Jallikattu (1987 film)


Jallikattu is a 1987 Tamil-language vigilante film directed by Manivannan. The film features Sivaji Ganesan, Sathyaraj and Radha in lead roles. The film, produced by Chitra Ramu and Chitra Lakshmanan, 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.

Plot

The story begins with Arjun being arrested for multiple crimes. In the past, Arjun was a happy-go-lucky young man. His brother, a factory's union leader, clashed with his superiors for a bonus. In the meantime, Arjun fell in love with 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. Later, Arjun's brother, sister-in-law and his niece were killed. Arjun then tried to kill the culprit and failed. Siva Prasad, 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 feels that he is innocent. So Ram Prakash sentences that Arjun will be under house arrest on his isolated island. Along with Ram Prakash, how Arjun kills the culprits forms the rest of the story.

Cast

Jallikattu is the first collaboration between Sivaji Ganesan and Manivannan.

Reception

Jallikattu was a commercially successful film. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Puratchi Thalaivar MGR attended the 100th day celebrations.

Soundtrack

The film score and the soundtrack were composed by film composer Ilaiyaraaja. The soundtrack, released in 1987, features 5 tracks with lyrics written by Gangai Amaran. The track, Kathi chandai podaamalae is reused from the movie Kadalora Kavithaigal also composed by Ilaiyaraaja.