(Manifestation of Internal Feelings)

  As per the Natyasastra there are eight Satvikabhavas Viz. Stambh. Pralaym, Romanca, Asru, Vaivaynyam, Vaiswaryam, Vepathu, Svedam. Some of these are difficult to express in Kutiyattam due to the peculiarities of the make up. Acting through ocular movements is the most important techniquq for expression in Kutiyattam.

  Kulasekhara’s ‘Vyangyavakhya’ referred to earlier, classifies the audience into two – the lay man and the scholarly. The exposition of hidden or inner meaninf is necessary for satisfying the latter. Here only ocular movements can be of use and words (vacika) alone will not suffice.

The actor setrives to please bopth the connoisseur and the common man through his performance. The former can be addressed only by the manifestation of the internal feelings. The hidden meaning of the text  is to be conveyed to the expert audience by the movements of the eyes. This requires training of the highest level. The presentation of Rasa and Bhava comes under Sattvika.