Ottan Thullal (or Ottamthullal, Malayalam:ഓട്ടന് തുള്ളല്) is a dance and poetic performance form of Kerala, India. It was introduced in the 18th century by Kunchan Nambiar, one of the Prachina Kavithrayam (three famous Malayalam language poets). It is accompanied by a mridangam (a barrel shaped double headed drum) or an idakka (drum and cymbal).
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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.
Theme
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.
Language
Ottamthullal was performed in Malayalam which pleased local audiences. Old sayings and elements of folklore were used. The satirical nature of the works invited artists to improvise. The rhythm of the language varied from the simple to the rare and complex. Examples of the lines include:
"Embranalpam kattubujichal," (If the chief of the temple steal and eat a little,) "Ambalavasikalokke kakkum." (All the dependents of the temple will steal.)and,
"Asanaksharamonnu pizhachal" (If teacher commits one mistake,) "Ambathettu pizhakkum sishyanu." (the student will commit fifty-eight mistakes.)Works
There may be forty or more Ottamthullal works. Examples include: