Neeraj Ghaywan Applauds Mari Selvaraj’s “Bison Kaalamaadan” as a Raw, Emotional Triumph

Filmmaker Mari Selvaraj recently took to social media to thank Homebound director Neeraj Ghaywan for his glowing praise of Selvaraj’s latest Tamil sports drama, Bison Kaalamaadan. In his note, Selvaraj captioned it simply: “Thank you @ghaywan #BisonKaalamaadan,” sharing Ghaywan’s heartfelt admiration for the film’s storytelling, performances, and emotional depth.

Ghaywan highlighted the “ferocity of filmmaking” in Bison Kaalamaadan, calling it a sports biopic done right. He specifically praised Dhruv Vikram and Pasupathy as the father-son duo, noting how the father’s encouragement and bravery—culminating in his fight with the cops to let his son play kabaddi—moved him profoundly. “People we love can carry us through moments we’re not sure we can survive,” Ghaywan wrote, underscoring the film’s emotional resonance.

Released in October 2025 and now streaming on Netflix, Bison Kaalamaadan tells the story of a rural kabaddi athlete, blending sports action with social commentary on India’s countryside struggles. True to Mari Selvaraj’s signature style, the film draws inspiration from real-life athletes, emphasizing perseverance, grit, and familial bonds against the backdrop of rural hardship.

Critics and audiences alike have lauded the film for its raw authenticity, powerful performances, and heartfelt storytelling. Selvaraj’s direction ensures that each kabaddi match becomes more than just sport—it’s a metaphor for courage, resilience, and social struggle.

The praise from Neeraj Ghaywan not only cements Bison Kaalamaadan’s place as a standout sports drama but also celebrates Selvaraj’s ability to craft stories that resonate universally, even while grounded in the rural Tamil milieu.