Breaking the mold: Malayalam cinema’s shift beyond three-act storytelling

Malayalam cinema is experimenting with non-linear storytelling, moving away from the traditional three-act structure popularized by Hollywood. Filmmakers like Lijo Jose Pellissery in ‘Ee.Ma.Yau’ and ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’, and ‘Chappa Kurishu’ have successfully employed fragmented timelines and episodic flows. While ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’ didn’t fare well, other films with unique narratives have resonated with audiences, proving emotional connection is key.