Popular Malayalam cinema through early-mid 2000s

The Malayalam film industry in recent times has been affected by the spread of satellite digital television and film piracy. Slapstick comedy is the predominant theme in the films of this era. Meesamadhavan (2002) by Lal Jose and Kunjikkoonan directed by Sasi Shankar (2002) are examples. However notable exceptions to these were Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala by Srinivasan (1998), Vanaprastham (1999) directed by Shaji N Karun, Maduranombarakaatu(2000), Meghamalhar(2001), Perumazhakaalam(2004) and Karuthapakshikal(2006) directed by Kamal.Sequels have been made of a number of successful films. These include Ravanaprabhu (Devasuram) and Nerariyan CBI (Oru CBI Diarykurippu). Generally movies at this period were of low quality. Aiding to this crisis a parallel culture of Adult content movies named "Shakeela films" emerged to be the best grosser for more than a year.Malayam cinema has seen a rare dearth of talent . At the same time , Tamil movies had seen a surge of new talent in script writers , directors and actors alike . This resulted in increased popularity of Tamil and Hindi movies in Kerala . Several Film theatres were closed rural Kerala and were converted to Mariiage Halls.