Jallikattu (transl. Bull-vaulting)[1] is a 1987 Indian Tamil-language vigilante film directed by Manivannan. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Sathyaraj and Radha. The film, produced by Chitra Ramu and Chitra Lakshmanan,[2] had musical score by Ilaiyaraaja and was released on 28 August 1987. The title of the film is a reference to the traditional Tamil sport of the same name.
Jallikattu | |
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![]() Poster | |
Directed by | Manivannan |
Screenplay by | Manivannan |
Story by | Vietnam Veedu Sundaram |
Produced by | Chitra Ramu Chitra Lakshmanan |
Starring | |
Cinematography | A. Sabapathy |
Edited by | Chandran |
Music by | Ilaiyaraaja |
Production company | Seetha Lakshmi Art Films |
Distributed by | Seetha Lakshmi Art Films |
Release date |
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Running time | 140 minutes |
Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
The story begins with Arjun (Sathyaraj) being arrested for multiple crimes. In the past, Arjun was a happy-go-lucky young man. His brother (Delhi Ganesh), a factory's union leader, clashed with his superiors (M. N. Nambiar, Malaysia Vasudevan and Chitra Lakshmanan) for a bonus. In the meantime, Arjun fell in love with Radha (Radha). To help the labourers, Arjun cheated the factory's owners as a fake income tax officer, he managed to take all their black money and he gave it to the labourers. The owners of the factory trap Arjun's brother, sister-in-law and his niece in their house. Arjun's sister in-law is raped and the three are killed. Arjun then tried to kill the culprit and failed. Siva Prasad (Captain Raju), Radha's brother, advised him to surrender but, being an innocent in this case, he refused. However, Siva Prasad arrested him by surprise. Arjun was then tortured. Therefore, a bald Arjun comes to the court. Despite everything being against Arjun, the judge Ram Prakash (Sivaji Ganesan) feels that he is innocent. So Ram Prakash sentences that Arjun will be under house arrest on his isolated island. Ram Prakash and Arjun slowly begin bonding as friends again and Radha (Radha) shows up again after being removed from the island and shoots Ram Prakash After few plots, twists and turns, Ram Prakash (Sivaji Ganesan) reveals his motive on choosing Arjun (Sathyaraj) Rama Prakash's granddaughter is kidnapped and held at ransom to release a criminal linked to above 3 criminals, and is raped and murdered brutally when Judge Ram Prakash upholds law and sentences the criminal to death by hanging. Ram Prakash trains Arjun well in many skills and the climax gets interesting on how Arjun overtakes his enemies one by one.
Jallikattu is the first collaboration between Sivaji Ganesan and Manivannan.[3]
Jallikattu | |
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Soundtrack album by | |
Released | 1987 |
Recorded | 1987 |
Genre | Feature film soundtrack |
Length | 22:35 |
Producer | Ilaiyaraaja |
The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics written by Gangai Amaran.[4][5][6] The track, Kathi chandai podaamalae is reused from the movie Kadalora Kavithaigal also composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
Track | Song | Singer(s) | Duration |
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1 | "Yethanaiyo" | Mano, S. Janaki | 4:24 |
2 | "Yeriyil Oru" | Malaysia Vasudevan | 4:25 |
3 | "Hey Raja" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Mano | 4:31 |
4 | "Kathi Chandai Poadaamale" | K. S. Chithra | 4:22 |
5 | "Kaadhal Kizhiye" | Mano, S. Janaki | 4:53 |
Jallikattu faced issues with the Censor Board before release as the Board "felt it may show the judiciary in poor light" and made a few cuts.[7] Jallikattu was a commercially successful film. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran attended the 100th day celebrations which was his last function before his death on 24 December 1987.[8]