Movie Review: Bison’s Raw Charge: Glory or Just Grit?
A Familiar Face Tries Telugu Turf
Dhruv Vikram, son of Tamil icon Vikram, has dipped into Telugu waters before with dubbed hits, but none quite stuck. This time, he leads Bison, a Tamil original now released in Telugu, sparking curiosity about his breakout potential. Hitting screens last week amid buzz from its Tamil run, the film dives into rural rivalries, testing if it resonates beyond borders.
Village Dreams Amid Caste Shadows
Set in a dusty Tamil Nadu hamlet in the 1990s, the story follows Vanathi Kitiya (Dhruv Vikram), a kid hooked on kabaddi despite his low-caste roots. His father Velusamy (Pashupati) bears old grudges that bar him from local teams, fueling Kitiya’s quiet hunger for the game. Spotting raw talent, coach Madan Kumar (Aruvi Madhan) pulls him into a school squad, igniting a journey from village pitches to national glory.
Trials on the Path to Pride
Kitiya’s rise catapults him to India’s team, facing Japan in a high-stakes clash that honors his homeland. Along the way, family feuds with figures like Pandiaraj (Aamir) and Kandasamy (Lal) simmer, blending revenge with reluctant respect. His sister Raji (Rajisha Vijayan) stands as a pillar, while budding romance with Rani (Anupama Parameswaran) adds tender stakes to the sweat-soaked saga.
Director’s Grounded Grip on Reality
Mari Selvaraj crafts Bison from real-life grit, echoing his past works like Karnan with unflinching looks at caste divides and reservations. Drawing from athlete Kalimadman’s tale, he weaves parallel timelines, flashing back to keep viewers hooked without flashy tricks. Strong scenes tackle discrimination head-on, though the pace dips in reflective stretches, mirroring life’s unhurried pains.
Performances that Pack a Punch
Dhruv Vikram vanishes into Kitiya, shedding urban polish after two-and-a-half years immersed in rural life for authenticity. Pashupati’s stern fatherly depth commands respect, while Aruvi Madhan owns the coach role with effortless warmth. Aamir and Lal balance toughness and vulnerability in their rival arcs, and Anupama shines subtly through expressive eyes, her unglam look feeling refreshingly real.
Technical Touches that Tell the Tale
Elil Arasu’s cinematography paints the screen like a storyteller, with natural framings that pull you into the red earth and roaring crowds. Niwas K. Prasanna’s score sets a moody pulse, amplifying emotional highs. Art and costume teams nail the era’s textures, from faded jerseys to sun-baked homes, making every frame breathe with lived-in truth.
Verdict: Solid but Stays in the Stands
Bison delivers a rooted sports drama with heart, free of over-the-top flair, appealing to those craving raw realism. Yet, without cinematic sparks or tighter editing, it might not roar for mass crowds. A dash more commercial zing could have turned this bison’s charge into a stampede.
Movie Rating: 2.5/5