Chennai: All shootings were cancelled and there was no-post production works today as members of various film associations came together to protest against the ban on Jallikattu.

Members of Tamil Film Producers Council. Directors Union, FEFSI, Small Screen Artistes Association among others gathered here to express their solidarity with youngsters who have hit the streets across the State seeking to hold Jallikattu and ban PETA.

At a protest meet in Chennai today, Tamil Film Producers Council Kalaipuli S Thanu, film-makers Vikraman, R.K. Selvamani and several others spoke about the need to hold the traditional sport and fight to preserve the culture of the soil.

Showering praise on the youngsters who have gathered in large numbers at Marina and Alanganallur, they said, “Students deserve our support and appreciation. They have been holding protests in a peaceful manner and conducting themselves well”.

Veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja questioned the logic behind the ban on Jallikattu which according to him is a 4,000-year-old traditional sport of the Tamils. The director said Jallikattu is a fight where man, not bull, is in danger.

“We have never heard that a bull was killed during Jallikattu. When such is the case, a ban on the sport stating cruelty of animals is not right. What is the logic in banning it,” he said.

“If Jallikattu is wrong, can those people (animal rights activists) stop thousands of cattle being sent to the neighbouring States for slaughter. It is a show of bravery. Cruelty to animals is nowhere in Jallikattu. It’s time we allowed our bulls to run wild. Let us resolve to ensure that our culture and tradition are not lost,” he said.

Actors to stage fast

The Nadigar Sangam has also announced that its members would observe a day-long fast on Friday.

“The day-long fast is aimed at showing our solidarity with the students,” said its Vice-President Ponvannan. “We have invited all other film associations and want to lend support to the issue as a united front,” he added.

Theatre Owners Association today announced that all theatres across the State would remain closed tomorrow.