Introduction:
Tamil actor Vikram’s son, Dhruv Vikram, though familiar to Telugu audiences through dubbed versions of his Tamil films, hasn’t yet gained a strong identity in Telugu cinema. His latest Tamil film, Bison, directed by Mari Selvaraj, has now been released in Telugu with the same title after receiving positive reviews in Tamil. Set in a kabaddi backdrop, the film explores rural politics, caste discrimination, and determination. Can Bison give Dhruv Vikram his long-awaited recognition in Telugu? Let’s find out.

Plot Summary:
The story takes place in a remote Tamil Nadu village filled with caste divisions, revenge, and hatred. Vanathi Kittayya (Dhruv Vikram), born in this volatile environment, has only one passion since childhood kabaddi. However, due to hostility towards his father Velusamy (Pasupathy), Kittayya is barred from joining the local team.

Not one to give up, Kittayya finds support from coach Madan Kumar, who introduces him to the school team. From there, his journey continues as he rises to play for the Indian national team, representing the country in Japan.

The film explores how Kittayya overcomes obstacles, how his sister Raji (Rajisha Vijayan) stands by him, and what role Rani (Anupama Parameswaran) plays in his life. Meanwhile, an intense rivalry brews between Pandiaraj (Ameer) and Kandasamy (Lal). How these intertwined conflicts reach resolution forms the essence of Bison.

Analysis:
Director Mari Selvaraj, known for his socially conscious storytelling, once again delves deep into the themes of caste, discrimination, and human struggle, this time within the context of kabaddi. The narrative is inspired by real-life events from 1990s Tamil Nadu and partially based on the life of kabaddi player Kalamadan.

Selvaraj successfully maintains audience engagement through a parallel narrative, alternating between present and flashback sequences. Each character feels natural and grounded. The screenplay balances sports drama and social commentary, though at times the pacing slows down, particularly in both halves, creating a sense of drag.

While the realism works in the film’s favor, the lack of cinematic liberty and commercial appeal makes it less engaging for mainstream audiences. Some action sequences feel repetitive. A tighter runtime and a slightly more dramatic presentation could have made Bison more impactful.

Performances:
Dhruv Vikram completely immerses himself in the role of Kittayya. Much like his father Vikram, Dhruv is known for his dedication — he reportedly stayed in a rural village for over two years to understand the character’s environment. His physicality, expressions, and dialect are all on point, reflecting deep preparation.
Pasupathy, as Kittayya’s father, delivers a powerful performance, while Madan Kumar excels as the coach with a natural touch. Lal and Ameer portray layered roles with convincing emotional intensity.

Anupama Parameswaran, though given minimal dialogue, emotes effectively through her eyes and maintains screen presence even in a de-glamorized role. Rajisha Vijayan delivers one of her best performances as Kittayya’s supportive sister.

Technical Aspects:
Elil Arasu’s cinematography stands out, capturing the rustic village atmosphere with authenticity. Each frame feels organic, drawing the audience into the story. Nivas K. Prasanna’s background score perfectly complements the film’s tone and enhances its emotional impact.
The art direction and costume design deserve praise for their attention to detail, which adds to the film’s raw and realistic texture.

Final Verdict:
Bison is a raw, realistic sports drama rooted in real-life struggles and caste dynamics. While it may not appeal to all sections of the audience due to its serious tone and lack of commercial elements, it remains a powerful, honest attempt with excellent performances and strong direction. With a slightly faster pace and more cinematic treatment, Bison could have been even more engaging.