In the 1970s and 1980s, Malayalam cinema witnessed a significant shift with the rise of parallel cinema. Filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, P. Padmarajan, and John Abraham experimented with unconventional themes, exploring the complexities of human relationships, social inequality, and the struggles of everyday life. Movies like (1972), Udyanapalakan (1973), and Perumazhayathirunnu (1985) showcased the artistic and intellectual depth of Malayalam cinema.