Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India and a long history of journalism and political activism. Consequently, its audience demands logic. This gave birth to the (or Malayalam Renaissance) in the 1980s with directors like Adoor Gopalakrishnan and G. Aravindan, and again in the 2010s with Maheshinte Prathikaaram , Kumbalangi Nights , and The Great Indian Kitchen .
The cultural richness of Kerala has significantly influenced Malayalam cinema, with many films showcasing the state's traditions, festivals, and values. For example, movies like (1965) and Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (2009) highlight the importance of fishing and boat-building industries in Kerala. Similarly, films like Nairu (2012) and I (2015) feature traditional Kerala music and dance. Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India