Malayalam movies, traditionally dominated by men, welcomes films helmed by women for more content-driven and serious subjects rather than having a mass appeal.
Writer-director Anjali Menon debuted with Manjadikuru in 2008 for which she won five Grand Jury Awards at the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) in New York.
In 2012, she did her second film Bangalore Days, a phenomenal hit. After a short break, Anjali Menon wrote, directed, and co-produced the critically acclaimed Koode (2018).
Shruthi Sharanyam directed the celebrated B 32 Muthal 44 Vare (Bust 32 to 44) 2022. She is also the winner of the Best Director Award (female) at the 53rd Kerala State Film Awards.
Indhu VS debuted as a director with the critically acclaimed movie 19(1)(a) in 2022. It starred Nithya Menen, Vijay Sethupathi, and Indrajith Sukumaran in lead roles.
19(1)(a) was selected for screening at the 45th Moscow International Film Festival. Further, Indhu VS bagged the FIPRESCI Award for Best Debut Director in Malayalam.
Before venturing into feature films, Indu Lakshmi directed three short films — Alikitham (Unwritten), Uthara Kadalasu (Answersheet), and Mareechika (Mirash).