The films are deeply rooted in Kerala’s geography and rituals. You will see theyyam performances (ritual art forms) in Paleri Manikyam , kathakali in Vanaprastham , boat races in numerous films, and the unique cuisine (appam, beef curry, karimeen pollichathu) as part of daily life. The landscape—backwaters, monsoons, rubber plantations, and crowded city lanes—is never just a backdrop but a character shaping the story.

Malayalam cinema has received numerous awards and recognition, both nationally and internationally. The industry has produced several National Film Award winners, including "Swayamvaram" (1972), "Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Swayamvaram" (1972), and "Kanchivaram" (2008). Many films have also been recognized at international film festivals, such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival.

In recent years, Malayalam cinema has experienced a resurgence, with a new generation of filmmakers emerging. Films like (2017), Sudani from Nigeria (2018), and Jalakkom (2019) have gained critical acclaim and commercial success. The contemporary era has also seen a growing trend of Malayalam films being released on digital platforms, making them accessible to a wider audience.