Daijiworld Media Network- Kochi
Kochi, Jun 25: Once known for its quiet realism and grounded storytelling, Malayalam cinema is undergoing a curious — and colorful — transformation. A fresh wave of visual experimentation and stylized storytelling, inspired by the world of Japanese anime, is slowly beginning to leave its mark on the industry.
This isn’t about blue-haired protagonists or characters yelling out attack names in dubbed Japanese. It’s something subtler. A shift in tone, colour palettes, pacing — even in how emotions are dramatized. And for fans of anime, this evolution is unmistakably familiar.
Take the case of Padakkalam, a recent Malayalam release that has caught the attention of cinephiles and anime lovers alike. While the film remains grounded in a Kerala setting, its presentation feels anything but conventional. From sharply edited action sequences to bright, exaggerated colour tones, and characters with heightened expressions, Padakkalam pulses with a kinetic energy reminiscent of anime classics like My Hero Academia or Jujutsu Kaisen.
Speaking at the recently held Kerala Pop Con meet, Nithin C Babu, the writer of Padakkalam, openly acknowledged the anime inspiration behind the film. "Me and director Manu are hardcore anime fans," he said. “There are several easter eggs and One Piece action figures in Padakkalam. We’ve even replicated the iconic Arlong Park entry sequence from One Piece shot by shot. That’s how dedicated we were in paying homage.”
It’s not just Padakkalam. Films like Gaganachari — a sci-fi comedy-drama that embraces absurdity and visual boldness — also reflect the same playful narrative spirit seen in anime. The camera movements, surreal humor, and exaggerated emotional beats hint at creators who are tapping into anime not as a gimmick, but as a genuine storytelling influence.
Malayalam cinema, long celebrated for its rootedness and quiet brilliance, seems to be exploring newer storytelling grammars without abandoning its emotional core. In these recent ventures, you find color-blocked frames, high-contrast lighting, stylized slow-motion, and sequences where music and animation-like cuts dominate the storytelling.
And while older cinephiles may raise an eyebrow at this anime-inspired visual vocabulary, younger audiences are finding something deeply resonant — a blend of two worlds they love.
With Malayalam cinema increasingly open to genre experimentation — from psychological thrillers to superhero flicks — anime’s influence might just be the next big wave shaping its future.