Bison Kaalamaadan Movie Review: A Raw, Restless Tale of Grit and Glory

Bison Kaalamaada Storyline: Kittan (Dhruv Vikram), a passionate kabaddi player from a rural background, fights social barriers and personal demons to pursue his dream. His journey, shaped by his bond with his father (Pasupathy) and mentor (Madankumar Dakshinamoorthy), becomes a tale of defiance, identity, and redemption.

Review: Bison Kaalamaadan adds another layer to Mari Selvaraj’s growing cinematic universe — a world where oppression meets resilience, and human struggle takes a poetic form. Inspired by kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan’s life, this film is not Selvaraj’s most perfect work, but it remains deeply affecting and rich with metaphor.

The director continues his fascination with animal imagery — here, the “bison” mirrors Kittan’s indomitable spirit. Dhruv Vikram embodies this metaphor through a commanding physical performance, his strength on the field reflecting his inner turmoil. His transformation — both physical and emotional — is commendable, even if his quieter, emotional moments feel less convincing.

The father-son relationship forms the emotional spine of the story. Pasupathy delivers a beautifully restrained performance, while Madankumar Dakshinamoorthy shines as Kittan’s mentor, offering wisdom and warmth. Ameer and Lal bring gravitas to their supporting roles, while Rajisha Vijayan and Anupama lend grace despite underwritten parts.

Technically, the film impresses. Ezhil Arasu’s cinematography captures the grit and sweat of kabaddi with raw immediacy, and Nivas K Prasanna’s background score flows seamlessly with the visuals. The black-and-white to colour transitions enrich the narrative, symbolising Kittan’s evolving journey.

However, the film’s nearly three-hour runtime tests patience. Some secondary characters introduced later lack emotional impact, and the screenplay occasionally drifts. Despite its scale and sincerity, there’s a certain emotional distance — we see Kittan fight, but rarely feel his inner fire.

Still, Bison Kaalamaadan stands tall as a powerful, ambitious, and thought-provoking sports drama. It celebrates human perseverance against odds, reaffirming Mari Selvaraj’s voice as one that continues to blend raw realism with lyrical storytelling.