‘This is not Kathakali’: Kalamandalam protests controversial performance for British PM | VIDEO

Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur: A video of a Kathakali performance organised by the Ministry of External Affairs during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Mumbai has sparked widespread outrage.

Viewers of the video expressed shock, saying the performance insulted the traditional art form. “This is not Kathakali; the art form should not be mocked in this manner,” some commented. The video was officially released by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The controversy led to a protest by representatives of Kerala Kalamandalam, the premier institute for classical performing arts. The institute’s Vice-Chancellor said the protest and concerns would be formally conveyed to the authorities.

Many viewers criticised the performance, saying it featured exaggerated costumes and movements that deviated from the traditional gestures and expressions of Kathakali, prompting accusations that the art form was misrepresented.