Youth pierces through his spinal flesh with six swords for Vijay movie Jilla
Avid fan of Ilayatalapati pierces six swords through his sword to show his devotion to actor.
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2014-01-11 09:48 GMT
Salem: Blood sputtered out of 18-year-old Aravindan’s back as six sharp swords pierced through his spinal flesh. Perched on a 30 feet high crane, Aravindan came out in a procession on the Salem streets showing no hint of pain.
“All for my Thalaiva Vijay’s film,” gushed Aravindan, a construction worker. His teenaged relatives, S. Mohanraj a construction worker and V. Balu a plumber, too had poked their backs with swords to propitiate the Gods for their matinee idol Vijay.
The Vijay fans had offered to perform the traditional “alagu kuthuthal” (sword piercing) ritual if their favourite star’s movie Jilla had a smooth release before Pongal. “I had taken an oath before my village deity Mariamman that I would pierce my back with swords if Jilla is released today (Friday),” Aravindan said.
Aravindan’s family is traditionally engaged in assisting devotees to perform the “alagu kuthuthal”. On Friday, Aravindan and his friends had pooled in Rs 25,000 for the ritual and the procession. Vijay’s previous two movies were stuck in controversies and the releases were delayed, leading to financial loss.
Passersby on the busy Bangalore bypass were stunned as they saw the three youth hoisted on to a crane with sharp swords stuck in their back. They pierced their back at Narasodhipatti and went on a procession for about two kms before they reached the ARRS multiplex theatre.
“I have been a Vijay fan for the last 15 years. I love his dance and acting. He is my hero forever,” said Aravindan, as the crowd of Vijay fans burst crackers and beat drums to mark the launch of Jilla. By Friday evening, Aravindan and his friends had already watched two shows of Jilla.