The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a unique and disruptive era in the history of Malayalam cinema. Driven by low-budget production costs and immense box-office returns, a specific genre of adult-oriented films dominated regional theatres. At the absolute forefront of this cinematic phenomenon were actresses Shakeela and Reshma. Their films frequently outpaced mainstream, big-budget Malayalam movies featuring established superstars, altering the financial landscape of the industry for nearly half a decade.

While these films are no longer the powerhouse they once were, their influence on the history of Malayalam cinema's commercial evolution remains undeniable.

The way audiences consume these films has completely transformed over the last two decades.

The storylines usually revolved around betrayal, revenge, or family tragedies, heavily interspersed with adult themes.