Cast and crew
“Bison Kaalamaadan” is directed and written by Mari Selvaraj, known for his socially conscious storytelling. The film features Dhruv Vikram as Kittan, a young man with dreams of joining India’s national Kabaddi team.
The ensemble cast includes Pasupathy, Rajisha Vijayan, Lal, Ameer, Anupama Parameswaran, and Azhagam Perumal. Produced by Applause Entertainment and Neelam Studios, the film also features music by Nivas K. Prasanna and cinematography by Ezhil Arasu K.
Synopsis
Set in 1990s rural Tamil Nadu, the story follows Kittan, a determined athlete who faces caste prejudice and violence while pursuing his dream of playing Kabaddi at the national level.
Inspired by the life of Arjuna Award-winning player Manathi Ganesan, the film blends sports action with a powerful social message.
#Bison (Tamil) streaming from November 21 on Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam & Hindi 🍿!!#OTT_Trackers pic.twitter.com/EXlkUOILVR
— OTT Trackers (@OTT_Trackers) November 17, 2025
Kittan’s journey highlights resilience, community struggles, and the fight against systemic discrimination, making “Bison” both an inspiring sports drama and a commentary on social justice.
Box office and reception
Released theatrically on October 17, 2025, during the Diwali season, “Bison Kaalamaadan” grossed over ₹70 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of Mari Selvaraj’s career.
Critics praised Dhruv Vikram’s performance as career-defining, while audiences lauded the film’s emotional depth and gripping Kabaddi sequences. The movie’s success has been attributed to its blend of sports drama and social relevance, resonating strongly with both urban and rural viewers.
Main source and industry commentary
According to NewsBytes, Netflix acquired the digital rights as part of its push into Tamil cinema. Industry experts note that dubbing into Hindi alone can boost viewership by 40%, while adding southern languages ensures strong regional penetration.
“This is how regional cinema becomes national cinema,” one trade analyst explained, emphasizing the role of streaming in reshaping India’s film industry.
Impact on Tamil cinema
The streaming release of “Bison” demonstrates how regional films are gaining global recognition. By making the movie available in five languages, Netflix ensures that Tamil cinema reaches millions of households across India and abroad.
With its mix of sports action and social commentary, “Bison” is expected to attract not only fans of Kabaddi but also audiences interested in stories of resilience and justice.
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