The Folk performances were once not just for entertainment and ritual, they acted as a mode of communication, conveying messages, providing information, and commenting on current issues, people, and events. Mixing satire was a way to communicate directly with people through artistic practices. At the same time, they often followed a religious narrative background. One such art form popular in Travancore (the southern region of Kerala and Tamil Nadu) is Kakkarissi Natakam. This dance-drama tradition was initially performed by the tribal communities of Kurava and Malaveda, but later, other communities also began to participate. It became a cultural practice among communities categorised as lower in the caste system. Kakkarissi Natakam, or Kakkarikkali, was an expression of their ideas, arguments, and struggles through an ensemble of dance, acting, satirical dialogues, and music. 

Tradition and Performance
The act of Kakkarissi reflects the legend of Lord Shiva and Parvati, believed to have come to earth as a tribal hunter couple, Vedan and Vedathi. The religious narrative is presented in a human manner mixed with satirical statements. Kakkarissi is performed as part of festivals and special occasions such as Shivaratri and Onam. The play revolves around the Kakkala caste and their surroundings, exploring and questioning the social life and family relationships. Beyond its religious aspect, it evolved into a dramatic tradition that later adopted social themes and incidents. 

The main characters of the play are the hero known as Kakkalan- named as Sundara Kakkalan and his two consorts, known as Kakkalathis/kakkathis, who are believed to represent Parvati and Ganga (the two consorts of Lord Shiva). The Kakkalan and Kakkalathis are traditionally nomadic fortune tellers who interpret the future for people. Another important character is the Thampuran, and the play progresses through a series of questions and answers between Thampuran and Kakkalan. The verbal fights, jealousy, and friendship between the Kakkalathis add another layer of attraction to the plot. The language in the act for songs and dialogues is a blend of Tamil and Malayalam.

The costume and make-up of Kakkarissi Natakam resemble those of the tribal community. The Kakkalan's face make-up is particularly distinctive, with the face painted black and decorated with white dots, reflecting the hunter attire. The Kakkalathis appear in tribal dress and jewellery. The instruments used harmonium, mrudangam, ganjira, and kaimani. Actors require excellent training for Kakkarissi Natakam, as the performance demands a very flexible body and a strong voice. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation through practice.