Tanjore paintings are the classical artform of South India. Tanjore painting drew inspiration from Indian art of the 16th century, when the Vijayanagara Rayas administered their vast kingdom in southern India through the Nayaka Governors. The Nayakas were prominent patrons of art and literature. In 1676, Maratha rule was established in the region, and Maratha rulers encouraged the flourishing of art and artists. It was during this time, that Tanjore painting truly flourished and developed into the form and style in which we recognize it today.

Patakam literary means dissertation. Patakam is similar to koothu in technical content, gestures and movements. Dancers wear red costumes such as red headdresses and silk wrist bands. Also, the performer wears heavy garlands around their foreheads. Narration is presented through prose and song. Patakam is performed outside the temple.

The most famous classical dance drama of Kerala. It is an almost 300-year-old art form that combines elements of opera, masks and pantomime. The 5 major veshams in Kadhakali are kathi, pacha, thaadi, minukk & kari. Kadhakali have evolved from other art forms like Kutiyattam, Krishnanattam & Kalari Payattu.

Mural paintings are related to Hindu mythology in Kerala. Ancient temples and places in Kerala display an abounding tradition of mural paintings mostly in the 9th to 13th centuries. One such in Kannur district which has been attracting a large number of art lovers from all over the world is the Siva temple at Kannavam. Based on Shaivic and Vaishnavic (myths related to Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu respectively) themes, the murals here portray village life from the 16th to 18th centuries. These are depicted along with scenes like Rugmini Swayamvaram (Vaishnavic), Ravana vadham etc from the epics. The murals reveal the skill and perfection of the artistes who once lived in this land. In these times, mural painting followed certain standards in the choice of colour, proportions, methods etc.

Malayalam films start with J.C Daniel Vigathakumaran. It is the first silent film released in 1925. The theme of the film was of social significance and was one of the early films in that genre. Most of the Indian films at that time were based on stories from the puranas and films with societal themes were scarce. The film was shot using a debrie (parvo) camera. This movie is also credited as the first Indian social drama feature film.

Padayani is a ritual theatre art form related to the Goddess temples in the Central Travancore regions of Kerala. Performed at night in the temple premises, the rituals of Padayani are a symbolic act for pleasing the Goddess Bhadrakali. Her fury remains unabated even after her victory over the mythical demon, Darikan. The duration of the festivals varies from seven to 28 days according to the number of villages participating and organising them.