The 1970s and 80s saw the rise of "middle-stream" cinema, distinct from both art house and commercial. Filmmakers like K. G. George and John Abraham used cinema as a tool for class-consciousness. Kolangal (1981) dissected the hypocritical morality of the upper-middle class. Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil (1986) boldly tackled the oppression of the lower-caste Pulayas and their struggle for dignity.