Chavittunatakom is a Christian art form of Kerala evolved among the Latin Christians in the state. Its origin dates back to the days of Portuguese colonization in the state. Chinnathampi Pillai and Vedanayakam Pillai; two scholars lived in the 17th century are believed to be the originators of this art form.

Chavittu in local parlance also means ‘to make loud steps’ and Natakam, the play. This theatre form bears traces of the European Christian Miracle Play.

In this musical drama, the actors wear colourful Greco-Roman costumes and even the stage props have foreign influences. The themes are usually the historic deeds of Christian saints. The language is a colloquial mix of Tamil and Malayalam.

The form of presentation has roots in the European opera and medieval historic plays and Kerala’s art forms like Kalarippayattu. In the past Chavittunatakom was performed on open wooden stages, though sometimes the interior of a church was also a venue.