Copyright news18
Mari Selvaraj’s Tamil sports drama film ‘Bison’, starring Dhruv Vikram, released in theatres on 17th October, and has been receiving great reviews from critics and audience. Hansal Mehta was mighty impressed with the film, and he heaped high praise on the ‘brilliantly crafted’ film. He called it an ‘absolute banger’, and hailed consistently excellent performances of the ensemble cast. He wrote that the only complaint he had with the film was the stereotypical portrayal of Hindi characters and their language. He even volunteered to help improve it the next time! Hansal Mehta Calls Bison An ‘Absolute Banger’ In his review of Bison, Hansal Mehta wrote, “Bison by Mari Selvaraj is an absolute banger. Using the framework of a sports biopic to explore deep-rooted conflicts of caste and identity, violence and retribution, hatred and prejudice, bondage and freedom Selvaraj constructs a masterly portrait of grit and determination against all odds.” He further lauded the cinematopgraphy, and the film’s expertly choreographed kabaddi scenes. “It juxtaposes symbolism, melodrama and artistic flair with immense honesty and angst. The violence is graphic but never gratuitous. It is always organic to the emotion of that moment. The music is evocative, energetic and profoundly emotive. The local kabaddi sequences and their use of music are BRILLIANT. The film is sharply edited, building tension, drama and emotional engagement with bold narrative audacity,” he wrote. Bison by Mari Selvaraj is an absolute banger. Using the framework of a sports biopic to explore deep-rooted conflicts of caste and identity, violence and retribution, hatred and prejudice, bondage and freedom Selvaraj constructs a masterly portrait of grit and determination… pic.twitter.com/C0hs5uUySJ — Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) October 30, 2025 He further praised Dhruv Vikram and other cast members of Bison. “Dhruv Vikram is a tour de force. This is a performance that transcends physical transformation – the body language, the rage, the hurt and the vulnerability are woven together with a maturity far beyond his years. The ensemble cast, many of whom I’m unfamiliar with, is absolutely terrific. Great casting and consistently strong performances throughout.” Hansal Mehta’s ‘Only Grouse’ With Bison Pointing out his only complaint with the film, Hansal Mehta added, “My only grouse: the stereotypical Hindi characters and their language. Next time, I volunteer to help! Kudos to Applause Entertainment, Sameer Nair, Pa Ranjith, Mari Selvaraj and the entire team for creating this superlative experience. Bison is a film made for the big screen – a spectacle that encapsulates a people, a time and a socio-economic reality without ever feeling effortful or preachy. Bison is a winner. Go watch it.” About Bison Bison Kaalamaadan, written and directed by Mari Selvaraj, is a sports drama based on the life of kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan. It follows the story of a man who strives to excel in kabaddi while overcoming caste-based discrimination. The film stars Dhruv Vikram, Pasupathy, Ameer, Lal, Anupama Parameswaran, Rajisha Vijayan and Azhagam Perumal.
