Acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta has lauded Mari Selvaraj's recently released film, Bison, calling it an "absolute banger" and a "masterly portrait of grit and determination against all odds". Mehta joins a chorus of voices praising the sports drama, which stars Dhruv Vikram in the lead role.
Mehta took to social media to share his detailed thoughts on the film, highlighting Selvaraj's ability to use the framework of a sports biopic to explore deeper, more complex themes. These themes include caste and identity, violence and retribution, hatred and prejudice, and the struggle for freedom. According to Mehta, Bison masterfully portrays the protagonist's determination in the face of adversity.
Dhruv Vikram's performance as the lead has also garnered significant praise. Mehta described Vikram as a "tour de force," noting that his performance transcends mere physical transformation. Vikram's dedication to the role is evident, as he embodies the emotional depth required to portray a character facing immense social inequality.
Bison tells the story of Kittayya, played by Dhruv Vikram, a student from a marginalized community who dreams of excelling in kabaddi in the 1990s. Despite facing disapproval from his father (Pasupathy) and harsh challenges at every turn due to caste divisions, Kittayya relentlessly pursues his passion. The film portrays the inequality that Kittayya experiences from local playgrounds to the national stage.
Mari Selvaraj's direction is particularly commendable for its raw and unflinching portrayal of violence, which Mehta notes is graphic but never gratuitous. The film also features cinematography that supports the narrative without drawing unnecessary attention to itself. The kabaddi sequences are expertly choreographed, adding to the film's immersive experience.
While Hansal Mehta was overwhelmingly positive in his review, he did express one minor issue to Mari Selvaraj. Though he didn't explicitly state the issue, he jokingly volunteered to help address it, suggesting a willingness to collaborate with the director in the future.
Other aspects of the film that have been praised include the performances of Pasupathy, who plays Kittayya's father, as well as Lal, Ameer, and Rajisha Vijayan. Nivas K. Prasanna's music also complements the film’s pivotal moments. Cinematographer Ezhil Arasu K. captures the rustic intensity of the protagonist's life. Editor Sakthi Thiru's work has also been commended for building scenes with powerful visual metaphors.
Despite the film's strengths, some critics have pointed out its flaws. These include its lengthy runtime, which approaches three hours, and some repetitive sequences. Some felt that the film lacked the emotional impact of Selvaraj's earlier works, such as Karnan and Pariyerum Perumal. However, many agree that Bison is a meaningful and ambitious film that effectively uses sports as a metaphor for emancipation.
