The first Malayalam film, "Balaan," was released in 1929, marking the beginning of a new era in Kerala's cultural history. During the early days, Malayalam cinema was heavily influenced by the cultural and social fabric of Kerala. The films were often based on literary works, folk tales, and mythological stories, which were an integral part of Kerala's cultural heritage. The pioneers of Malayalam cinema, such as P. Subramaniam and Kunchacko, drew inspiration from Kerala's rich cultural traditions, including the temple arts, Kathakali, and Koothu.