The first Malayalam film, "Balan," was released in 1938, marking the beginning of a new era in Kerala's entertainment industry. The early years of Malayalam cinema were characterized by a strong focus on social and mythological themes, which were deeply rooted in Kerala's culture and traditions. Filmmakers like G. R. Rao and P. Subramaniam were instrumental in shaping the industry, producing films that showcased Kerala's rich cultural heritage.

Vintage stills and career highlights are occasionally shared on nostalgia-focused Instagram pages like aesthetic_b_grade .