Chennai: Director Mari Selvaraj’s much-anticipated sports drama, Bison Kaalamaadan, starring Dhruv Vikram, hit theatres today, October 17, 2025, to an overwhelmingly positive response from critics and fans. Following special press screenings held yesterday, social media has been flooded with praise, hailing the film as a “marvel of creation” and a potential “pride of Indian cinema.”
The film, based on the inspiring true story of Arjuna Award-winning Kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan from Thoothukudi, is produced by Pa. Ranjith’s Neelam Studios in collaboration with Applause Entertainment. The release was met with festive celebrations, particularly in director Mari Selvaraj’s hometown of Tirunelveli, where fans welcomed the movie with fireworks, drum beats, and energetic dancing.
Early reviews have unanimously lauded Dhruv Vikram’s powerhouse performance. Critic Kavitha noted, “Dhruv acts with such sincerity… what energy… like father, like son.. congratulations!” Another reviewer, Avinash Ramachandran, posted on X, “Dhruv is very effective as the angry young man,” while film distributor Karthik Ravivarma stated, “Dhruv is a perfect fit for the character.”
Critics have also praised Mari Selvaraj for skillfully blending his signature style of exploring caste-based social drama with a compelling sports narrative. Reviewer Siddharth Srinivas gave the film a 3.5/5, calling it a “clever and highly engaging film.” He added, “The first half is decent, but the second half has some interesting scenes and a powerful climax that elevates the core idea. Dhruv Vikram delivers a very honest performance, his physique acts as much as his face.” The supporting cast, especially veteran actor Pasupathy and Rajisha Vijayan, also received strong appreciation for their roles.
The film’s release saw an enthusiastic show of support from the industry. Proud father and actor Vikram was spotted arriving at a theatre to watch his son’s film. Producer Pa. Ranjith extended his wishes on social media, posting, “Congratulations on another milestone for Mari Selvaraj. This is your time Dhruv Vikram. We hope fans will enjoy this film as much as we do.”
With a compelling true story, a fiery lead performance, and powerful direction, Bison Kaalamaadan is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of 2025.
