Bison Tamil Movie Review: Dhruv Vikram Unleashes His Roar” - Powerful Sport Drama.

Bison Tamil Movie Review:  Dhruv Vikram Unleashes His Roar” - Powerful Sport Drama. 

 

Bison, written and directed by Mari Selvaraj, is yet another powerful portrayal of rural life and the struggles of the underprivileged. The film is jointly produced by Sameer Nair, Pa. Ranjith, Aditi Anand, and Deepak Segal, under Applause Entertainment and Neelam Studios. Set in the 1984 backdrop, the film stars Dhruv Vikram in the lead role as Kittan, with Pasupathy as his father, and Ameer (as Pandiyaraja) and Lal in key negative roles. Staying true to Mari Selvaraj’s distinct voice, Bison speaks about caste, class, and the perseverance of a young man who dares to dream beyond the limits imposed by society.

The film opens with a gripping kabaddi match between India and Pakistan. When the game ends in a draw, the Indian captain demands a rematch to decide the real winner. At that tense moment, Kittan reflects on how far he has come,  from the dusty grounds of a small village to wearing the national jersey. This flashback forms the heart of Bison, tracing his journey through hardship, hope, and heartache that lead him to this defining moment.

Kittan belongs to a lower community constantly looked down upon by the upper class. His father, portrayed brilliantly by Pasupathy, discourages him from pursuing kabaddi, fearing the discrimination that their community endures. But Kittan’s passion for the game is unshakable. With encouragement from his school teacher and sheer determination, he refuses to give up. The film movingly shows how both his father and grandfather were once kabaddi players who had to abandon their dreams because of societal barriers.

The turning point in Kittan’s life comes when Lal’s character, a dominant village man, recruits him into his kabaddi team. However, Kittan soon realizes that Lal’s motives are far from noble. Meanwhile, Pandiyaraja (Ameer) stands for justice and equality. His brutal murder by Lal’s men shakes Kittan to the core and pushes him to channel his pain into purpose. From district-level games to the national stage, his journey becomes one of resilience and triumph, marked by sweat, sacrifice, and silent strength.

Throughout his rise, Kittan finds guidance from Azhagam Perumal and his daughter, who support him with kindness and integrity. Mari Selvaraj handles these relationships with sensitivity, especially the unconventional love angle between Kittan and Pournami, an older woman who has loved him since childhood. Instead of dramatizing it, the director treats their bond with realism and emotional honesty, giving the story a human touch that feels genuine and grounded.

As the story reaches its emotional climax, Kittan finally represents India in the kabaddi match that mirrors his life’s struggle, a fight against prejudice and destiny. The final act is both thrilling and moving, bringing pride to his family and his community. Mari Selvaraj once again uses cinema as a medium to voice the pain and power of the oppressed, symbolically placing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s photo in pivotal moments to reinforce the film’s message of dignity, equality, and empowerment.

Dhruv Vikram delivers a deeply matured and convincing performance as Kittan. His transformation from an impulsive village boy to a disciplined national player is portrayed with finesse. His body language and voice strongly recall his father, Chiyaan Vikram, especially in intense emotional scenes. A standout moment is when Kittan breaks down upon learning he isn’t selected for the Japan tour. Dhruv’s trembling voice and tearful expression display rare emotional depth. Pasupathy lends the film emotional gravity with his restrained and heartfelt acting, while Ameer and Lal bring intensity and authenticity to their opposing roles.

Technically, Bison shines in every department. Ezhil Arasu’s cinematography captures the rural landscape of 1984 Tamil Nadu with raw beauty and emotional realism. Sakthi Thiru’s editing ensures that the 168-minute runtime flows smoothly, and Nivas K. Prasanna’s music elevates the narrative with a powerful background score and rousing songs. Mari Selvaraj’s direction is sincere, poetic, and socially conscious, once again proving that he is one of Tamil cinema’s most fearless storytellers.

 

Overall Verdict:

Bison is not just a sports film, it’s a story of identity, courage, and hope. With Dhruv Vikram’s mature performance, Mari Selvaraj’s rooted storytelling, and strong technical craftsmanship, the film roars with emotion and purpose. Set against the 1984 backdrop, Bison stands tall as an inspiring tale of a young man who turns his struggles into strength and his pain into pride.