Malayalam cinema began in the 1920s, with the first film, "Balan," released in 1930. The early years saw a mix of mythological and social dramas, with films like "Nirmala" (1938) and "Savitri" (1946). The 1950s and 1960s are often referred to as the "Golden Age" of Malayalam cinema, with filmmakers like G. R. Rao, P. A. Thomas, and M. M. Nesan producing critically acclaimed films.