Kottayam: We have experienced several ‘Ottan Thullal’ a recite-and-dance art-form of Kerala. The Ottan Thullal stories were adapted from the epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharatha characters. The art form was introduced by Kunjan Nambiyar in the 18th century as a medium to protest against the prevalent socio-political structure and prejudices of the society at his time.
In this situation, Thullal performer Pala KR Mani took centre stage, organising and delivering a performance based on the life story of recently translocated tusker Arikomban from Kerala to Tamil Nadu.
The enthralling spectacle unfolded at the annual ceremony of the Kavya Vedhi Trust, where Mani took the audience on a journey through Arikkomban’s life. When asked about his inspiration for the story, Mani credited Jagatheesh Swami Asan, a retired KSRTC driver and an elephant lover.
Discussion about this post