Thullal is known as one of the performing art forms of Kerala. This classical art form has gained its popularity because of its simplistic performance and expressive way of presentation. Thullal is performed with songs and the performer, with his or her dancing pose and gestures expresses the meanings depicted in the verses. The simple Malayalam songs are composed keeping in mind the basics of the principles of the treatise, Natyashastra.

The word `Thullal` connotes jumping and it is said that in Malayalam, it is a genre of poem. The norm of this kind of poetry is that the verses of Thullal are penned in metres. This particular form of art was introduced around 200years earlier and the verbal component of this art form came into existence before a century.

Kunjan Nambiar, one of the eminent poets of Kerala is perhaps the organiser of this art form. Thullal is classified in three different categories as per the rhythm and metre of the verses of the songs. The dances and costumes of the Thullal are different from each other.

There are three different types of Thullal, classified according to the metre and rhythm of the songs sung in each one and the differences in costume, adornments and dance. They are Seethankan Thullal, Ottan Thullal, and Parayan Thullal. The Seethankan Thullal is performed during the afternoon while the Parayan Thullal is performed during the forenoon and Ottan Thullal after sunset. This is a solo dance performance accompanied by two musicians playing small cymbals and maddalam, a drum. The dancer with his different dancing gestures sometimes with rhythmic movement and vigorous steps create an additional charm. The songs sung in the Thullal follow the tala and raga along with the use of Chaste Carnatic ragas.

Among the three forms of Thullals, Parayan Thullal is said to be the slowest in tempo. In this dance form the dancer with his expressive gestures defines the meanings of the verses. Basically the dancer does this performance by standing erect and sometimes adds minimal actions and dance. A conical crown is worn by the dancer and the hood of a serpent is placed on the top of the crown. Bold eye highlights are done to make the expression of the dancer clear to the audience. The body of the performer is smeared with sandal paste and red cloth covers the legs and a white cloth is tied over it. Ornaments like ankle-bells, necklaces etc are used to bedeck the dancer.

Seethankan Thullal is another form of Thullal. This is slower in tempo, metre and rhythm in comparison to the Ottan Thullal. The costumes of the dancer include a black cloth that is tied around the head with tender palm leaves. This looks like a crown. Different ornaments made of palm leaves are used to deck out the dancer. The waist is decked with red and white cloth.

Ottan Thullal has gained most popularity among the three Thullals. This dance form is fastest among the three Thullal dances as it has a high tempo. In this Thullal dance, the face of the dancer is painted as done in the paccha type Kathakali make-up. Bold red, white and bland are used elaborately to make the make up prominent. A white and red coloured cloth is worn by the performer; extensive use of ornaments made of wood, beads is prevalent in this dance form. A many- headed serpent crown with black cloth is worn by the dancer.

Apart from these three Thullal dances there are other forms like Kolam Thullal and Thumbi Thullal. These dances are performed during festivals in temple festivals and Onam festivals in Kerala. Though these are considered as forms of Thullals, basically these are folk dances in which the women take active parts.

The dancers of Thullals, before the performances, follow the set sequence of preludes of decorative dances with skillful footpaces such as Ganapati, Pallivattam, Mannarang, and Bhoopathi. The Shloka is chanted before and after the performances.