Review: “Jallikattu” Series
Cast: Kishore, Kalaiarasan, Antony, Sheela Rajkumar, Velaramamoorthy, Balahaasan, Lovelin, Pattabi, Sathish, Goutham, Orniyam Prabhu, and others
Director: La. Rajkumar
Producer: Vetrimaaran
Music Director: Santosh Narayanan
Cinematography: R. Velraj
Editor: R. Sudharsan
Tamil filmmaker Vetrimaaran recently ventured into the production of the series “Pettaikaali,” centered around the traditional bull-chasing sport Jallikattu. Now available in its Telugu dubbed version titled “Jallikattu” on Aha Telugu, the show explores the intricacies of this age-old sport.
Synopsis:
Set in Mullaiyoor, Tamil Nadu, the narrative unfolds amidst a conflict between the local zamindars and agricultural laborers over land ownership. When the laborers’ plea for a share of the land is rejected, tensions escalate, leading to a boycott of Jallikattu involving upper caste bulls. Years later, Paandi (Kalaiarasan) defies societal norms by participating in Jallikattu, sparking renewed hostilities between the upper and lower castes.
Pros:
The series meticulously captures the essence of Jallikattu, portraying the sport with authenticity and vigor. The dedication of the cast, evident through their rigorous training, adds depth to their performances.
The portrayal of Jallikattu is captivating, with stunning camerawork and attention to detail enhancing the viewing experience. The initial episodes effectively set the stage for the unfolding drama.
The ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, with Antony, Kishore, and Sheela leaving a lasting impact. The depiction of caste discrimination adds layers to the narrative, while the comedic interlude in the fifth episode provides a welcome respite.
Cons:
Despite its commendable efforts, the series struggles to weave its various subplots cohesively, resulting in a disjointed narrative. Some segments fail to resonate, diluting the overall impact.
Pacing issues plague the series, with certain episodes dragging and failing to maintain viewer engagement. Predictability creeps in as the story progresses, culminating in a rushed and somewhat cinematic conclusion.
Technical Aspects:
R. Velraj’s cinematography masterfully captures the intensity of Jallikattu, immersing viewers in the heart of the action. Prathap’s sound design and Santosh Narayanan’s background score complement the visuals effectively. While production values are commendable, tighter editing could have elevated the viewing experience.
Director La. Rajkumar’s vision to intertwine themes of power dynamics, love, and revenge with Jallikattu is ambitious but falls short in execution. Slow pacing and narrative inconsistencies hinder the series’ overall impact.
Verdict:
“Jallikattu” ambitiously blends elements of rural drama with the traditional sport, offering glimpses of intrigue amidst its shortcomings. While certain episodes hold promise, uneven pacing and narrative missteps detract from the viewing experience. Recommended for fans of rural dramas, albeit with tempered expectations.