: Filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan , G. Aravindan , Padmarajan , and Bharathan brought national and international acclaim to Kerala.
Kerala has a rich tradition of arts and crafts, with many unique and intricate forms of art existing in the state. Kathakali, a traditional dance-drama form, is one of the most iconic art forms of Kerala. Other notable art forms include Koodiyattam, Kutiyattam, and Tanjore painting. The state's artisans are also known for their expertise in woodcarving, metalwork, and pottery. : Filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan , G
In the 2020s, Malayalam cinema has experienced a renaissance, gaining unprecedented national and global attention via OTT platforms. Films like Kumbalangi Nights (2019) redefined masculinity and family; Jallikattu (2019) was India’s official entry to the Oscars for its raw, feral energy; Minnal Murali (2021) offered a deeply humanist take on the superhero genre; and 2018: Everyone is a Hero (2023) dramatized the catastrophic Kerala floods as a story of collective survival. This new wave retains the industry’s core DNA—small stories, big emotions, and a rigorous sense of authenticity—while embracing global cinematic techniques. Kathakali, a traditional dance-drama form, is one of