Movie Name: Bison Kaalamaadan
Rating: 3/5
Cast: Dhruv Vikram, Pasupathi, Anupama Parameswaran, Rajisha Vijayan, Pasupathy, Ameer, Lal, Azhagam Perumal, and Anurag Arora
Director: Mari Selvaraj
Produced By: Applause Entertainment and Neelam Studios
Release Date: 24th October 2025
Bison Kaalamaadan, directed by Mari Selvaraj and starring Dhruv Vikram as the lead, was released in theaters on the occasion of Diwali. This periodical sports action drama set in 1940s colonial India is already running well in theaters in the Tamil version, and it is now out in Telugu. Let’s check what special experience the film provides in our review.
Story:
Bison is inspired by the life of Manathi Ganesan, an Indian Kabaddi player and Arjuna Award winner. The film tells the story of Kittayya (Dhruv Vikram), a young man from a marginalized caste in the 1990s. It follows his struggles and determination to fulfill his dream of playing for the Indian Kabaddi team.
Performances:
Dhruv Vikram delivers a powerful performance as Kittayya, portraying every emotion with conviction. Pasupathy, who plays his father, gives a sincere and heartfelt performance.Rajisha Vijayan shines as the hero’s supportive sister. Aruvi Madhan, as the physical training master, along with Ameer and Lal, who play leaders from different castes, and Anupama Parameswaran as the hero’s love interest, all leave a strong impact with their performances
Analysis:
Like director Mari Selvaraj’s previous films, Bison carries a strong social message. It explores the journey of a Kabaddi player who faces challenges like caste discrimination and local politics while pursuing his goal.
Mari Selvaraj presents Kittayya’s journey in a powerful and emotional way. What begins as a small incident on a bus turns into a major conflict, and the execution of that sequence is particularly impressive. The first half of the film holds good emotional weight and ends with a hard-hitting moment.
The second half starts strongly with an intense Kabaddi match that changes the course of the hero’s life. However, though the film carries the mood, it becomes somewhat predictable and slows down in parts, with a few repetitive scenes.
Despite these issues, the climax brings the emotions back effectively.
Positives:
- Performances
- Strong Emotional Scenes
- Authentic Portrayal of Kabaddi Matches
- Technical Excellence
Negatives:
- Slow Narration
- Predictable Moments Here and There
- A Few Dull Moments
Bison Review and Verdict:
Overall, Bison is an honest and emotional sports drama by Mari Selvaraj. It stands out for its natural performances and strong emotional moments, even though it suffers from predictability and a few slow portions. It ends up being a decent and meaningful watch.