Ottamthullal is a type of performing arts from Kerala, India. Also known as the "poor mans Kathakali", Ottamthullal was created by the Malayali poet Kunchan Nambiar, as an alternative to the Chakyar koothu, as a protest against the prevalent socio-political structure and prejudices of the region. In Ottamthullal, a single actor wears colorful costumes, while reciting thullal (dance songs), all the while acting and dancing. The art form is very satirical in nature, and the ability and freedom of the artist to invent and incorporate the humour and incidental satire makes this art form more popular among the common man. unlike Kathakali, the language is pretty simple, malayalam and very rhythmic in nature. A popular story about the creation of the art form relates it to an incident, where Kunchan Nambiar is said to have slept off during the Chakyar koothu program where he was accompanying on Mizhavu. It says that he created the art form overnight to perform the very next day.