"To Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar, Kutiyattam was more than art, it was life itself" - Mani Madhava Chakkyar: The Master at Work (film) - Kavalam N. Pani… - Mani Madhava Chakyar

"(Guru Mani Madhava Chakiar) began playing the dual role of Parvati and Shiva...sat on a wooden chair...I have never ever seen a Parvati so exquisitely beautiful. I have never seen a Shiva so handsome and so cunning. I sat there and wept as if I were alone in the presence of God. I then realized what theatre was all about — the falsehood of that old man made me arrive at a state where inhibitions and convictions, all became so fluid and beautiful. And this vision has remained with me always" - Dr. Vijaya Mehta (Executive Director, National Center for Performing Arts- Bombay, acclaimed Indian theatre personality) about her experience of watching 72 year old Guru's Abhinaya of Parvativiraha

“He had his own style. He could convey his thoughts through expressions. His eye movement was superb!” Birju Maharaj- great Kathak dancer, selecting him as one of the ten finest dancers he has known, 2000

“Eyes, what an eloquent pair he has! He is able to express with them even the slightest difference in the mood” - L.S Rajagopalan (noted art critic), 1990