Kalamandalam Sivan Namboothiri, the blessed Kutiyattam artist, goes for yet another mysterious Abhinaya (acting) while he performs as Lord Rama in the Kutiyattam play Balivadham.

Kutiyattam, the classical Sanskrit theatrical art form of Kerala is one of the oldest existing theatres in India itself. Kutiyattam is an art form usually performed indoor and the theatre where it is performed is called Koothambalam.

Kutiyattam has the influences of both the Sanskrit and Kerala traditions. Segments from classical Sanskrit plays written by Kalidasa, Bhasa, Harsha, Bhavabhuti are taken and are presented as full fledged plays.

The percussions used in Kutiyattam are Mizhavu, Thimila, Kurumkuzhal, Sankhu and edakka. There are many costumes in Kutiyattam which explain the nature of the character. They are– Pacha (noble characters), Pazhukka (noble and heroic characters), Kathi (valorous but vicious), Minukku (simple and women characters). Thadi (three monkey characters) and Kari (demoness).