Kerala School Kalolsavam 2026: Classical wit meets contemporary pulse as young satirists take centre stage

Wit, satire, and expressive storytelling defined the Chakyar Koothu and Ottanthullal stages at the 64th Kerala State School Arts Festival on Wednesday, underscoring the enduring relevance of classical art forms in contemporary times.

With emphatic facial expressions, restrained choreography, and a keen sense of timing, young chakyars forged an intimate rapport with the audience, effortlessly alternating between humour and incisive social commentary.

Observations steeped in sarcasm elicited peals of laughter as performers took on present socio-political issues. The Sabarimala controversy — along with references to the gold theft case and the role of Unnikrishnan Potti — emerged as favoured themes.

True to the spirit of Chakyar Koothu, artistes exercised their traditional licence to mock anyone and everything, transforming satire into a potent instrument of reflection.

Complementing these contemporary allusions, the Mandharam open stage at the Kerala Sahitya Akademi reverberated with classical narratives drawn from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Episodes such as Satyabhama’s playful indignation towards Krishna and Kiratham, depicting Arjuna’s intense penance and his humbling encounter with Lord Shiva, were rendered with dramatic flair, seamlessly blending devotion, drama, and humour.

Equally heartening was the enthusiastic response to Ottanthullal, an art form that originated in the 18th century and is often feared to be waning amid the rise of modern performance styles. The Kerala Sahitya Akademi’s M.T. Vasudevan Nair Memorial Hall was filled to capacity, with the audience captivated by the rhythmic narration and spirited movements of the performers.

Together, these performances reaffirmed that Kerala’s classical art forms continue to evolve, engage, and entertain — gracefully bridging tradition with the pulse of the present.