"Bison" is a Tamil-language sports drama film directed by Mari Selvaraj, starring Dhruv Vikram as Kitaan, a kabaddi player from an oppressed community. The movie has received widespread praise for its hard-hitting narrative and powerful performances, especially by Dhruv Vikram, who portrays Kitaan's internal struggle and resilience with subtlety and strength.

Critical Reception

• Critics have highlighted "Bison" as one of Mari Selvaraj's most accessible yet emotionally charged films, balancing political and social commentary with a more linear, crowd-friendly story structure compared to his previous works.

• The film shines in its authentic depiction of caste struggles, using kabaddi and animal metaphors to draw attention to broader socio-political issues.

Performances and Direction

• Dhruv Vikram's performance has been singled out as exceptional, anchoring the film with quiet power and emotional nuance.

• The supporting cast, including Pasupathy and Rajisha Vijayan, adds depth to the story, with well-developed character relationships driving the narrative.

• The direction by Mari Selvaraj is praised for its unflinching realism, though some reviews note that the pacing drags at times and some subplots affect narrative cohesion.

Technical Aspects

• Cinematography by Ezhil Arasu K and editing by Sakthi Thiru are noted for capturing both the emotional and physical aspects of the story, delivering strong visual impact throughout.

• While the film is lauded for its realism and honesty, it is sometimes critiqued for being too somber and lacking in commercial appeal, making it more suited to audiences interested in raw, socially engaged cinema.

Summary Table: Key Review Points

Aspect| Critical Opinion
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Acting| Dhruv Vikram "exceptional", great supporting cast
Story| Hard-hitting, socially relevant, sometimes slow
Direction| Realistic, emotive, powerful metaphors
Visuals| Strong cinematography, immersive editing
Mass Appeal| More serious, limited commercial elements

"Bison" stands out as a fierce, honest sports drama with a strong social message, bolstered by outstanding performances and impactful direction. While it may not appeal to all due to its serious tone and pacing, it is widely regarded as a worthy addition to Mari Selvaraj's filmography.