Kerala's 18th-century democratic art — satirical, humorous, and politically sharp, created for the common people
Ottamthullal was born out of an act of creative rebellion. The poet Kunchan Nambiar — excluded from a Koodiyattam performance at Ambalapuzha temple after falling asleep during his drumming duties — composed and performed Ottamthullal overnight to compete with and mock the elite art form he had been removed from. It became one of Kerala's most beloved performing arts. Ottamthullal combines vigorous, non-stop movement (thullal means "to jump or frolic") with satirical, biting verse in simple Malayalam — accessible to every social class, unlike the Sanskrit-only Koodiyattam. The performer narrates stories from the Puranas but uses them as vehicles to comment on contemporary social issues: caste hypocrisy, corrupt priests, political opportunism. The commentary feels remarkably modern.
Unlike the deliberate slowness of Koodiyattam, Ottamthullal is relentlessly energetic — the performer never stops moving. The name itself means "to frolic/jump."
Ottamthullal uses Puranic stories as vehicles for social commentary — targeting caste hierarchy, priestly corruption, and political hypocrisy. The humour is sharp and immediate.
Unlike Sanskrit-only Koodiyattam, Ottamthullal is performed in simple Malayalam — deliberately democratic. The audience understands every word. Kunchan Nambiar's verses are celebrated Malayalam literature.
The performer wears green makeup (similar to Kathakali's Pachcha character), red costume, and an elaborate crown. The green face symbolises divine heroism.
Accompanied by mridangam drum and cymbals — a faster, livelier rhythm than other classical forms. The music matches the satirical, energetic spirit.
There are 3 types — Ottamthullal, Seethankan Thullal, and Parayan Thullal — each with slightly different costumes and rhythms, but all equally satirical.
Our cultural packages include ottamthullal performances, backstage access and expert guides who explain the art in depth.
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