Kathak is a North Indian classical dance focused on storytelling through graceful spins and rhythmic footwork, Kathakali is a Kerala-based dance-drama known for elaborate makeup, costumes, and expressive gestures, while Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu emphasizes fixed upper body, intricate footwork, and sculpturesque poses.

Koodiyattam is an ancient, ritualistic Sanskrit theatre form with minimal movement, featuring detailed facial expressions and hand gestures, while Kathakali is a later dance-drama form known for its highly stylized, narrative dances, vivid makeup, and elaborate costumes telling stories from epics. Koodiyattam uses mostly male actors but includes women in some roles, whereas Kathakali was historically performed by men alone. Koodiyattam performances are exceptionally slow, with one act sometimes spanning multiple nights, contrasting with Kathakali's faster pace of a full story performed in one night.

Kathakali is originated from State of Kerala in 17th Century. evolving from earlier dance and ritual forms like Ramnattam.It was stylized combination of dance, drama and music and story telling primarily stories  depicting from Hindu epics.The art form has root in ancient performance tradition and influenced by Martial arts of Kerala resulting in the codified and elaborate dance drama it is today.

"Kathakali" is traditional art form from Kerala. Basically it is done to convey the "epics" (stories) to the audience via facial expressions and bodily gestures, topped with special makeups/outfits/traditional music(story/singing is done by dedicated members and Kathakali artist is not allowed to speak but to express). It's generally perfomed in Temple/associated cultural places and the stories are typically extracts from Hindu mythology.