‘Bison’ Movie Review
Film: Bison
Release Date: 24 October 2025
CBFC Rating: UA
Run-time: 2h 48m
Banner : Applause Entertainment and Neelam Studios
Cast : Dhruv Vikram, Pasupathy, Ameer, Lal, Anupama Parameswaran, Rajisha Vijayan, Azhagam Perumal, Aruvi Madhan, Anurag Arora.
Music: Nivas K Prasanna
DOP : Ezhil Arasu K
Editor : Sakthi Thiru
Produced by Sameer Nair, Deepak Segal, PA. Ranjith, Aditi Anand
Written & Directed by: Mari Selvaraj
Tamil film Bison Kaalamaadan dubbed into Telugu as Bison directed by Mari Selvaraj, is Dhruv Vikram’s latest film. The film hit the theatres on October 24. Let’s get into the review.
Plot
Set in the 1990s, The story revolves around Kittayya (Dhruv Vikram), a young kabaddi enthusiast, and his struggles to achieve his dreams amidst social inequality and caste oppression. The film is based on the life of Indian Kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan and explores themes of oppression, inequality, and love. Bison follows Kittayya’s journey to excel in kabaddi, facing resistance from his father Velusamy (Pasupathy) and societal barriers. The film depicts inequality from local playgrounds to the national stage, showcasing Kittayya’s determination and resilience. The narrative is layered with caste politics, hate, and discrimination, adding depth to the story.
Performance
Dhruv Vikram delivers a commendable performance, showcasing his physical transformation and emotional depth. He lived in the role which has grit, pain and intensity. Dhruv delivered his role aptly. Pasupathy, Lal, Ameer, and Rajisha Vijayan support him well, while Anupama Parameswaran’s limited screen presence leaves a mild impact. The cast’s performances bring authenticity to the narrative, making the characters relatable and engaging.
Highlights
Dhruv Vikram
Mari Selvaraj Direction
Cinematography
Music
Drawbacks
Excessive Violence
Repetitive At Times
Analysis
Director Mari Selvaraj with Bison blends sports and social commentary, effectively depicting inequality in kabaddi. The film’s raw tone and powerful performance especially from Dhruv Vikram make it a thought provoking watch. The film’s exploration of social inequality and caste oppression is a significant aspect of the narrative, highlighting the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The kabaddi sport serves as a metaphor for social inequality, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of the protagonist.
The music, scored by Nivas K Prasanna, is situational and elevates the emotions, while the background score is good and in sync with the storyline. Ezhil Arasu K’s cinematography turns the film into a realistic one, capturing the village atmosphere with a rustic feel.
However, the film’s length, repetitive sequences, and predictable narration at times acts as roadblocks. Despite these, Bison is a sports drama that addresses oppression and inequality effectively due to Dhruv Vikram’s dedication and Pasupathy’s heartfelt performance. The film is worth watching for its raw tone and powerful performances.
Rating: 3.25/5
Bottom-line: Hard hitting & Thought Provoking Sports Drama
