Malayalam cartoon stories—ranging from classic comic strips in publications like Kalikkudukka , Balarama , and Poompatta to modern animated web series—occupy a unique cultural space. Unlike Western or Japanese anime, Malayalam cartoons for children traditionally avoid overt romance. However, adult-oriented cartoon strips (e.g., in Tusharamagazine ) and contemporary web comics have begun exploring romantic themes with a distinct regional sensibility. This report analyzes how relationships (familial, platonic, and romantic) are depicted and the narrative functions of romantic storylines.