Malayalam filmmakers, unlike their Hindi counterparts who shy away from overt politics for fear of box office rejection, lean into it. The legendary filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan built his career on the collapse of the feudal class ( Elippathayam ). More recently, Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020) used the conflict between a Dalit policeman and a powerful ex-soldier to explore class, caste, and police brutality—dialogue-heavy, three hours long, and a blockbuster hit.
Malayalam cinema has gained international recognition, with films being screened at prestigious film festivals worldwide. The (IFFK), held annually in Thiruvananthapuram, has become a significant platform for showcasing contemporary cinema. Malayalam films have also been dubbed or subtitled in other languages, reaching a broader audience. and police brutality—dialogue-heavy