Bison Kaalamaadan

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Bison Kaalamaadan
Bison Kaalamaadan.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Mari Selvaraj
Written byMari Selvaraj
Produced by Sameer Nair
Deepak Seigal
Pa. Ranjith
Aditi Anand
Starring
CinematographyEzhil Arasu K.
Edited bySakthi Thiru
Music by Nivas K. Prasanna
Production
companies
Distributed byFive Star Creations
Release date
  • 17 October 2025 (2025-10-17)
Running time
168 minutes [1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Bison Kaalamaadan is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language sports action drama film written and directed by Mari Selvaraj. It is jointly produced by Sameer Nair, Deepak Seigal, Pa. Ranjith and Aditi Anand under Applause Entertainment and Neelam Studios. The film stars Dhruv Vikram, leading an ensemble cast featuring Pasupathy, Ameer, Lal, Anupama Parameswaran, Rajisha Vijayan and Azhagam Perumal. Based on the life of kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan, it follows a man who strives to excel in the sport while overcoming caste-based discrimination.

Contents

The film was officially announced in December 2020 under the tentative title DV03, as it is Dhruv's third film as a lead actor, and the official title was announced in May 2024. Principal photography commenced the same month in Chennai and wrapped by mid February 2025. The film has music composed by Nivas K. Prasanna, cinematography handled by Ezhil Arasu K and editing by Sakthi Thiru.

Bison Kaalamaadan was released on 17 October 2025, coinciding with Diwali. The film received positive reviews from critics and audience. [2]

Plot

Kittan Velusamy is from a socially oppressed caste in rural Tamil Nadu. Driven by a passion for kabaddi, Kittan battles caste prejudice, violent feuds, and familial resistance—particularly from his protective father, Velusamy—as he dreams of representing India at the Asian Games.

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1990s caste-based violence and district rivalries, Kittan's path is fraught with setbacks engineered by powerful landlords like Kandasamy, whose dominance colours every aspect of village life. The film introduces two rival leaders, Pandiaraja, a local hero, and Kandasamy, whose escalating feud affects Kittan's family and ambitions.

Kittan finds direction when a committed kabaddi coach, Kandeeban, spots his raw talent and becomes the mentor who teaches him how to turn his anger into purpose on the kabaddi court. Despite being humiliated, attacked and repeatedly reminded of his marginalised identity, Kittan refuses to bend. His resilience transforms him into a symbol of defiance and hope known as Bison. Through all of this, his sister Raaji remains the emotional centre of the household, steadying them when everything collapses around them. In the end, Kittan rises above brutal hierarchies, fear and violence to become a national kabaddi champion, representing Indian team in Asian Games.

Cast

Production

Development

In March 2020, Dhruv Vikram, who debuted as an actor with Adithya Varma (2019), was reported to star in the lead role of Mari Selvaraj's directorial venture after Karnan (2021). E4 Entertainment, which produced Dhruv's debut film, would reportedly fund the venture. [3] On 31 December, the collaboration of Dhruv and Mari was publicly announced through their respective social media accounts, tentatively titled DV03. [4] [5] A few days later, Pa. Ranjith announced he would produce the project under his banner Neelam Studios. Ranjith also funded Mari's directorial debut Pariyerum Perumal (2018). [6]

Mari stated, "The film is based on the life story of a sportsperson and this is going to showcase their lives in a raw and lively manner which has not been shown in Tamil cinema before". [7] In April 2023, he said it was based on the life of the kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan. [8] Production was set to begin after Dhruv completed filming for Mahaan (2022), as sports training was needed for his character. [9]

In the meantime, Mari began working on Maamannan (2023). [10] Dhruv began training by late August 2021, as he had completed filming for Mahaan. [11] [12] In 2023, reports claimed that the venture was shelved. However, Mari confirmed that works was still ongoing. [13] On 12 March 2024, Applause Entertainment were announced to jointly fund the venture, and Anupama Parameswaran was announced in the lead female role. [14]

The film's official title, Bison Kaalamaadan, was announced on 6 May. The technical crew, consisting of composer Nivas K. Prasanna, cinematographer Ezhil Arasu K, editor Sakthi Thiru, art director Kumar Gangappan, action director Dhilip Subbarayan, costume designer Aegan Ekambaram and publicity designer Kabilan Chelliah, were announced by the production house's on the same day. [15] [16] Ahead of the film's release, Mari expressed regret for titling the film in English, saying he had been requested to do so by the producers to increase the film's reach. [17]

Casting

Mari noted that Dhruv was his only choice for the lead actor. [18] Despite already having done films like Adithya Varma (2019) and Mahaan (2022), Dhruv considered Bison Kaalamaadan his true feature film debut as Adithya Varma was a remake of Arjun Reddy (where he was interpreting Vijay Deverakonda's role in his own style) and his role in Mahaan was small, but Bison Kaalamaadan was the first time he got to properly play a full-length original role. [19] Although rural characters in Tamil films are usually depicted with darker complexion, Mari did not consider Dhruv's lighter complexion an obstacle to casting him. [20] Anupama Parameswaran called Bison Kaalamaadan the first film for which she attended a "workshop"; she spent nearly two months interacting with locals of the filming location to develop her character. [21] Rajisha Vijayan, who earlier appeared in Mari's Karnan (2021), eagerly accepted to star in this film after her disappointment at not being approached for his subsequent films before this, adding that she had no issues playing a supporting role. [22]

