Thotton Karakkadan Chandu Panikkar was a greatest exponent of Vettattunatu in northern Kathakali, which emphasizes pure dance. He was born in the Thottonkarakkad house of Trikkarippur, near Kasaragod in 1875. At the age of 12 he joined Thazhekkattu Manas Tullal Kalari, where he mastered Kathakali as well as Ottan Tullal. Higher education in Kathakali came under Ambatt Eachara Menon. At 17, he debuted as Arjuna in Subhadraharanam or `Subhadra`s Abduction`. This is a rare event in Kathakali, for a debutante to play the lead. An expert in facial expressions, he could change them in seconds. His handsome appearance and acting ability gradually made him very famous. He was equally good in all categories of characters, particularly as Arjuna, Bhima, Durvasa, Daksha, and Hanuman. For many years he was main actor in the troupes of Thazhekkad and Vengayil in north Kerala. Nearing 70, he became the head Kathakali guru at Adayar Kalakshetra, Madras. One of his earliest disciples was Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair. Thotton Karakkadan Chandu Panikkar died in 1969.

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