Pathbreakers & Stalwarts Guide
Jeevithanouka: This film is considered to be the first 'super hit' in Malayalam cinema. The hero of this film, Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair, became the first 'super star' of Malayalam cinema. It was a melodramatic film which told the story of the ego clashes in a joint family. The ingredients of this successful film were used in many other films, later.
Neelakuyil: Released in 1954, Neelakuyil (The Blue Cuckoo)was the film that broke away from the influence of Tamil and Hindi cinema. This film had an authentic story penned by the renowned writer Uroob and was directed by the duo Ramu Kariat-P Bhaskaran. The film dealt with the caste problems in Kerala society. This film also broke away from the earlier practice of copying tunes from Hindi and Tamil films. It was the first film to be shot outdoors and also the first film to gain National recognition.
Newspaper Boy: (1955) This film is hailed as the first neo-realist film in Kerala. It was an ambitious venture by a group of students and was directed by P Ramdas. The film was based on the issue of poverty. It was released before Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali.
Ramu Kariat, P Bhaskaran and A Vincent were the persons who gave Malayalam cinema an address of its own. They made films based on stories by famous Malayali writers and gave their films an ethnic touch.
