The Malayalam B-grade movie industry, once defined by low-budget softcore "Shakeela-wave" films of the late 1990s and early 2000s, has largely shifted from theatrical releases to digital platforms
Market Share:
In 2001, approximately 64% of Malayalam films produced were categorised as softcore or B-grade.
Mainstream Fusion:
Contemporary Malayalam cinema in 2026 has increasingly adopted the "new wave" style, which focuses on realism and gritty storytelling, occasionally incorporating bold themes that were once the sole domain of B-grade cinema. Current Industry Status (Early 2026)