Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, is a thriving film industry based in Kerala, India. With a rich cultural heritage and a unique blend of tradition and modernity, Malayalam cinema has carved a niche for itself in the Indian film industry. The industry has produced some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films in India, showcasing the state's vibrant culture, social issues, and artistic excellence.

With over 2.5 million Malayalis working abroad, the "Gulf dream" and "return syndrome" are constant themes. Sudani from Nigeria (2018) explores the love for football and the racism faced by African migrants in Kerala. Thankam (2023) is a raw thriller set in the gold trade networks of Mumbai and Kerala, exploring the loneliness of migrant labor.

(1930), directed by J. C. Daniel. It transitioned to "talkies" with in 1938. Since then, the industry has undergone several distinct eras:

: The "New Generation" movement has pushed boundaries with technical bravado and varied, inclusive themes that break away from clichéd superstar narratives.