Malayalam films Jallikattu screens at Toronto International Film Festival

Special Correspondant

Malti Sahai

Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Jallikattu will be premiered at the film festival in Toronto in the contemporary world cinema section. The Malayalam film is based on S Hareesh’s short story, ‘Maoist’ stars Angamaly Diaries’ breakout actor Antony Varghese, Chemban Vinod Jose, and Sabumon Abdusama. A bold new voice in Malayalam cinema, Lijo Jose Pellissery presents a portrait of a remote village in his hometown where a buffalo escapes and causes a frenzy of ecstatic violence.

Is there a hidden message in the commotion explored by Jallikattu? It might appear so from the title, which refers to the controversial practice of bull taming that divided Tamil Nadu in 2017. Also, is the ruckus portrayed in Jallikattu a stand-in for the state of Kerala itself, which has been divided between competing ideologies in recent years?

When questioned if there was a hidden message in the commotion explored Pellissery denied it. “I consider the film to be a human story,a plot that has a universal theme. If people get ideas from what they see, I don’t mind.” His caution might have something to do with the politically complicated climate in which he operates.

Malayalam cinema has its share of political allegorical statements made through the film medium by people who have pledged themselves to rival political parties. Pellissery however belongs to a group of Malayalam film makers who are trying to erase the line between mainstream and arthouse conventions; they are proving it is possible to have a distinctive voice and be rewarded for it. He aims to be more organic and free. He says “I enjoy the choreographed chaos. It’s like a musical to me.”

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