Author(s): Kunnathil Muhammed Aslam

Abstract: This study investigates six Malayalam films from 2021-2024 - Aavesham, Marco, Bheeshma Parvam, RDX, Turbo, and Kannur Squad - to analyze depictions of violence and criminality and their potential effects on youth aged 13-25. Collectively earning over 600 crore rupees, these films signify Kerala's evolving cinematic landscape. Employing a qualitative content approach, the study integrates direct film analysis with critical reviews from prominent newspapers. Organized thematically from gangsterism to vigilantism, it identifies a violence range of 6-12 incidents per hour and diverse criminal archetypes. Findings indicate varied youth responses, from aggression modeling to resilience, underscoring the need for media literacy given Kerala's mental health context, evaluated through established psychological perspectives.

Keywords: Malayalam Cinema, Violence, Criminality, Youth Influence, Kerala

Article Info: Received: 03 Sep 2025; Received in revised form: 11 Nov 2025; Accepted: 12 Jan 2026; Available online: 07 Feb 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.111.34