Directed by Mari Selvaraj and starring Dhruv Vikram, Pasupathy, and others, the film 'Bison' is not just a story of a Kabaddi player's journey to victory. It beautifully unfolds on screen as an important document symbolizing the life struggles of marginalized people.
The Lion Writing Its Own Story (A Revised Perspective)
The African proverb states: "Until the lion learns to write its own story, every story will glorify the hunter". However, the film presents a nuanced view:
"But even if the hunter writes the story of Bison, or if the lion writes it, the story will remain the same". This is a victory for Mari Selvaraj's storytelling skill.
The pain, suffering, and struggle of the oppressed people will not diminish, no matter what perspective they are written from. The core reality remains that the gravity of their anguish is constant.
The Deeper Meaning of 'Refuse to Submit' (Adanga Maru)
The phrase 'Adanga Maru' (Refuse to Submit) has been beautifully articulated with a deeper meaning in the film:
It clearly conveys the determination to 'refuse to submit' mentally, by not backing down from one's goal, regardless of failure, weariness, or setbacks.
Kittan's mental fortitude, as he runs towards his dream despite the pain caused by social pressures, demonstrates what a healthy 'refusal to submit' truly means.
The Shadow of Salya and Karna (Kittan's Valor)
In the Mahabharata, Salya, Karna's charioteer, speaks against Karna at Lord Krishna's instigation, causing him to lose his valor, but upon witnessing Karna's unparalleled sacrifice and heroism on the battlefield, Salya has a change of heart.
Similarly, in this film, the talent displayed by the Kabaddi player Kittan on the field ultimately causes those who opposed and doubted him to change their minds and side with him.
Kittan's story echoing the shades of the Salya-Karna narrative becomes a powerful symbol.
Pasupathy's Anxiety & Dhruv's Internal Struggle
Pasupathy's Performance: He has meticulously conveyed the feelings of a father's anxiety, tension, and fear—the desire for his son to be well and not get caught up in any police cases—through his eye movements and body language. He accurately reflects the perpetual fear of a father from the marginalized community.
Dhruv Vikram (Kittan): Dhruv fully embodies the role of the Kabaddi player dealing with mental stress (Depression). His acting, simultaneously expressing inner conflict and the fierce desire to achieve his goal, makes the audience journey along with the character. The moments where he expresses that mental stress are deeply imprinted in our minds.
Piercing Dialogues
The dialogues are not only sharp and clear in conveying the message. Expressing mental stress and the pain of the heart through the dialogues is a unique feature of Mari Selvaraj's style. The dialogues reminds the the Thirukkural:
“சொல்லுக
சொல்லைப் பிறிதோர்சொல் அச்சொல்லை
வெல்லுஞ்சொல் இன்மை
அறிந்து
Speak out your speech, when
once 'tis past dispute
That none can utter speech that shall your speech refute.
Deliver your speech, after assuring yourself that no counter speech can
defeat your own.”
Conclusion: Leaving with a Heavy Heart
The fact that we leave the theatre with a heavy heart is a testament to the emotional connection established by the screenplay. Kittan's mental stress is transferred to us. 'Bison' is not just a film; 'Bison' is the pain of a community, 'Bison' is a dream, and 'Bison' is a voice for liberation. It is a work of art that clearly recorded truths—a true document.
Good review
ReplyDelete