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 rythmic in nature. In Ottamthullal, a musician stands behind and gives the lead to the actor, another plays on 'Maddalam'or elongated drum and a third keeps the rhythm with a pair of cymbals. In Ottamthullal a lot of humor is added to make the stories interesting and meaningful, by interweaving present-day topics so that people are aware of the happenings and relate to the great epics or puranas. The first Ottamthullal performance of the famous poet Kunjan Nambiar was staged in the 16th century in Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, located about 16 kms from Alappuzha. The popularity of Ottamthullal continues undiminished even today.