“Bison”, starring Dhruv Vikram and directed by Mari Selvaraj, released in Tamil last week received good reviews. Now, it’s out in Telugu as a solo release, and all eyes are on how it appeals to Telugu audiences.
Bison Movie Story: Vanathi Kittayya (Dhruv Vikram) loves kabaddi since childhood but is banned from playing in his village due to family issues. A coach notices his talent and helps him join the school team. His journey grows from school matches to international tournaments, leading him to represent India in Japan. “Bison” tells his inspiring struggle and success.
Performances: Usually, actors train for weeks or months to understand a role. But for “Bison,” Dhruv Vikram stayed in a village for two and a half years, living like a local. This made his character Kittayya look natural, with clear physical and emotional transformation, proving his talent.
Pasupathy, often underused, shines as a protective father, while Madhan Kumar is perfect as the coach, driving the story forward. Lal and Ameer highlight societal perspectives effectively. Rajisha Vijayan captivates with her expressive eyes, and Anupama Parameswaran, though brief, makes a strong screen impact.
Technical Aspects: Mari Selvaraj’s films are known for excellent visual storytelling, and in “Bison”, cinematographer Ilish Arasu uses framing and field shots effectively, along with a careful black-and-white to color transition. Niwas K. Prasanna’s music and the art, production, and costume departments maintain the film’s mood.
Selvaraj bases the story on real-life experiences, highlighting caste discrimination and social prejudice, with strong supporting roles like Lal and Ameer. However, unlike his previous films, “Bison” lacks some cinematic flair and heightened dramatization, making it less impactful than his earlier works.
Analysis: “Bison” explores caste discrimination and its roots, showing human struggles trapped in hatred. Set in 1990s Tamil Nadu, Mari Selvaraj vividly portrays these conflicts. While the story is deeply Tamil, Telugu audiences may relate less, but Dhruv Vikram’s and Pasupathy’s powerful performances and Selvaraj’s direction make it worth watching.
Verdict: “Bison” is a powerful drama with strong performances by Dhruv Vikram and Pasupathy. Its storytelling and emotions make it worth watching.
Bottom Line: Mari Selvaraj’s vision, Dhruv excels.
Rating: 2.5/5
