From the Secret Diary of Bollywood Newshound Nisha: The Phoenix Rises – Malayalam Cinema’s Triumph From Despair
Well, darlings, grab your popcorn and hold on to your seats because I’ve got some juicy Bollywood gossip for you. But wait, this isn’t just about our beloved Bollywood. This is about the unsung hero of Indian cinema, the Malayalam film industry.
Now, now, don’t roll your eyes. I promise you, it’s not as dull as it sounds. You see, our Malayalam pals have had quite a rollercoaster ride. They’ve gone from the doldrums to the dizzying heights of success in 2024. And believe me, it’s been quite a spectacle!
The Dark Ages: More Than Just a Blip
The Malayalam industry, renowned for its innovative and unique stories, hit a bit of a rough patch in the 2000s and the post-COVID era. It was a time of despair and frustration. But, as they say, the night is darkest just before the dawn. And the dawn did arrive with a bang with a string of hits like ‘Bramayugam’, ‘Manjummel Boys’, ‘Premalu’, and many others.
Kamal Haasan Sheds Light on Dark Times
Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan, who has always had a soft spot for the Malayalam industry, recently opened up about this dark phase during a roundtable discussion. He lamented about the industry losing its essence while trying to compete with Tamil and Telugu films. But he’s relieved and grateful now, as the industry has started churning out good-quality content once again, thanks to the influence of OTT platforms.
The 2000s: Identity Crisis and More
The 2000s were particularly hard on Malayalam cinema. Its reputation suffered as it became known outside Kerala primarily for its soft porn movies. The success of a few films led to a slew of imitative productions, diluting the quality and creativity that once defined the industry. Even the superstars of the era struggled to make a significant impact at the box office, as most of their films came across as repetitively boring.
The Post-COVID Slump
After the COVID phase, the Malayalam film industry found itself in familiar territory, facing struggles similar to those in the 2000s. Only a handful of films managed to turn profits out of the 209 films released in 2023. Many films failed to attract audiences to theaters, being better suited for OTT viewing rather than the big screen.
The 2024 Resurrection
But, as they say in Bollywood, the show must go on. And it did, with a vengeance in 2024. The industry came back with a vengeance with successful releases like ‘Manjummel Boys,’ ‘Bramayugam,’ ‘Aavesham,’ and ‘Premalu.’ Each film offered something unique, demonstrating the industry’s versatility.
Distribution and Global Reach
Prithviraj Sukumaran, while promoting ‘Aadujeevitham,’ emphasized the importance of distribution systems in the industry’s revival. He believes that Malayalam cinema has a global potential that needs to be tapped into properly.
A Cannes Triumph
As if the string of successes wasn’t enough, the Malayalam film industry had another feather in its cap. Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha’s performances in Payal Kapadia’s directorial ‘All We Imagine As Light’ won the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
A Bright Future Ahead
With filmmakers literally cracking the code regarding the audience’s tastes and preferences, a bright future is ahead for Malayalam cinema.
The Moral of the Story
So, darlings, the moral of this story is simple. No matter how many times you fall, you can always pick yourself up and shine brighter than ever. Just like our friends in the Malayalam film industry.
And remember, when life gives you lemons, make a blockbuster movie out of it. That’s the real Bollywood…err…Malayalam way!
