A raging run

Cashing in on the recent Jallikattu row is a team from Bengaluru that lets you experience the sport virtually. Developed by Aavega Interactive, the game Jallikattu Run is already a hit. The gameplay is on the lines of Temple Run, wherein you play as the bull, escaping tamers, and collecting coins and lives on the way.

“We wanted to find a way for people to be educated about the sport. We have been receiving feedback even from the communities that raise these bulls in Tamil Nadu on what additions could be made to the game,” says Lowell A., the sales and marketing head of the company. But will this game be successful in promoting the sport? Users from the city weigh-in.

Techie Ashwin Kumar, who also participated in the protest held in city supporting Jallikattu, says, “Since the traditional game is played mostly in villages, people in the city can virtually get an experience of how it feels like during the actual game. I’m confident it would help promote the sport in the long run.”

“Being born and brought up in Hyderabad, I had very little knowledge of this sport which was widely collaged from different movies! This game, though does not propagate the nuances of the sport with relation to the culture and traditional practises, it does give a fair idea of what happens on the field,” says Asha Subramanian, who works with ADP, while Balachandran M.K., Program Manager with Microsoft adds, “It could have had a few more Jallikattu aspects like vaadivaasal gate opening to give a more authentic feel.”

“The game allows you to choose between different bulls with regional names such as Appu and Paandi. However, the makers could have given us details about the native cattle breeds and mentioned its origin, conservative status, etc.,” says Sunil Allam-araj, Support professional, RBS.

“The game doesn’t bring the excitement to a level where people could feel like promoting it. It will show the world what Jallikattu is all about but it can’t promote the sport practically,” says Viraj Pratapwant, Software Design Engineer.
— With inputs from Bhavana Akella