Jallikattu arrived with a massive hype after it received fabulous reviews in Toronto International Film Festival where it was screened. The making, visuals, setting, and chaos captured like never before won it tremendous acclaim. Theatrically, Jellikattu arrived in cinemas on October 4th and is a commercial success.
Staring Antony Varghese and Chemban Vinod Jose in pivotal roles, Jallikattu is based on a short story Maoist by S Hareesh. If one has seen the previous flicks of the director Lijo Jose Pellissery, they will get an idea of his style of making and subjects. It is hyper-realistic and hyper-kinetic simultaneously. In Jellikattu it goes a level higher as everyone is on the run and goes berserk after a buffalo.
When it comes to story or satisfying drama, Jallikattu has nothing to offer. It operates in a different space where the entire focus is on capturing the chaos of a village where a buffalo is let loose. The whole place lights up, literally, and the director extraordinarily captures it.
The visceral experience that Jallikattu leaves is why it is worth a worth. If you are looking for anything else, there will be disappointment in store. Also, strictly looking at what has been presented, things get repetitive after a point, and the climax is sure to leave a mixed response.
Still, irrespective of one’s like or dislike, Jallikattu is the kind of movie that is a compulsive watch on the streaming platform. It is another valuable addition to the Malayalam cinema repertoire.