For any South Indian growing up in a city, the lizard is the simplest way to understand how folk myths can find their way into the urban space. This writer has often been reminded that the lizard watches over us, and its call is a sign that someone around is lying. “My brother, Bovas, was fascinated by the lizard when he was a boy,” laughs Jaijea John Kuruvilla, bass guitarist and storyteller of the band, Gowwli. Named after the lizard [in Malayalam], the folk-rock band will make their debut in the city with a performance as part of fellow folk-rock band Daira’s 10 year anniversary tour.

“The lizard is a survivor; a useful attribute for an indie band today,” Kuruvilla elaborates. Though they made their debut single, Lizard Tales, in 2023, it was Thee chirakukal and Vidamuyarchi (2024) that brought this experimental folk band to the notice of enthusiasts. Alongside the brothers, Bovas (rhythm guitars and lead vocals) and Jaijea (bass guitar and vocals), Akshai Ashokan (guitarist and vocals) and Swaroop Thottankara (drummer) complete the Malayalam folk-rock quartet. “The band started about four years ago, but we have known each other for a decade,” shares the former tourism professional.

A moment from a jam session at Otherside, the band’s venue in Auroville. Pic Courtesy/Instagram