Beyond the printed page, Malayalam cinema has consistently animated the oral traditions and performing arts of Kerala. The state's rich repository of folklore, particularly the legend of the yakshi (a malevolent, seductive spirit), has been a source of endless fascination and reinterpretation. From K.S. Sethumadhavan's psychological thriller Yakshi (1968) to the recent blockbuster Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra , which recast the legendary figure as a nomadic superhero, cinema has continuously reimagined these tales, often subverting their patriarchal and oppressive undertones. Screenwriter Santhy Balachandran, who worked on Lokah , emphasized the need for such dynamic reinterpretation, noting that myths have always been "products of their times".
Arun's passion for cinema only grew stronger with time, and he decided to pursue a career in filmmaking. He began by assisting established directors and learning the intricacies of the craft. After years of hard work, he finally got the opportunity to make his own film, a drama that explored the complexities of Kerala's social fabric.
: Historically, the industry was built on adaptations of celebrated Malayalam literature, which set high standards for narrative integrity and psychological realism.