Pettaikaali Episode 1 review: Kalaiyarasan stands out in this engaging rural drama on jallikattu

3/5

Story: A cold-blooded landlord who belongs to an upper caste in Sivaganga district is confident that nobody can tame his bull in a much-awaited jallikattu event. However, an aggressive youngster, who is hell-bent on emerging as the winner in the traditional sport, sets out to shatter the latter's confidence. But will he be able to pull it off?

Review: Ever since Rajkumar's Pettaikaali was announced, which is billed as the first web series on jallikattu, it evoked curiousity among film buffs, thanks to the involvement of acclaimed filmmaker Vetri Maaran in it as its showrunner. Surprisingly, the makers released only its first episode which has a run time of more than 40 minutes.

Titled Thoongum Yerimalayin Peruvedippu, the first episode introduces the pivotal characters of the series and their background. Its story revolves around the feud between a few members of an upper caste and a lower caste with regard to their ownership over land resources.  

Selvasekharan (Vela Ramamoorthy), a shrewd landlord who lives life king size, thanks to his privileged ancestors, is all set to welcome the jallikattu event in his village in Sivaganga with pomp and gaiety as always. He is confident about his pet bull becoming the centre of attraction of the event.

However, Pandi (Kalaiyarasan), a young, fierce kabaddi player who doesn't mind going to any extent to showcase his skills in jallikattu, has some plans which are sure to leave Selvasekharan upset. But Pandi's mother, who wishes to see him as a cop, is wary of his participation in the sport. What is he up to?

Velraj's cinematography is the prime highlight of the first episode. His visuals encapsulate the crucial lives of people in the village in Sivaganga where jallikattu and other actions take place. Ramu Thangaraj's art direction looks fantastic on screen and lends the required support to the plot.

Kalaiyarasan is aptly cast in the role of a youngster who is obsessed with jallikattu. His physique comes in handy while essaying the character. Kishore as Muthayya excels in the few scenes he appears in, while Vela Ramamoorthy's character reminds us of several roles which he has played before. Though it's too early to judge the series, going by the plot established in the first episode, it looks like we are in for a treat in the coming weeks.

Verdict: Pettaikaali begins with a few intriguing characterizations and a solid conflict which keeps us glued to the screen.  

Pettaikaali is streaming on aha Tamil.