Appukutty Poduval, a renowned maddalam maestro, left an indelible mark on the world of Kathakali, the classical dance-drama from Kerala. Trained under the legendary Venkichan Swamy, Poduval's mastery over the maddalam, evident in his aesthetically pleasing taps, elevated the instrument's status on the Kathakali stage. His deep understanding of performing arts enabled him to create a distinctive style that not only showcased his exceptional tonal quality and dexterity but also added rare effects to Kathakali acting. Poduval's contributions to the art form were widely acknowledged, with Kalamadalam Gopi describing him as the "Perfect Maddalam Player" Kathakali had ever seen. His legacy continues to inspire and enrich the world of classical Indian performing arts.