The rigorous training of Kathakali—the eye movements ( Netra abhinaya )—has heavily influenced acting styles. Legends like Prem Nazir and Mammootty are known for their "Kathakali-inspired" eye control, conveying anger, love, or sorrow without dialogue. In Vanaprastham (1999), Mohanlal played a Kathakali artist, blurring the line between the actor and the art form, arguing that performance is the only religion in Kerala.
Malayalam cinema, the film industry based in Kerala, has long transcended the label of regional entertainment. It stands as a profound sociological document, a mirror that reflects the complexities, contradictions, and evolving ethos of Kerala society. Unlike the escapism often associated with mainstream Indian cinema, Malayalam films have historically rooted themselves in the soil of reality, offering a window into the psyche of the Malayali.