Kathakali is a dance-drama in which a high degree of stylization is seen in the method of acting, presentation, make-up and costuming. Realism is limited only to certain characters. 1. Angika -- pertaining to the body and its limbs.

1. Angika -- pertaining to the body and its limbs.

2. Vachika -- relating to the vocal including      proper pronunciation,modulation of voice       accents and percussion. 

3. Satvika -- representation of psychic condition. 

4. Ahraya -- costume, make-up, stage props etc. 

   Angika Abhinaya: This involves the whole body of the actor and included an elaborate scheme of facial expression, mime, gestures, accompanied by their appropriate movements, poses and attitudes. Dance passages known as Kalasams have an important role to play in Kathakali. Hastalakshna Deepika is the regional text on the Hastas (hand gestures) mainly used in Kathakali. 

   Vachika Abhinaya: One of the distinguishing characteristic of Kathakali is that the actors do not speak. Vachika (drama text in the form of verses and songs) are recited and sung by vocalists. The vocal music in Kathakali although based on the Karnatic (South Indian) system has developed a distinct regional style called Sopanasangeetham. Satvika Abhinaya: A highly stylized technique in the invocation of bhava has been developed in Kathakali. This is called Rasabhinava. Indian dramatic theory explain 9 kinds of basic sentiments, Rasa with a corresponding sthayi bhava (emotional stayi mood). Rasabhinava Sthayi Bhava

Rasabhinava Sthayi Bhava

Sringara (EROTIC) Rati (LOVE)

Hasya (COMIC, HUMOR) Hasa (LAUGHTER)

Karuna (PATHETIC) Soka (SORROW)

Raudra (FURIOUS) Krodha (ANGER)

Veera (HEROIC) Visaha (ENERGY, HEROISM)

Bhayanaka (TERRIBLE) Bhayam (FEAR)

Atbhutam (MARVELOUS) Vismayam (ASTONISHMENT)

Sandham (SERENE) Sama (TRANQUILLITY)  

Through an internal discipline an actor develops his ability in mastering this action technique. The characters in Kathakali are types.

Pacca (GREEN) - HEROIC, DIVINE e.g.:- KRISHNA, ARJUNA.

Kathi (KNIFE) - HEROIC BUT LUSTFUL WITH ARROGANT.

Tadi (BEARD) - RED, VILLAINOUS AND EVIL. WHITE - PIOUS E.g.:- HANUMAN

Kari (BLACK) - a DEMONESS.

BRAHMINS, SAGE, MESSENGERS, CHARIOTEER.

This short note on Kathakali could be summarized as such that the theater form is a combination of dance, music, percussion, acting and painting thus make a total theater in its completion.