Balan , released in 1938, was the first Malayalam sound film.
The name "Mollywood" is a portmanteau of and Hollywood . It follows a naming convention common among Indian regional film industries, such as Bollywood (Hindi cinema based in Mumbai) and Tollywood (Telugu cinema). While the term is widely used in media and by fans to distinguish the industry from other regional hubs, some purists and industry veterans prefer the term "Malayalam Cinema" to maintain its unique cultural identity. Historical Origins malayalam movie industry name
It is important to note that "Mollywood" is not a unique or official name. The same nickname is also commonly used for: Balan , released in 1938, was the first Malayalam sound film