In the 1970s and 1980s, Malayalam cinema witnessed a significant shift towards parallel cinema, which focused on realistic storytelling, complex characters, and socially relevant themes. Filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, P. Padmarajan, and John Abraham made films that explored the complexities of human relationships, politics, and social issues. Movies like , "Swayamvaram" (1972) , and "Spandanam" (1984) showcased the best of Malayalam cinema during this era.