Thullal

Thullal a semi classical art form, also called ‘the poor man’s kathakali’, was conceived by Shri Kunchan Nambiar, a poet, aesthete and artist who lived in the 19th century. It is a solo stylized dance-theatre narrative. The story behind the conception of Thullal is as fascinating as the art form. Kunchan Nambiar who was a Mizhavu player (Percussion instrument), once fell asleep during a Chakyar Kuttu performance. He was humiliated by the Chakyar, the lead actor and consequently and enraged, Nambiar conceived Thullal, to get even with the Chakyar. Thullal was an instant hit with the pubic due to its simplicity, humor, fascinating choreography and costume.

Nambiar composed 60 plays replete with humor, sarcasm and social criticism. Thullal has three variant forms Seethankan, Ottan and Parayan thullal. The distinction between them lies mostly in the make-up and costumes and to some extent the meters and the rhythm applied. Thullal reflects the literary, artistic and cultural life of medical Kerala. In Thullal, episodes from the Indian epics are retold in simple Malayalam poetry, and sung in the engrossing Dravidian metre.

Thullal has always been popular with the masses, because of its ability to communicate to the audience through verbal acting interspersed with humour.