'Truly Malayali' is all about cracking the DNA of Malayalis: Stand-up comedian Sabareesh

Stand-up comedy is steadily gaining prominence in India, although it's still finding its momentum in Kerala. Yet, it's undeniably a moment. Sabareesh Narayanan, a stand-up comedian, is making waves in Kerala with his initiatives. Hailing from Kochi, this emerging talent has introduced his stand-up special, 'Truly Malayali,' on YouTube. In a recent interview with Onmanorama, Sabareesh shared insights into his special and his passion for stand-up.

Could you provide a brief overview of your stand-up comedy show?
I've harboured a longstanding desire to bring to life a Malayalam stand-up special. From the very conception of this idea, I have intended to delve into a topic that sparks my curiosity—the essence of Malayalis, their nature, and what defines them. I yearned to explore beyond the surface, aiming to crack the intricacies of being a Malayali.

In this creative venture, I sought to address certain misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding Malayalis— like dispelling the notion that our culinary preferences revolve solely around porotta and beef. I aspired to present a nuanced perspective on what it truly means to be a Malayali.
The realisation of this aspiration is 'Truly Malayali,' a project akin to peeling back the layers and exploring the very DNA that defines the Malayali identity.

How did you decide to transform this entire concept into a stand-up performance?
The main motivation behind it is that no one has previously transformed such a concept into a stand-up routine, exploring the nuances of Malayalis. I found this unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of our culture, and I thought, 'Why not give it a try?'

Could you share a bit about your journey thus far?
I always wanted to do stand-up. Before diving into it full-time, I was working with an ad agency. The timing proved tricky, as I ventured on this journey right at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a delay in my progress. The road has always been challenging and continues to be so.

Funding my first major project, my stand-up special, came from my pocket. In Kerala, the stand-up culture is gradually taking root, and being part of this transformative phase is both exciting and demanding. Opting for a 'pay what you want' model for my special adds another layer of complexity to the financial aspect, making it a formidable challenge.
While launching my stand-up special is undeniably an achievement, the struggle persists for stand-up artists in Kerala.

You're performing in cities like Bengaluru and Kochi. Have you noticed a significant reception in cities in Kerala?
Kochi has been a definite hotspot for Truly Malayali shows. The turnouts have been fantastic. It's not just Kochi; even in Bengaluru, the response has been overwhelming, with full houses becoming the norm. However, it's a bit different in terms of scale – hitting the 500-600 people mark might be a bit of a stretch.

Possibly, in Kerala, the culture is still settling in, and the younger crowd might not be as accustomed to it. Contrast that with Bengaluru, a city buzzing with talent similar to mine. Fingers crossed, as time goes on, we'll likely see those numbers on the rise.

You mentioned the 'pay what you want' model for your special. Could you provide more details on that?
I learned about this model through various sources, and I noticed another artist using it as well. In Kerala, there's limited exposure to such unique projects, leading to confusion among people who wondered if it was a web series or a film. Due to delays, I opted for a pay-what-you-want model, and the response has been positive, with some even sharing personal notes. Essentially, it's a model where the audience watches the special and pays according to their preference—whatever amount they feel comfortable with. It's satisfying to see people contributing willingly to the show, making me happy without any pressure to pay.

Were you inherently drawn to performing, or did you experience stage fright before facing an audience?
Absolutely. I had reservations, and fear was there, but my passion for performing always outweighed it. I'm not an extrovert by nature. My inspiration has always been Mr. Bean; Rowan Atkinson was a stand-up comedian in his early career. Initially, my attempts at stand-up didn't quite succeed, prompting a year-long break before I returned. Now, my main concern is whether the jokes I write will resonate with the audience—that's something I'm particularly curious about.

How smooth or challenging is it to keep the audience engaged during your stand-up comedy performances?
Every artist aspires to evoke genuine laughter from their audience. While comedy is inherently subjective, it's crucial to engage in activities you genuinely enjoy to sustain a career in humour. Constantly pursuing what you believe makes audiences laugh may not always yield success. Many individuals tend to replicate similar content, such as observations about neighbours or family reactions. In contrast, I chose not to confine myself to those ​boundaries. My goal is to explore a broader spectrum. This is my perspective, which may or may not resonate with everyone. Nevertheless, I strive to create work that brings me joy and curiosity.