Ottam Thullal, a distinctive and vibrant performing art form hailing from the culturally-rich state of Kerala in India, was innovatively crafted by Kunchan Nambiar. Known not just for its unique presentation but also its significant socio-political implications, this folk art symbolises more than just simple entertainment.
In the ancient times, the art of Ottam Thullal spiralled into popularity and soon became a staple form of amusement at the temples of Kerala. With time, it transformed into a visual narrative medley of song, dance, and drama, attaining a unique identity amongst the many revered art forms of Kerala.
The Man Behind the Art: Kunchan Nambiar
The creation and development of this art form were credited to Kunchan Nambiar, a gifted poet and performer. His intention behind introducing Ottam Thullal was to provide an alternative to another popular art form known as Chakyar Koothu.
Nambiar ingeniously used Ottam Thullal as a medium to protest against the prevailing socio-political structure and prejudices rampant in society during his era. The messages hidden in the performance of Ottam Thullal highlighted several societal issues, resulting in the art form gaining immense popularity.
The Intricacies of Ottam Thullal Performance
The unique aspect of Ottam Thullal lies in its performance. Here, the performer multitasks by singing and enacting the story simultaneously — a feat that requires considerable skill and stamina. To further accentuate the performance, another individual recites the same verses in sync with the performer.
The musical instruments that accompany an Ottam Thullal performance are the Mridangam and the Idakka, two traditional Indian percussion instruments. The rhythmic beats of these instruments provide a harmonious backdrop to the performer’s narration, enhancing the overall experience.
Comparative Analysis: Ottam Thullal versus Chakyar Koothu
| Art Form | Type | Content | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottam Thullal | Dance-Drama | Narratives, Social Messages | Implicit |
| Chakyar Koothu | Monologue Performance | Episodes from Hindu Epics and Puranas | Explicit |
Chakyar Koothu: A Refined Monologue
Chakyar Koothu is another renowned performance art from Kerala. It is essentially a sophisticated monologue where the performer narrates episodes from Hindu epics and stories from the Puranas. Chakyar Koothu showcases an impressive blend of tradition and versatility — it serves as a traditional equivalent of the modern stand-up comedy act, incorporating commentary on current socio-political events.
While both Ottam Thullal and Chakyar Koothu have similar objectives of providing entertainment and sharing narratives, their methods of storytelling vary, exhibiting the diverse range of performing arts in Kerala.
