P. T. Srinivasa Iyengar theorised, that Senguttuvan may have been inspired by the Parasurama legend, which was brought by early Aryan settlers.

[11][12][13] Other distinctive features include the rituals of Yakshagana, Bhuta Kola, Nagaradhane[14] Aati kalenja and Kambala.

They have attained a godly status among some worshippers, mainly non-Brahmins, and even have their own bhuta-sthanas (a place of abode similar to temples).

A second variety can be representatives of characters taken out of the Puranas like Bermer (Brahma), Lekkesiri (Raktesvari, Kali) or Vishnumurti.

The fourth kind is strictly local characters like Male-Chandi (from the male-Nadu), Ullaldi (from Ullal), and Malaraye (from the Ghats).

[21][better source needed] The 2022 film Kantāra, directed and acted by Rishabh Shetty depicts the ritual, as well as cites the importance of Kul Devtās (Clan Deities) From India's independence and following the reorganization of states, the Tuluvas have been demanding national language status for Tulu[22] and a separate state for themselves called Tulu Nadu ('land of Tuluvas'), based on their language and distinct culture.

Several organizations like the Tulu Rajya Horata Samiti have taken up the cause of the Tuluvas, and frequent meetings and demonstrations are held across towns in Tulunadu (such as Mangalore and Udupi) to voice their demands.