Komalam was one of the early leading actresses in Malayalam cinema. She made her debut as the heroine in Prem Nazir's first film, Marumakal.

A notable film in her career was Newspaper Boy, released in 1955, in which she portrayed the character Kalyaniamma. She also appeared in films like Vanamala, Athmashanthi, and Sandehi.

Komalam had just completed the filming of Athmashanthi in Madras and was on her way back home when she received an opportunity for her daughter to act. At the suggestion of a producer, both mother and daughter returned to Salem. It was at Ratna Studio that she first met Abdul Khader. After a week of shooting, Komalam returned home, while Abdul Khader would later become known as Prem Nazir. Following this, Komalam completely withdrew from cinema but remained one of Nazir's admirers.

Prem Nazir had once sent her an invitation to his son Shanavas's wedding. "In the crowd, I saw him suddenly. He spotted me and quickly came over to talk. He introduced me to everyone saying, 'This is my first heroine, Neyyattinkara Komalam.' More than just a great actor, he was an excellent human being," Komalam once recalled.