The 1990s and 2000s saw a new wave in Malayalam cinema, with filmmakers like Mammootty, Mohanlal, and A. K. Gopan dominating the industry. This period also saw the rise of comedy films, which became a staple of Malayalam cinema. Films like (2002) and Malayali from India (2004) showcased the versatility of Malayalam comedians. The new wave also saw the emergence of women-centric films like Guru (1997) and Petta (2019), which highlighted the importance of female protagonists in Malayalam cinema.
: In the 1950s, films like Neelakkuyil (1954) were instrumental in forming a unified Malayali identity by incorporating regional dialects, slang, and communal idioms. The 1990s and 2000s saw a new wave
(1928), the first silent film directed by J.C. Daniel. However, it truly found its voice through a deep "love affair" with literature between 1950 and 1970. : Masters like Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and Vaikom Muhammad Basheer saw their works adapted into classics like This period also saw the rise of comedy
Kerala cuisine is known for its use of spices, coconut, and fish. Popular dishes include: : In the 1950s, films like Neelakkuyil (1954)