The roots of Malayalam cinema were established with silent films and social dramas that often challenged the status quo.
| Director | Key Films | |----------|-----------| | Adoor Gopalakrishnan | Swayamvaram, Elippathayam, Mukhamukham | | G. Aravindan | Thambu, Kummatty, Chidambaram | | K. S. Sethumadhavan | Odayil Ninnu, Thulabharam | | I. V. Sasi | Avalude Ravukal, Angadi, Ee Nadu | | Padmarajan | Thakara, Koodevide, Njan Gandharvan | | Bharathan | Rathinirvedam, Chamaram, Vaishali | | K. G. George | Yavanika, Irakal, Mattoral | | Priyadarshan | Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, Chithram, Vandanam | malayalam old movie list
| Year | Film | Director | Highlights | |------|------|----------|-------------| | 1961 | Kandam Becha Kottu | M. Krishnan Nair | Prem Nazir – Sheela pairing starts | | 1962 | Bhagyajathakam | P. Subramaniam | Family drama | | 1964 | Pazhassi Raja | Kunchacko | First widescreen Malayalam film | | 1965 | Odayil Ninnu | K. S. Sethumadhavan | Landmark realism; based on novel by P. Kesavadev | | 1966 | Iruttinte Athmavu | P. Bhaskaran | Psychological depth | | 1967 | Olavum Theeravum | P. N. Menon | National Award winner | | 1968 | Thulabharam | A. Vincent | Social drama with moral conflict | | 1969 | Adimakal | K. S. Sethumadhavan | Class struggle theme | The roots of Malayalam cinema were established with