Dragon, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, blends humor with a coming-of-age redemption arc, offering an entertaining yet flawed narrative. While Pradeep Ranganathan delivers an engaging performance, the film’s glorifications and certain character choices may require viewers to overlook some problematic elements.
Plot Summary: The making of Dragon
D. Ragavan (Pradeep Ranganathan) starts as an obedient, academically brilliant student. However, after being rejected by a girl for not being the stereotypical “bad boy,” he transforms into a rebellious college troublemaker, racking up 48 arrears and living a lie with his gullible parents. His downward spiral continues until his college sweetheart, Keerthy (Anupama Parameswaran), breaks up with him due to his reckless ways. This marks a turning point, pushing Ragavan towards change.
Movie Review: A tale of reinvention with questionable moments
The film opens on a promising note, setting up a college atmosphere where the principal Mayilvahanan (Mysskin) takes a progressive stance on student relationships. However, what starts as an intriguing character arc for Ragavan soon turns into a glorified ‘bad boy’ transformation, making it seem as though rebellion and arrogance are prerequisites for respect and admiration.
Ragavan’s journey from a computer science gold medallist to a college rebel feels exaggerated, and while the film does well in portraying his downfall, it lacks depth in showing the impact on others—especially Keerthy, whose perspective remains underexplored.
When Keerthy leaves Ragavan after six years, citing that she can only see him as a lover but not a life partner, her reasoning is solid. However, the film frames her as someone who eventually apologizes to Ragavan, which feels unnecessary and problematic. Why should a woman apologize for choosing a stable life over an irresponsible partner? This is one of the film’s weaker points.
Despite these missteps, Dragon finds its rhythm in the second half, with Ragavan pursuing a redemption arc that feels earned. The climax, in particular, is a highlight, offering a smartly written resolution that balances realism with the commercial elements expected in Tamil cinema.
Performances & Technical Aspects
- Pradeep Ranganathan shines in a role tailor-made for him, effortlessly switching between humor, arrogance, and redemption.
- Anupama Parameswaran as Keerthy delivers a commendable performance, though her character is underwritten.
- Kayadu Lohar as Pallavi adds a fresh dynamic, though her character’s impact remains minimal.
- VJ Siddhu and Harshath Khan add comic relief, with Harshath’s role as ‘Kutty Dragon’ standing out despite initial concerns of glorification.
- Ashwath Marimuthu’s direction is sharp in emotional moments but struggles with justifying certain character choices.
The background score and cinematography enhance the high-energy moments, particularly in the film’s last 45 minutes, which bring both emotional weight and entertainment.
Verdict: An entertaining yet flawed ride
Dragon is worth a theatre watch for its humor, engaging screenplay, and strong performances. While it excels in delivering a redemption arc, its handling of gender dynamics and glorification of reckless behavior leaves room for debate. If you can look past these elements, Dragon offers an enjoyable mix of laughs, drama, and a gripping climax.