(2019) have since critiqued these older "superstar" tropes, dismantling concepts of toxic masculinity to embrace more nuanced characters.
The 1970s and 1980s saw the rise of a new wave of filmmakers, including Adoor Gopalakrishnan, K. R. Meera, and Hariharan, who brought a new level of sophistication and realism to Malayalam cinema. This period also saw the emergence of popular actors like Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Dulquer Salmaan. (2019) have since critiqued these older "superstar" tropes,
Originated with Vigathakumaran (1930), a silent film by J. C. Daniel. Early talkies like Balan including Adoor Gopalakrishnan