Ottan Thullal is a dance and poetic performance form of Kerala India. It was introduced in the eighteenth century by Kunchan Nambiar one of the Prachina Kaviyathram (three famous Malayalam language poets). It is accompanied by a mridangam (a barrel shaped double headed drum) or an idakka (drum and cymbal).Ottamthullal has its origins in the classical principles of Natya Sastra, a treatise on art originating in the 2nd century B.C. The word Thullal means to jump in Malayalam language.Tradition has it that Nambiar, the poet, fell asleep while playing the mizhavu for a Chakyar Koothu performance, inviting ridicule from the Chakyar. In response, Nambiar developed Ottamthullal, which parodied prevalent sociopolitical questions and regional prejudices. The chakyar complained about Nambiar's production to the king of Chembakassery.Ottamthullal competitions are held and the art form may be used to spread a social message.
Nambiar parodies landlords and other prominent citizens. For example, the character of Bhima from the epic the Mahabharata is portrayed as an oaf. Higher castes including Brahmin were not spared.
Ottan thullal was performed in Malayalam which pleased local audiences. Old sayings and elements of folklore were used. In olden days this folk art used to be performed in Telugu language, because the Ottan is essentially a Telugu community.
In Ottamthullal, a solo performer, with green makeup and a colourful costume (decorated with a long red and white band and painted wooden ornaments), acts and dances while reciting dance lyrics. The essence and attraction of Ottanthullal is satire because the artiste is given a lot of freedom to improvise and also to incorporate humor.
A chorus or one artist or more, repeats each sentence as it is completed. More recently, Ottamthullal has been performed with a solo female actor and with an ensemble cast.
