Koothu is a sub-genre of the dance drama tradition Kutiyattam. The word 'Koothu' literally means 'dance'. However, Koothu, which is a prominent temple art practice in Kerala, has a strong blend of storytelling / oratory and drama techniques. There are two variations of the traditional Koothu tradition. One is Chakyarkoothu- performed by male performers from the Kutiyattam performer community. The female version of Koothu is known as Nangiarkoothu / Nangyarammakoothu, typically performed by females of the Ambalavasi Nambiar community, who also participate in Kutiyattam plays, for playing female roles.

Chakyarkoothu
Humour and satire are something that everybody enjoys. It's interesting that there has been a traditional performance tradition in the line of satire prevalent in the Kerala region for centuries. The male solo version of Kutiyattam - Chakyarkoothu, is a form that is religious as well as entertaining, form of temple art. The play is a monologue storytelling in which the performer showcases his skills in steps, expressions, and most importantly, his oratory skills. The Chakyar appears as the Vidushaka, similar to the Vidushaka role in Kutiyattam plays. The play uses Sanskrit verses, and the actor narrates situations in the regional language-Malayalam, in a humorous way, mixed with events and characters from contemporary society, poking fun at the audience, customs and behaviours of the time. He jokes about society, from light teasing to clever wordplay and sharp comments. The stories are from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Chakyar's narration of the story follows the 'Champu Prabhashan' style, which is a blend of prose and poetry. Traditionally, Chakyarkoothu is presented in temples during particular seasons or related to festivals inside the prescribed temple theatre space called Koothambalam. The Mizhavu (the drum instrument) is played by the Nambiar and Cymbals by a Nangiar are the major accompanying instruments. As a religious tradition, only Chakyar men perform the Koothu in temples, however, artistes from other communities are learning and performing Koothu at various venues. 

Nangiarkoothu
In the dance drama traditions all over India, it was customary for male actors to play female roles, dressed in female attire till the mid of twentieth century. However, there is a difference here in Kerala with the ancient theatre Kutiyattam and its sister art form, Nangiarkoothu. The female solo version of the Kutiyattam, - Nangiarkoothu / Nangyarammakoothu, is acclaimed as an independent art form and widely performed these days. Traditionally the females of Ambalavasi Nambiar community are the performers. The verses for the performance are taken from the text 'Sree Krishna Charitham', translating to the 'Story of Sree Krishna'. Koothu usually spans several days, and the presentations are divided into different stories and events of Lord Krishna's life. Unlike Chakyarkoothu, there are no monologues in the regional language, other than the Sanskrit verses recited by the performer, which are accompanied by another Nangiar with the cymbals. Mizhavu is the major instrument used for Nangiarkoothu, played by the Nambiar. One of the major significances of this monodrama tradition is the transformation of the single artiste to various characters. This practice is called 'Pakarnnattam', meaning 'transformed performance'. Nangiarkoothu follows the performance text named Attaprakaram. Other than community members, others are also receiving training in Nangiarkoothu along with Kutiyattam and giving public performances these days, while the conventional temple venues are still restricted for the Nangiars.