Actor and writer V.K. Sreeraman has expressed regret over his controversial remarks on Pulikali, acknowledging that his earlier opinion and choice of words were inappropriate and had caused distress to artistes and others associated with the traditional Onam performance.

In a fresh social media post, Mr. Sreeraman said the responses to his earlier post — both in support of and against it, including the usual abusive comments — had prompted him to reconsider his position.

He said one particular response had made him look at the Thrissur Pulikali tradition differently. The comment described Thrissur’s Pulikali as a “single-theme carnival,” contrasting it with the Pulikali of Kasaragod, which it described as a martial art form involving physical prowess, training and agility. It added that a performance in a carnival did not require these qualities.

‘Inappropriate words’

“I understand that this opinion is correct, and therefore that my earlier expression of opinion was not mature,” Mr. Sreeraman said. He said he hoped artistes and organisers would work towards making Pulikali more aesthetically appealing. “My wish is that efforts will be made by the artistes and organisers to make this dance form even more beautiful,” he said.

I understand that my expression of opinion and the inappropriate choice of words caused mental distress to Pulikali artistes and those associated with it. I express my regret over that, he said.

The apology comes after Mr. Sreeraman’s earlier social media post describing Pulikali as an “artistic distortion that makes one nauseous” triggered a sharp backlash in Thrissur. Pulikali troupes and cultural activistes had accused him of insulting the artistes and demanded that he withdraw the post and apologise.

‘Body-shaming’

The Ayyanthole Desam Pulikali Organising Committee had described the remarks as body-shaming and said they had affected the morale of artistes ahead of the Onam celebrations. The Sitaram Mill Desam Pulikali Organising Committee had also demanded an apology.

The comments had triggered a wider debate on social media, with cultural figures taking opposing positions. Scriptwriter K. Gireeshkumar criticised the remarks and questioned the cultural standards used to judge traditional art forms, while director Priyanandanan came out in support of Pulikali and described it as the “drumbeat” of grassroots communities.

Mr. Sreeraman had initially stood by his remarks, saying he found the emphasis on painted bellies in Pulikali distasteful and questioning how such a presentation could be considered an art form. The actor’s expression of regret comes at a time when Thrissur is preparing for its annual Pulikali celebrations, with the city also pursuing efforts to take the colourful festival to the Guinness World Records.

Published - August 20, 2026 08:56 pm IST