Filming

Principal photography began with the first schedule on 6 May 2024 with an inaugural puja at a film city in Chennai. Most of the film was shot in Dindigul and Rajapalayam. [23] The first schedule concluded in late June. [24] By September, filming was 75% complete, with the remaining shooting to take place either at the end of the year or early 2025. [25] One scene required Rajisha to jump into water, and she agreed despite her poor swimming skills. She almost drowned but was rescued by the crew. [22] Filming wrapped on 17 February 2025. [26]

Music

The music and background score are composed by Nivas K. Prasanna in his first collaboration with Dhruv and Selvaraj; the latter wrote lyrics for all the songs. [27] The album, featuring five songs, was released on 20 October 2025, coinciding Diwali day. [28]

Release

Theatrical

Bison Kaalamaadan was theatrically released on 17 October 2025, coinciding with Diwali. [29] The film was distributed by Five Star K. Senthil in Tamil Nadu. [30]

Home media

The post-theatrical streaming rights were bought by Netflix. [31]

Reception

Critical response

Roopa Radhakrishnan of The Times of India gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "First things first, Bison is not among its director's finest works. But the film, based on the life of kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan, is still effective and bears the signature stamp of its accomplished creator. [...] Bison, despite its flaws, is meaningful, ambitious and gripping." [32] Avinash Ramachandran of Cinema Express gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Bison is a terrific exploration of the aftermath of violence and its unsettling consequences in the minds of the young and easily influenced." [33] Janani K of India Today gave 3/5 stars and wrote "'Bison' is a powerful story about caste politics and systemic oppression in a sports setup. The film is a solid addition to Mari Selvaraj's repertoire of work." [34] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Dhruv Vikram demonstrates sustained patience and skill in capturing the arduous journey of Kittan. [...] Mari Selvaraj blends two dimensions of his film - sport and life as reflections of each other - and brings them alive in fascinating unison. Bison Kaalamaadan hits home with the coiled-up force of a muscular beast that never loses sight of its target." [35] Anusha Sundar of OTTPlay gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Bison upholds the filmography of Mari Selvaraj, and becomes a powerful commentary about the politics within the sports sphere. There is an undeniable truthfulness that the film offers, despite Bison being a film that takes its time to connect and resonate." [36]

Arjun Menon of The Indian Express gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Bison is a quintessential Mari Selvaraj film, albeit one slightly softened for the masses. Here, the filmmaker seeks to bridge his distinct political voice with his growing interest in accessible storytelling. Yet, Bison stands tall among his works, a fierce, deeply felt story powered by a career-defining performance from Dhruv Vikram." [37] Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu wrote "Mari's most commercially conventional film yet is a politically razor-sharp and tonally strong social sports drama that hits the bullseye every step of the way." [38]

Box office

In India, Bison was released alongside Dude and Diesel . It opened to ₹2.30 crore (US$270,000) domestically, becoming the second highest opening among the releases. [39]

