Ottamthullal

Ottamthullal (or Ottanthullal, Malayalam:ഓട്ടന്‍ തുള്ളല്‍, pronounced [oːʈːamt̪uɭːal]), is an art form Kerala state, India. It was introduced in the 1700s by Kunchan Nambiar, one of the Prachina Kavithrayam (three famous Malayalam language poets). It is accompanied by a mridangam or an idakka (drum and cymbal).

Ottamthullal is an art form in Kerala. It was created by Kunchan Nambiar, as an alternative to the Chakyar koothu. Ottanthullal, is a dance-drama performing art. Kunchan Nambiar used it as a medium to protest against the prevalent socio-political structure and prejudices of society in his time. It went on to become the most popular folk art presented in Kerala temples.

 The distinguishing factor of Ottanthullal is the performer himself singing and playing the story, which is a tedious task. Another person will recite the same verses. The accompany instruments for Ottanthullal are Mridangam and Idakka.

History

Ottamthullal has its origins in the classical principles of Natya Shastra, a treatise on art originating in the 2nd century B.C. The word Thullal means to jump or leap about in the Tamil 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. The king banned performances of Ottamthullal from the Ambalapuzha temple complex. Closely related art forms are Seethankan thullal and Parayan thullal. Mathur Panikkar popularized Ottamthullal for modern audiences. Ottamthullal competitions are held and the art form may be used to spread a social message.

Performers

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 Thullal (lyrics). A chorus or one artist or more, repeats each sentence as it is completed. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru likened Ottamthullal to a poor man's Kathakali. More recently, Ottamthullal has been performed with a solo female actor and with an ensemble cast.

Ottamthullal kalyana sougandhikam