malayalam cinema has made a significant impact on Indian cinema and culture.

The 1970s and 1980s marked a golden era, characterized by the rise of "Middle Cinema"—a genre that successfully merged the artistic sensibilities of parallel cinema with the accessibility of commercial films. Visionary directors like Aravindan, John Abraham, and Adoor Gopalakrishnan gained international recognition for their avant-garde storytelling.