Of the several schools of learning prevalent in Kathakali at present Kalluvazhi
school alone can claim universal recognition and prestige. Kalamandalam is the
pioneering institution preserving and promoting the Kalluvazhi school of Kathakali.
The late Pattikkaamthoti Ravunni Menon was its doyen. He chiselled the techniques
of acting in Kathakali in tune with the text and context of the Kathakali plays.
Credit for integrating vocal and instrumental music in Kathakali to its visual
rhythm goes exclusively to Ravunni Menon. Menon joined Kalamandalam as the Head
of the Faculty of Kathakali in 1933 at the invitation of Poet Vallathol. Ravunni
Menon breathed Kathakali and became the mentor of all the outstanding artists
in the field. Menon gave his inestimable services to Kalamandalam till 1943.
His demise in 1948 was a heavy loss to Kalamandalam and to the art of Kathakali.
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