Jallikattu is a 1987 Tamil-language crime 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 film with its innovative story line was well received by critics and turned out to be a blockbuster. The title of the film is a reference to the traditional Tamil sport of the same name. At the film success celebration, M. G. Ramachandran presented the shields to all technicians.
Jallikattu 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 bonus. In the meantime, Arjun fell in love with Radha (Radha). To help the labourer, 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. In anger, he tried to kill the culprit and failed. Siva Prasad (Captain Raju), Radha’s brother, advised him to surrender but, as an innocent, he refused. However, Siva Prasad arrested him in surprise. Arjun was tortured and his head was shaved. Therefore, a bald Arjun comes to the court. Despite everything was against Arjun, the judge Ram Prakash (Sivaji Ganesan) feels that he is innocent. So Ram Prakash sentences that Arjun will be under house arrest in his isolated island. Along with Ram Prakash how Arjun kills the culprits forms the rest of the story.
Directed by Manivannan
Produced by Chitra Ramu & Chitra Lakshmanan
Written by Vietnam Veedu Sundaram (dialogues)
Screenplay by Manivannan
Story by Vietnam Veedu Sundaram
Starring Sivaji Ganesan, Sathyaraj, Radha, MN Nambiar, Janagaraj, Malaysia Vasudevan, Captain Raju
Music by Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematography A. Sabapathy
Edited by Chandran
Production Seetha Lakshmi Art Films
Distributed by Seetha Lakshmi Art Films
Release date 28 August 1987
Running time 140 minutes
Country India
Language Tamil
