Malayalam is a Dravidian language predominantly spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territory of Lakshadweep. It is the official language of Kerala and is used by millions of people. The language has a rich literary tradition and is known for its unique script, which is derived from the ancient Brahmi script. The origins of Malayalam can be traced back to the 9th century, evolving from the earlier Tamil language. It has a diverse vocabulary influenced by various languages, including Sanskrit, English, and Arabic. Malayalam is also recognized for its contributions to Indian cinema, particularly through Malayalam cinema, which has produced many acclaimed films and directors.