Bison (2025) – A Gritty Tale of Kabaddi, Caste & Courage

Bison officially titled Bison Kaalamaadan is a 2025 Indian Tamil‑language sports‑action drama film written and directed by Mari Selvaraj.
Produced by Applause Entertainment and Neelam Studios, the film stars Dhruv Vikram in the lead role, supported by a strong ensemble including Pasupathy, Anupama Parameswaran, Rajisha Vijayan, and othersk.

With a runtime of about 168 minutes, Bison merges the adrenaline of sport with the raw emotional and social turbulence of rural India.

Plot

Set in rural Tamil Nadu during the 1990s, Bison follows the story of Kittan Velusamy  a young man from a marginalized caste  who dreams of becoming a kabaddi player and representing India.

From his school days, Kittan must contend with rigid caste‑based prejudice, oppressive social barriers, familial resistance, and violent local rivalries. Despite those heavy obstacles, his natural talent and passion for kabaddi push him forward.

Guided by a mentor a PE teacher who recognizes his talent Kittan transforms his struggles into strength. The kabaddi court becomes more than a game: it’s a stage for defiance, identity, dignity and social change.

Through Kittan’s journey, Bison explores broader themes: caste oppression, systemic inequality, rural identity, ambition against social odds, and the resilience of marginalized communities.

Style, Direction & Performances

Mari Selvaraj  known for socially rooted filmmaking brings his signature raw realism to Bison, combining gritty rural landscapes, intense interpersonal drama, and sports‑film energy.

Dhruv Vikram delivers a powerful and emotionally layered performance as Kittan: his portrayal captures both the vulnerability and the fiery resolve of a young man determined to challenge the system.

The supporting cast including Pasupathy and Anupama Parameswaran  brings depth to the world around Kittan: family tensions, societal pressure, and community dynamics all contribute to the film’s emotional weight.

Visually and technically, Bison blends compelling cinematography, immersive scenes, and realistic kabaddi sequences — avoiding over‑glorification while keeping the sport’s raw intensity intact.

Release & Reception

Bison premiered theatrically on 17 October 2025, coinciding with the festive Diwali season a high‑stakes launch that paid off.

The film quickly became one of the most talked‑about Tamil releases of the year. Critics and audiences praised its bold storytelling, strong performances, and social relevance.

Globally and domestically, box‑office numbers confirmed the film’s success making Bison one of Mari Selvaraj’s most commercially successful ventures to date.

For those who missed it in theaters, the film’s digital rights were acquired by Netflix. From 21 November 2025, Bison became available for streaming across five languages Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam allowing it to reach a broader pan‑Indian audience.

Why Bison Matters — For You and The Audience

• Social Relevance + Sports drama: Bison uses the familiar sports‑film arc but infuses it with potent social commentary making it more than entertainment.

• Emotional Depth & Authenticity: The struggle of the protagonist feels grounded, real  and that authenticity resonates, especially in contemporary India.

• Universal appeal: Whether you’re drawn to underdog stories, social justice themes, rustic rural narratives, or pure sports drama — Bison offers a blend that speaks to all.

• Cinematic courage: By not shying away from caste issues, familial conflict and social pain, Bison reminds us why cinema can be a medium for real stories, not just escapism.

Conclusion

Bison (2025) stands as a bold example of how sports films can transcend stereotypes crafting a narrative that is at once grounded, socially aware, emotionally rich and cinematically satisfying. With strong direction, intense performances and a story rooted in real‑life struggle, Bison isn’t just a film about kabaddi: it’s a film about identity, resistance, resilience and hope.