Jallikattu Ban: Are Kollywood actors scared of backlash from Tamilians?

 

The entire Tamil Nadu has come together to project Jallikttu (bull fighting) as the Tamil culture. Even Kollywood stars including Kamal Hassan, Dhanush, Siva Karthikeyan and others have joined the crowd demanding a lift on the ban on Jallikattu.

 

Let us find out how far the Jallikattu has remained true to its spirit that it can be called as the pride and culture of Tamil Nadu.

 

Let us start with the rules of Jallikattu, which was originally called ‘Eru Thazhuvuthal’ which meant embracing the bull.

 

The eight golden rules of Jallikattu clearly state that the animal cannot be harmed during the fight.

 

Following are the rules of Jallikattu:

 

If the tradition has to be followed, the rules set in the beginning also should be followed. But in most cases, it is seen that the bull is held by more than one person, sometimes a group of people. The bull-tamers try to control the bull by pulling its tail and hanging on to its horns. All these occurrences are completely against the rule book.

 

 

 

Aren’t the Tamilians organising Jallikattu breaking the tradition?

 

Now, why are the popular face of Tamil Nadu the stars of the Kollywood vehemently supporting Jallikattu?

 

Also Read: TTamil superstars Suriya, Dhanush, Haasan back Jallikattu

 

Recently, veteran actor Kamal Hassan said if you want to ban Jallikattu ban biriyani too. As a matter of fact, killing an animal is much cruel than taming it. But the popular actor did not have any other reason to support Jallikattu other than it was the tradition, pride and culture of Tamil Nadu.

 

Or there might be another reason, some time ago when Vishal was basking in the glory of the success of his movie Maruthu, the actor spoke against Jallikattu, in a context. Vishal was honoured with an award by the People for Cattle in India for his concern towards animals. In his speech, Vishal had said that “animals should not be hurt in the name of sports”.

 

This was enough to infuriate the Tamilians who understood it as Vishal’s words against conducting Jallikattu and his support for the ban on the sport.

 

Also Read: Vishal says no to Jallikattu, people say no Maruthu

 

It did not take much time at all for people to stop watching Maruthu. You say no to Jallikattu, we say no to Maruthu was the protesters' slogan.

 

Is this another reason why all Tamil actors are scared to speak anything against the popular Tamil culture and belief? Surprisingly, in earlier instances, Kamal has faced a backlash from Tamilians in many instances when his movies were targeted as hurting the sentiments of a particular community, caste or a cause. But so far he has not budged to any of the pressures. When Kamal speaks logic in all his films, his logic behind supporting Jallikattu doesn’t seem right.

 

If people feel Jallikattu is an important part of Tamil history, they should also remember one of the reasons why the sport was conducted. One of the reasons stated is to search a suitable groom for marriage!

 

Yes, the girl’s family would conduct Jallikattu and the man who controls the bull would be selected as the groom. If the bull wins, it would be used to inseminate a strong cow so that there are a good breed of bulls and cows and good quality of milk.

 

Also Read: Jallikattu is not only a sport, it has a scientific reason!

 

Leaving the bull winning part aside, the groom who wins the bull is also tradition. So, will all the men who want to get married fight with the bull for the sake of marriage? The question looks absurd and completely outdated right?

 

So does the practice of Jallikattu!