Kerala Popular Movies

Commercial or popular cinemas belong to that genre of movies which provide large-scale entertainment to the masses and the ulterior motive of these movies are commercialization and profit maximization.

The movies of the later phase that followed the Golden Period of Malayalam films contained the substance of the golden period but lacked their sparkling wit and humor. However they had an outstanding narrative technique that still appealed to the masses.

Movies of this period include 'Bharatham' (1991) by Sibi Malayil, Kaalapaani (1996) by Priyadarshan, and the 'Manichitrathazhu' (1993) by Fazil which won national award.

Manichitrathazhu meaning the The Ornate Lock was a movie of psychotic-thriller genre, which was an extraordinary theme in Malayalam cinema but however became a smash- hit among the Keralites. Shobhana was bestowed with the National Award for Best Actress for her depiction of the central character, Ganga. After its gala success in Kerala, it was translated in other languages such as Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. The plot consists of a young couple, Ganga and Nakulan (Suresh Gopi) who arrives at their familial mansion disregarding the protests of their uncle. Finally they encounter strange and supernatural events in the mansion. They suspect Nakulan's cousin- Sreedevi who is a patient of depression. However the mystery is solved when Dr. Sunny Joseph a coltish psychiatrist who is also Nakulan’s friend discovers that Ganga suffering from Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) is the cause of all plights.

'Sphadikam' (1995) and 'Desadanam' (1997) directed by Bhadran and Jayaraaj respectively were applauded by Keralite audience. Swaham (1994) directed by Shaji N.Karun became the first malayalam film to be screened in the Cannes international Film Festival in 1994. This film attracted a large number of national and international critics. This film portrays the struggle of a poor woman Annapoorna, who lives with her son Kannan and a daughter against the omnipotent destiny.

Adoor Gopalakrishnan's films- Vidheyan and Kathapurushan were also of noted importance during this period.