The influence of Kalaripayattu is evident from the vivacious fighting scenes. Kathakali is dependent on miming and physical expressions, but Chavittunatakam depends on verbal acting. The forceful stamping of the foot by the actors is most dramatic and it effectively communicates the basic heroic mood in most of the themes. Being an opera, gestures are not used in Chavittunatakam to communicate ideas. However, unlike the other folk traditions of Kerala, Chavittunatakam attributes great importance to the performance text (Malayalam: Chuvati), which is stressed from the rituals performed from the beginning of rehearsals up to the actual performance. Male actors does the roles of women.  The steps, the stamping and the locomotion of the body sharply coincide with the vocal singing and the accompanying rhythm on the instrument chenda creating a very vibrant dramatic effect.