Singer Sona Mohapatra has described a live performance of Ottanthullal — the classical Kerala solo art form — as the undisputed highlight of her Diwali 2024 getaway in the state, calling it 'an extraordinary blend of music, theatre, dance, poetry, comedy and storytelling' that left her spellbound and eventually moved to tears.

The Performance That Stopped Her in Her Tracks

Mohapatra shared a detailed account of the experience on Instagram, posting a photo-and-video dump from her Kerala trip that covered family time, food, backwaters, and festive celebrations. But it was the Ottanthullal performance — by just two artists, accompanied by a single mridangam — that she singled out as transformative.

'I was spellbound. And eventually, moved to tears,' she wrote in her caption, describing how the lead performer narrated the tale of Draupadi sending Bhima in search of the fragrant Kalyanasougandhikam flower — switching characters, voices, expressions and moods 'in the blink of an eye.'

What Makes Ottanthullal So Demanding

Ottanthullal is an 18th-century Kerala art form created by the legendary poet Kunchan Nambiar. It is a classical solo recite-and-dance tradition celebrated for its sharp wit, social satire, and physical rigour. As a trained singer, Mohapatra said she was particularly struck by the lead artist's breath control and command over 'fiendishly complex compositions drawing from Kerala's folk and classical musical traditions.'

She called the mridangam player 'a one-man orchestra,' crediting him with 'creating an entire soundscape of dramatic effects, rhythmic conversations, punctuation and musical mischief, while doubling up as the chorus.'

The Comedy Element

Beyond the technical mastery, Mohapatra highlighted the performance's spontaneous humour. 'Sharp, spontaneous, wickedly intelligent. Picking on unsuspecting members of the audience, drawing everyone into the story, making us laugh at ourselves without resorting to cheap insults or derision,' she wrote.

Notably, she stressed that the storytelling transcended language barriers — 'even without understanding every word of Malayalam, you find yourself completely drawn in.'

A Passionate Plug for the Artists

Mohapatra went further than sharing her personal experience, sharing the performing artist's visiting card in her post and actively advocating for wider bookings. She argued that Ottanthullal is not confined to temples, auditoriums or heritage festivals — 'it can light up a living room, a wedding, a corporate gathering, a village square or an international stage.'

Her endorsement is likely to amplify interest in the art form among urban and diaspora audiences who may have little prior exposure to it. The post underscores a growing cultural moment in which artists and celebrities are using their platforms to spotlight endangered or under-appreciated classical traditions.