Dragon Movie: Ashwath Marimuthu’s Dragon is a mix of youthful recklessness, heartbreak, and second chances. Led by Pradeep Ranganathan, Anupama Parameswaran, and Mysskin, the film balances humor, drama, and an emotional arc that resonates with young audiences. Though predictable in parts, Dragon delivers a strong message on learning from failures.
Story: A Student’s Downfall and His Search for Redemption
D Ragavan (Pradeep Ranganathan) starts as an intelligent and disciplined student, only to have his life take a drastic turn after a heartbreak. In an attempt to change his identity and prove a point, he becomes Dragon—a rebellious college student who collects arrears instead of accolades.
His love story with Keerthi (Anupama Parameswaran) initially provides a sense of stability, but when she chooses a more successful future over their stagnant relationship, Ragavan’s world crumbles. What follows is a rollercoaster of emotions as he grapples with failure, resentment, and self-realization.
Dragon Movie Strengths and Weaknesses
The first half of Dragon follows a familiar template of college life, featuring humor, fights, and friendships. However, it lacks freshness and feels stretched at times. The second half, on the other hand, redeems the film with its engaging twists and character development.
One of the film’s strongest elements is its message: life does not give unlimited second chances, and self-improvement is the only way forward. Unlike many mainstream films, Dragon does not offer a perfect fairytale ending, making it more relatable.
Dragon Movie Performances and Technical Aspects
- Pradeep Ranganathan delivers a performance similar to Love Today, excelling in comedic sequences but falling short in deeply emotional moments.
- Anupama Parameswaran is convincing as Keerthi, and her breakup scene is particularly well-executed.
- Mysskin as the principal brings wisdom and depth to the narrative.
- Leon James’ background score is a major highlight, especially in the emotional sequences.
- Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography adds vibrance, while Pradeep E Ragav’s editing keeps the film engaging despite its slightly dragged-out first half.
Final Verdict: A Flawed but Engaging Film
Dragon may not break new ground, but it successfully delivers an engaging coming-of-age story with a strong moral core. The first half might feel slow, but the second half makes up for it, leaving the audience with a satisfying conclusion.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)