Bison Kaalamaadan Movie Review: A stirring, skillfully made drama that stays true to Mari’s essence!

Mari Selvaraj once again returns to the soil – both literally and metaphorically with Bison, a film that blends caste politics, equality, and the game of kabaddi into an emotional, layered narrative. It isn’t Mari’s most flawless work, but it carries his unmistakable voice – one that finds dignity in struggle, and goodness even within darkness.

At its heart, the film is about a youngster whose only dream is to make it big through his beloved sport. But when man-made divisions, caste pride, and inherited hatred infiltrate his world, his passion becomes a battlefield. Mari doesn’t just use the game as a backdrop – he turns it into a metaphor for resistance, survival, and identity. Every tackle, every fall, and every whistle becomes part of a larger war between pride and purpose and that is the core of the film. Bison’s first half is fine with some interesting character graphs but his second half is the real deal, it strikes with its emotional scenes and a superb climax that uplifts the film

Dhruv Vikram gives a fiercely committed performance. His physical transformation is striking: the chiseled body, the posture, the controlled aggression – but what makes it special is the restraint. He doesn’t speak much, yet his silence is filled with emotion. At times, he is frustrated and helpless, yet there’s a quiet determination that holds him together.

Bison is one of those films that works as a great new start in the right direction for the young actor. Mari’s world is once again filled with moral complexity. Among the supporting cast, Pasupathi is towering as ever, Rajisha Vijayan once again impresses with her poise and dialogue delivery, and Anupama gets her moments to shine.

Technically, the film is a beauty. Ezhil’s cinematography bathes us in the red soil, with its rivers, fields, and earthy tones that breathe life into every frame. Nivas K Prasanna’s score beautifully complements the tension and tenderness of the story. If there’s a downside, it’s about how the film could have been more about the sport and lesser about the politics – with Ameer and Lal having parts that are not as strong as what they would have liked to play. On top of that, the setting also feels a bit repetitive for Mari’s universe. But despite these, Bison stands tall – emotional, rooted, and cinematic.

Bison Kaalamaadan Movie Rating: 3.5/5