What is ‘Arabanamuttu’ means? Does it have many many categories ?

'Arabanamuttu’ is a folk art which is a blend of dance and music. The name of the performance was derived from the musical drum ‘Arabana’. There are two types of ‘Arabanamuttu’. One is ‘Ratheebmuttu’ and the other one is ‘Kalimuttu’. ‘Ratheebmuttu’is a ritual art.‘Kalimuttu’is normally performed in marriage functions and other festivals.There is no restrictions in ‘Kalimuttu’ regarding the costumes and lyrics. You can even sing non-Arabic lyrics.

Is there any localized version of ‘Arabanamuttu’?

No. The method of presentation is uniform everywhere. Usually the performance begin with ‘Manippu’ (Announcement about the performance). Then comes ‘Ashtadhavi’, the eight different strikes on the drum. During this, the players sway and bend their body towards eight directions. But in youth festivals ‘Manippu’ become an important item which is not fair.

Can you tell us more on the evolution of this art in Kerala ?

It was my master and renowned Arabanamuttu artist Baker Edakkazhiyur who initiated the process of change in the performance in 1972. When we were performing in Calicut, some of the audience raised some complaints about the presentation style. This prompted us to make some modifications in the dance style and selection of lyrics. We started using the lyrics by Malayalam poets of the likes of Moinkutty Vaidyar. This experiment was a real success. In 1992 ‘Arabanamuttu’ was included as a competition item in the state youth festival.
 
What is the scenario now ?

In our times, art forms like ‘Arabanamuttu’, ‘Daffmuttu’ and ‘Kolkali’ were a part of our socio-cultural life. But today, people are more ambitious and greedy. They are taking this art form as a way to get grace marks and for other gains. Even in the school youth festival, the purity and sanctity of ‘Arabanamuttu’ is deteriorating.

What is the future of this art form? Can a person make a livelihood out of this?

The reality is that ‘Arabanamuttu’ is performed only in youth festivals and some local areas now. The new generation, both the artists and the audience are not aware of the creative possibilities of it. In that sense, we can’t predict the future.There is no doubt that anybody who performs well can make a livelihood out of ‘Arabanamutu’. I am an example for this.

Do the government helpful in promoting and preserving these type of ‘Mappila’ arts?

There is help from the Government in the form of awards and financial assistance always. The ‘MoinkuttyVaidyar Memorial Academy’ in Kondotty also does their part to promote all the Mappila arts.

How is the response from the public?

They are always supportive.