{
  "id": 2162371,
  "title": "V.K. Sreeraman expresses regret over Pulikali remarks, says his words were immature",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/v-k-sreeraman-expresses-regret-over-pulikali-remarks-says-his-words",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T15:26:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/vk-sreeraman-expresses-regret-over-pulikali-remarks-says-his-words-were-immature/article71369832.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Renowned actor and writer V.K. Sreeraman has apologized for his controversial remarks on Pulikali, admitting that his earlier opinion and choice of words were inappropriate and distressing to those associated with the traditional Onam performance. In a recent social media post, he acknowledged the backlash he received, including abusive comments, which prompted him to reevaluate his stance. A particular response from a Thrissur resident who described Pulikali as a \"single-theme carnival,\" contrasting it with the more physically demanding version in Kasaragod, made Sreeraman realize the validity of that point, leading to his regret over his earlier expression. He expressed hope that artistes and organizers would work towards enhancing the aesthetic appeal of Pulikali and wished for efforts to be made to make the dance form even more beautiful. Sreeraman emphasized that his earlier words and the resulting mental distress caused to the artistes and associated individuals genuinely troubled him. The actor's apology follows his initial post, which described Pulikali as an \"artistic distortion that makes one nauseous,\" igniting a fierce backlash in Thrissur. The Ayyanthole Desam Pulikali Organising Committee and the Sitaram Mill Desam Pulikali Organising Committee had vehemently accused Sreeraman of body-shaming the artistes and affecting their morale ahead of the Onam celebrations. The debate surrounding the comments took place on social media platforms, where cultural figures took opposing sides. Critics like scriptwriter K. Gireeshkumar questioned the cultural standards used to judge traditional art forms, while director Priyanandanan supported Pulikali, describing it as the \"drumbeat\" of grassroots communities. Sreeraman's regretful stance arrives during the preparations for Thrissur's annual Pulikali celebrations, as the city also aims to include the festival in the Guinness World Records.",
  "summary": "Actor acknowledges that his choice of words hurt Pulikali artistes, says a response to his post made him realise that Thrissur’s Pulikali does not require physical prowess and agility as opposed to the Kasaragod version, which is a martial art",
  "key_points": [
    "V.K. Sreeraman apologizes for Pulikali remarks, calling them immature",
    "Regrets causing distress to artistes and Pulikali community",
    "Emphasizes hope for enhancing aesthetic appeal of traditional dance"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}