The first Malayalam film, "Balan," was released in 1938, marking the beginning of the industry. However, it was not until the 1950s and 1960s that Malayalam cinema gained momentum, with films like "Nirmala" (1938), "Sneham" (1952), and "Mullens" (1957). These early films were primarily based on literary works, folklore, and mythology, setting the tone for the industry's future.