The early Malayalam films, such as "Balan" (1938) and "Nirmala" (1938), were heavily influenced by traditional Kerala art forms like Kathakali and Koothu. These films often depicted mythological and historical stories, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. As the years passed, Malayalam cinema began to adapt to changing social and cultural values. The 1950s and 1960s saw the emergence of social dramas that highlighted the struggles of everyday Keralites, such as "Nokketha Doorathu Kannum Nattu" (1962) and "Chemmeen" (1965).