Mari Selvaraj’s Bison, starring Dhruv Vikram and Anupama Parameswaran, released in theatres on October 17 as a Diwali special. The film opened to strong reviews from both audiences and critics, marking another bold project from the director.
Despite the positive buzz, Bison has sparked an intense debate online. Many people are accusing Mari Selvaraj of repeatedly focusing on caste discrimination in his films, arguing that Bison continues the same theme seen in his earlier work.
Recently, Mari Selvaraj visited a theatre in South Tamil Nadu to watch Bison with the audience. After the screening, he spoke to viewers, and clips from that interaction went viral, triggering fresh controversy over his comments.
During his conversation, Mari Selvaraj said he doesn’t offer alcohol but gives books through his films. He urged people not to behave like drunkards, but to act responsibly, taking inspiration from the social messages in his stories.
The reactions were mixed. Some praised him as a responsible filmmaker who uses cinema to bring awareness. Others criticised him, saying they go to theatres for entertainment, not lessons or lectures through films.
Several viewers also argued that while addressing caste discrimination is important, constant repetition has made the subject feel overused in Kollywood. They believe Mari Selvaraj should explore different stories while continuing to highlight real issues in new ways.
As his statement continues to circulate online, social media remains divided. Some hail him as a voice for change, while others think he needs to balance message-driven filmmaking with engaging storytelling.
