Kambi kathakal, a genre of Malayalam literature, refers to stories that are often set in college or university campuses and hostels. These stories typically revolve around themes of love, relationships, and identity. In recent years, kambi kathakal has become a platform for exploring the experiences of gay men in Kerala. These stories often revolve around the struggles faced by gay men in a society that is still largely conservative and homophobic.

Journal of Arts Discourse - Mapping the Queer Body

The emergence of gay Malayalam kambi kathakal has significant implications for Kerala society and literature: