Bison Kaalamaadan Review: Mari Selvaraj Confirms He is The Best Writer + Director in India Right Now!

RATING - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4/5*

Bison Kaalamaadan Review Movie Talkies:

Mari Selvaraj, who made a smashing debut with Pariyerum Perumal (2018), continued to rise with an even better film, Karnan (2021). Though Maamannan (2023) was comparatively modest and Vaazhai (2024) turned out to be a refreshing surprise, Selvaraj now returns to his favourite space: hard-hitting rural cinema shaped by caste politics, social injustice and emotional conflict. Bison Kaalamaadan belongs very much to the world of Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan, but this time Selvaraj explores the genre through the lens of a sports drama. India has produced classics like Dangal and Chak De! India, both celebrated for their emotional strength, but those films did not venture into the raw terrains of rural oppression or the political hostility that stands in the way of a sportsman’s dreams. Bison Kaalamaadan brings that novelty with incredible force, becoming not just a sports drama but a deeply affecting social story. It is a finely crafted cinematic experience—beautifully written and visually powerful, making it an unquestionable MUST-WATCH!

Bison Kaalamaadan Story:

The story is narrated through multiple flashbacks that seamlessly merge with present-day sequences, some portions coloured with distinct visual palettes. Kittan (Dhruv Vikram), the central character, grows up in a village suffocated by caste dominance and social hierarchy. Despite the discrimination he faces daily, Kittan aspires to build a career in Kabaddi—a sport that becomes not just his passion but a way to reclaim dignity for himself and his community. However, his journey is obstructed at every step. The village is entangled in gang wars, caste tensions, and honour-based violence. The trauma endured by generations of his people constantly haunts him. His father Velusamy (Pasupathy), scarred by the past and fearful for his son’s future, makes Kittan swear that he will quit Kabaddi. But Kittan’s spirit refuses to bow down. He starts his journey with a small village team and gradually earns a spot in the state-level selection camp. His next dream is to make it to the national team. The question is: will the oppressive social system allow him to rise, or will the weight of rural politics crush his ambitions?

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One of Mari Selvaraj’s greatest strengths as a filmmaker is his ability to write stories that remain honest to their roots. His characters do not carry the glamour or exaggeration seen in mainstream cinema. Instead, they feel raw, grounded, and deeply human. That is precisely what sets his storytelling apart. In Bison Kaalamaadan, he weaves together a story of a young man’s dreams clashing with caste issues, local violence, generational trauma, a complicated love story with an age gap, and the brutal consequences of rural gang rivalries. He also explores the protagonist’s inner belief system—his emotional connection with the sport he loves most in life. Contemporary cinema rarely accommodates such variety within a single narrative, yet Selvaraj handles it with remarkable balance. Despite its nearly three-hour runtime, the film feels incredibly pacy because there is always something happening on screen. Conflicts arrive one after another, yet the screenplay is so thoughtfully layered that it never feels excessive. The editing style—filled with sharp cuts and merged scenes—adds an edgy rhythm to the narrative. Selvaraj’s writing elevates the story, while his direction transforms it into a powerful visual experience. The background score, cinematography, and overall technical craft are top-tier. If there are flaws, they arise from occasional dramatic predictability. For instance, a selection-committee official switching opinions too quickly or the climax becoming slightly foreseeable because of typical sports-film tropes. But even these minor shortcomings do not affect the film’s overall impact.

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Bison Kaalamaadan Cast:

Another noteworthy aspect of Mari’s cinema is how authentically the actors inhabit their characters. Dhruv Vikram completely disappears into the role of a village youth—his body language, anger, vulnerabilities, and emotional outbursts are all performed with striking conviction. Pasupathy, as always, is extraordinary. His portrayal of a father torn between fear and pride is deeply moving. Lal and Ameer, playing rival gang leaders, bring tremendous authenticity and menace to their roles. Anupama Parameswaran stands out as the helpless yet emotionally strong lover, while Rajisha Vijayan delivers a fine performance as Kittan’s sister. The supporting cast—Azhagam Perumal, Haritha Mutharasan, and others—add meaningful weight to the story.

Bison Kaalamaadan Movie Talkies:

Although I do not understand Tamil, the music of Bison Kaalamaadan impressed me immensely. Each song has a strong situational purpose and blends perfectly with the film’s emotional flow. The production design and rural locations enhance the film’s realism. Mari Selvaraj once again proves that he is a master of storytelling. His ability to depict village life with honesty, to explore the pain of oppression through symbolic elements, and to draw spiritual parallels that enrich the narrative is simply extraordinary. In Pariyerum Perumal, he used a dog to communicate the protagonist’s emotional state; here, he uses a buck with equal resonance and depth. These creative choices demonstrate his exceptional cinematic intelligence. Overall, Bison Kaalamaadan is one of the best films of the year and is very likely to remain so. A solid 3.75/5, but since we don’t have quarter-star ratings, it proudly stands at a strong 4/5. If you love meaningful, high-quality cinema, do not miss this film.

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