Nandakumar does not compromise, by diluting the techniques. He also feels that the monotony of repetitions could be lessened or eliminated by systematic choreography

Sri. Kottakkal Nandakumaran Nair is a prominent doer of kathi vesham . As a brilliant and uncompromising kathakali artist he has followed the ideas of Guru Pattikanthodi Ravunni Menon- creator of the most strict and beautiful style of kathakali dance.

Rigidly adhering to the nuances of the Northern School of Kathakali, Nandakumaran keeps the art well illumined with an aura of traditional stability well woven into the histrionic fabric of appreciation of the modern present connoisseurs. He is still capable presenting any category of characters with his signatures well etched on the classes like Kathi, Vellathaadi, Minukku and pacha. His travels within him a seeker of the vivid cultures that nurture verities of theatre forms.

Kottakkal Nandakumar is one among the very few refined kathakali exponents of our times. By refinement I underscore his technical perfection and understanding on the role that he portrays. The basis acting methodology of kathakali is suggestive acting with the actor shifting quickly as both the narrator and the interpreter- all while performing as the character concerned but without living on the stage as the character. He is among the best as the narrator and interpreter ; making him the favourite of kathakali aficionados.

A master performer who portrays heroic roles with phenomenal depth of character.

It is a privilege for a performer to have under gone training in two reputed institutions and that too under great master and also in two different disciplines. Kottakkal Nandakumaran Nair is one among the very few who has had that privilege. While he came out with flying colours from Kalamandalam in Ottanthullal, the Kathakali artist in him was fashioned at Kottakkal.