Bison: Kaalamaadan, the much-awaited Diwali 2025 film releasing October 17, 2025, teams up two of Tamil cinema’s most exciting names, Dhruv Vikram and Mari Selvaraj, in a sports biographical drama inspired by the life of Arjuna Award-winning Kabaddi player Manathi P. Ganesan.

The film Bison promises more than just sweat, soil, and sport, and here are 5 reasons to watch Bison in theaters this festive weekend:

1. Mari Selvaraj’s Signature Storytelling

Known for his politically charged yet deeply human cinema (Pariyerum Perumal, Karnan, Maamannan, Vaazhai), Mari Selvaraj turns his lens to the world of sports, but with his unmistakable social voice intact. At its heart, Bison isn’t just about Kabaddi — it’s about reclaiming dignity.

The film traces how a player rises from social constraints to national acclaim, while also questioning the structures that confine him. It’s as much a story about personal victory as it is about collective identity — a hallmark of Mari Selvaraj’s storytelling.

2. Dhruv Vikram’s Raw, Career-Defining Transformation

After Adithya Varma and Mahaan, Dhruv Vikram takes a giant leap into realism with Bison. The actor completely disappears into his role, sporting a rugged physique, a sun-baked tan, and intense emotional depth. From on-field Kabaddi aggression to moments of quiet introspection, Dhruv seems poised to deliver his most powerful performance yet.

3. The Spirit of Kabaddi, Captured Authentically

Shot across real village grounds and training camps, Bison captures the earthy pulse of traditional Kabaddi — the sweat, dust, bruises, and cheers that define the sport’s local soul. The game sequences have been choreographed with real athletes, ensuring that the energy feels unfiltered and rooted in reality.

4. Mari Selvaraj’s Visual and Musical Universe

Bison unites the director with cinematographer Ezhil Arasu K for the first time, yet the raw, poetic frames that have defined Mari’s earlier films, are still retained as a signature in Bison. The visuals are complemented by an emotionally charged score from Nivas K Prasanna, also a first time collaboration. Expect songs and background themes that reflect both pain and pride.

5. Others

Bison Kaalamaadan is supported by an able cast that includes performers like Pasupathy, Ameer, Lal, Anupama Parameswaran, Rajisha Vijayan, among others. The U/A censored Bison comes with a runtime of 2 hours 48 minutes, giving optimum screen time for the ticket price.