Jallikattu(1987)
Jallikattu is a 1987 Indian Tamil-language vigilante action film directed by Manivannan. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Sathyaraj, and Radha in lead roles. The story follows Arjun, a young man who becomes a vigilante after his family is murdered by corrupt factory owners. He is trained by a judge who also seeks revenge for his granddaughter's death. The film was a commercial success and ran for over 100 days in theatres. It was remade in Hindi as Jung Baaz in 1989. The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Jallikattu was released on 28 August 1987.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube, Amazon Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 28 August 1987
- Director
- Manivannan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 20m
- Rating
- 4.0/10
Storyline
A happy young man named Arjun loses his entire family to a brutal attack by factory owners. He tries to get justice but the system fails him. A wise judge takes him under his wing and trains him to become a weapon of revenge. Arjun must fight powerful criminals to avenge his loved ones.
“When the law fails, he becomes the judge.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Jallikattu
Trivia
- The film's title 'Jallikkattu' refers to the traditional bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu, symbolizing the protagonist's struggle against powerful forces.
- Director Manivannan also played a supporting role in the film, continuing his frequent practice of acting in his own directorial projects.
- This was one of the few films where actor Ramki, known for romantic roles, played an action-oriented character fighting against systemic injustice.
- The movie's plot involving a fake income tax officer was considered a bold narrative choice during the late 1980s Tamil cinema.
- Composer Ilaiyaraaja's background score for the court scenes was noted for its dramatic tension, enhancing the film's emotional climax.
- The isolated island house arrest concept in the climax was an unusual narrative resolution for a mainstream Tamil drama of that era.
- Despite its social drama themes, the film performed moderately at the box office, overshadowed by bigger commercial releases that year.