References

  1. ↑ "Bison Kaalamaadan". Central Board of Film Certification . Archived from the original on 11 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
  2. ↑ "Manathi Ganesan on Bison: They have strived for the film just like I did on field". Cinema Express . 17 October 2025. Archived from the original on 21 October 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  3. ↑ "Mari Selvaraj to direct Dhruv Vikram next?". The Times of India . 4 March 2020. Archived from the original on 12 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  4. ↑ "Dhruv Vikram to team up with Mari Selvaraj next". The Times of India . 31 December 2020. Archived from the original on 12 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  5. ↑ "Pa. Ranjith joins Dhruv Vikram's next with Mari Selvaraj". Zoom . 29 January 2021. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  6. ↑ "Dhruv Vikram's film with Mari Selvaraj to be a sports drama". The Times of India . 4 January 2021. Archived from the original on 12 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  7. ↑ "Dhruv Vikram to play a kabadi player in Mari Selvaraj's next". The Times of India . 28 January 2021. Archived from the original on 12 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  8. ↑ R, Chandhini (21 April 2023). "Mari Selvaraj: Dhruv Vikram-starrer to be a biopic of Kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan". Cinema Express . Archived from the original on 28 April 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  9. ↑ "Dhruv Vikram's film with Mari Selvaraj to begin after Chiyaan 60". The Times of India . 12 April 2021. Archived from the original on 12 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  10. ↑ "Dhruv Vikram to begin Mari Selvaraj's film in August". The Times of India . 6 July 2021. Archived from the original on 12 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  11. ↑ "Dhruv Vikram takes up Kabbadi training for Mari Selvaraj's film". The Times of India . 28 August 2021. Archived from the original on 12 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  12. ↑ "Dhruv preps for his film with Mari Selvaraj". The Times of India . 25 September 2021. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  13. ↑ "Mari Selvaraj confirms his project with Dhruv Vikram". The Times of India . 31 January 2023. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  14. ↑ "Mari Selvaraj finally begins his film with Dhruv Vikram & Anupama Parameswaran". The Times of India . 12 March 2024. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  15. ↑ "Mari Selvaraj-Dhruv Vikram film is titled Bison Kaalamaadan". Cinema Express . 6 May 2024. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  16. ↑ "Bison Kaalamaadan: First look poster of Mari Selvaraj's next with Dhruv Vikram unveiled". The Indian Express . 6 May 2024. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  17. ↑ "Mari Selvaraj apologises for choosing an English title for Dhruv Vikram's Bison: 'I did it because...'". Cinema Express . 16 October 2025. Archived from the original on 16 October 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  18. ↑ "Dhruv Vikram's character from Bison Kaalamaadan revealed; director Mari calls actor the only choice for the lead". Cinema Express . 15 October 2025. Archived from the original on 24 October 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  19. ↑ "Dhruv Vikram on his perception of Bison as his first film: 'I had to forget...'". Cinema Express . 11 October 2025. Archived from the original on 16 October 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  20. ↑ Kumar, Akshay (10 October 2025). "Mari Selvaraj: Skin complexion never came in the way of casting Dhruv in Bison". Cinema Express . Archived from the original on 16 October 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  21. ↑ "Anupama Parameswaran on Bison Kaalamaadan: 'Mari Selvaraj sir's honesty breaks you, but…'". Cinema Express . 19 August 2025. Archived from the original on 8 September 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  22. 1 2 "Rajisha Vijayan recalls Mari Selvaraj saving her life on Bison set: 'I thought I was going to die, when…'". Cinema Express . 13 October 2025. Archived from the original on 24 October 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  23. ↑ "Chiyaan Vikram kicks off Dhruv Vikram and Mari Selvaraj's 'Bison Kaalamaadan' shoot; cast details revealed". The Times of India . 6 May 2024. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  24. ↑ "It's a wrap for Bison Kaalamaadan's first schedule". Cinema Express . 28 June 2024. Archived from the original on 1 July 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  25. ↑ Menon, Akhila (29 September 2024). "Bison release update OUT: Mari Selvaraj opens up about Dhruv Vikram starrer". OTTPlay . Archived from the original on 20 January 2025. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
  26. ↑ Kumar, Akshay (17 February 2025). "Mari Selvaraj-Dhruv Vikram's Bison Kaalamaadan wraps filming". Cinema Express . Archived from the original on 17 February 2025. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  27. ↑ "'Bison Kaalamaadan': Dhruv Vikram, director Mari Selvaraj film gets a title". India Today . 6 May 2024. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  28. ↑ Kumar, Akshay (21 October 2025). "Mari Selvaraj-Dhruv's Bison Kaalamaadan jukebox out". Cinema Express . Archived from the original on 31 October 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  29. ↑ Sundar, Anusha (3 May 2025). "Bison Kaalamaadan release date: Mari Selvaraj's sports drama with Dhruv Vikram to get festive opening". OTTPlay . Archived from the original on 4 May 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  30. ↑ "Dhruv Vikram confirms his big screen return after 6 years, 'Bison Kaalamadan' to release for Diwali, deets inside". The Times of India . 19 July 2025. Archived from the original on 19 July 2025. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  31. ↑ "Ajith's Good Bad Ugly, Dulquer Salmaan's Kaantha, Kamal Haasan's Thug Life: Netflix announces its Tamil cinema lineup for 2025". Business Today . 15 January 2025. Archived from the original on 17 January 2025. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
  32. ↑ Radhakrishnan, Roopa (17 October 2025). "Bison Kaalamaadan Movie Review: Mari Selvaraj's film is imperfect but powerful". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 17 October 2025. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  33. ↑ Ramachandran, Avinash (17 October 2025). "Bison Kaalamaadan Movie Review: A defiant tale of rebellion elevates this familiar sports drama". Cinema Express . Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  34. ↑ K, Janani (17 October 2025). "Bison Kaalamaadan review: Mari Selvaraj's rage finds new playground with Dhruv Vikram". India Today . Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  35. ↑ Chatterjee, Saibal (17 October 2025). "Bison Kaalamaadan Review: Mari Selvaraj Film Is Vibrant, Vivid, Uncluttered". NDTV . Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  36. ↑ Sundar, Anusha (17 October 2025). "Bison movie review: Mari Selvaraj-Dhruv Vikram deliver raw, hard-hitting drama". OTTPlay . Retrieved 19 October 2025.
  37. ↑ Menon, Arjun (17 October 2025). "Bison movie review: Dhruv Vikram is exceptional in Mari Selvaraj's most accessible film to date". The Indian Express . Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  38. ↑ Chandar, Bhuvanesh (17 October 2025). "'Bison Kaalamaadan' movie review: Dhruv Vikram breathes fire in Mari Selvaraj's extraordinary film". The Hindu . Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  39. ↑ "பைசன், டியூட், டீசல் முதல்நாள் வசூல்... தீபாவளி வெற்றியாளர் யார்?" [The first day collections of Bison, Dude and Diesel... Who is the Diwali winner?]. Dinamani (in Tamil). 2 October 2025. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
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