From Arjun Reddy Remake to Bison: Dhruv Vikram’s New Journey

Dhruv Vikram, son of Tamil cinema icon Chiyaan Vikram, has expressed no regrets over his 2019 debut in the remake of the Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy, but he reserves special pride for his upcoming rural sports drama Bison Kaalamaadan, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mari Selvaraj. Set for release on October 17 amid the Diwali festive rush—typically dominated by established stars—Bison marks a pivotal moment for the 25-year-old actor, who immersed himself in authentic rural life to embody a kabaddi player. "I don't regret the Arjun Reddy remake, but I'm proud of Bison," Dhruv told PTI in an exclusive interview, highlighting the film's demanding preparation and social undertones.

The project, which consumed several years of Dhruv's career, unfolds in the sun-baked terrains of Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, centring on a young athlete's journey through the rough-and-tumble world of kabaddi. Forgoing formal workshops, Dhruv embedded himself in local communities, participating in farming, daily chores, and intense kabaddi sessions for months. "That was my workshop. I have worked hard on this film, and I hope that people like it," he shared, underscoring the physical toll—including broken hands sustained during training alongside Selvaraj himself. The director's hands-on approach, from scouting locations to joining the actor on the field, exemplifies his commitment, with Selvaraj initially hesitant to begin shooting until Dhruv proved ready for the role's grit.

Known for poignant, socially charged narratives like Karnan (2021) and Maamannan (2023), Selvaraj infuses Bison with themes addressing caste dynamics and rural struggles, though Dhruv remained tight-lipped on specifics. "This movie does have a social theme, but I can't reveal anything about it much. Mari Selvaraj is the most hands-on director I have seen... I think everyone should work with him," the Mahaan star enthused.

The film's Diwali slot is a rare honour for an emerging talent, diverging from Tamil Nadu's tradition of big-budget spectacles. Dhruv admitted to butterflies ahead of the premiere: "I feel honoured that it is my Bison that's releasing for Diwali this year. I haven't watched the film yet, and neither has my dad. I'll be in the theatre nervously holding my mom's and dad's hands and watching it."

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Dhruv's trajectory reflects a deliberate shift from the high-octane intensity of Adithya Varma—the Tamil adaptation of Arjun Reddy, which polarised audiences with its raw portrayal of addiction and toxicity—to more grounded, character-driven stories. Post-debut, he starred in the commercially mixed Varmaa and the ensemble Mahaan, but Bison represents his most transformative effort yet.

Industry observers see it as a potential breakout, leveraging Selvaraj's cult following and Dhruv's inherited charisma. As Tamil cinema grapples with post-pandemic recoveries and streaming disruptions, films like Bison signal a renaissance for content over star power, promising to resonate with younger viewers seeking authentic regional tales.

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