Ashwath Marimuthu’s Dragon arrives with the weight of sky high expectations. After all, this is the director who gave us the cult favorite Oh My Kadavule (2020), a film celebrated for its inventive storytelling and emotional depth. Add to that the rising stardom of Pradeep Ranganathan, actor-writer-director of Love Today (2022) and you’ve got a film that’s been hyped as Kollywood’s next big thing. But does Dragon soar? Well, it stumbles a bit before finding its rhythm, but by the end, it’s hard not to cheer for its earnest, crowd-pleasing charm.
The Plot: A Rebel Without a Cause (Until He Finds One)
Dragon follows Ragavan “Dragon” Dhanapal (Pradeep Ranganathan), a once-studious schoolboy who transforms into a college rebel after a girl rejects him for not being the “bad boy” she craves. His downward spiral includes amassing 48 arrears, lying to his naive parents (George Maryan and Indumathy Manikandan) about a fake job and wasting days at his friends’ hideout. The wake-up call comes when his girlfriend Keerthi (Anupama Parameswaran) dumps him over his reckless lifestyle. What follows is a redemption arc packed with humor, life lessons and a few surprises.
The film’s first half feels like déjà vu for anyone who’s seen Pradeep’s Don (2022). Ragavan’s college antics pranks, love failures and friendship banter, are entertaining but generic. The pacing drags and the jokes occasionally land flat. The interval block shifts gears dramatically. A twist involving a near-fatal accident (and a clever cameo) propels Ragavan into a second-chance narrative, where he must confront his failures and redefine success. This is where Dragon truly takes flight.
The Good: Pradeep’s Star Power and Ashwath’s Emotional Beats
Pradeep Ranganathan carries the film on his shoulders. While his comedic timing shines in the first half, it’s the latter half where he proves his mettle as an actor. Ragavan’s emotional breakdowns, quiet moments of regret and fiery determination feel raw and relatable. Pradeep also handles the action sequences surprisingly well, blending physicality with vulnerability.
Anupama Parameswaran as Keerthi is more than just the “girlfriend” trope. She brings depth to her role, especially in confrontational scenes where she calls out Ragavan’s immaturity. Kayadu Lohar, in her Tamil debut as Pallavi, is a scene-stealer. Her chemistry with Pradeep adds warmth and her character’s arc, tied to themes of self-worth resonates.
The supporting cast is stellar. K.S. Ravikumar as Parasuram, a no-nonsense mentor, delivers wisdom with his trademark wit. Gautham Vasudev Menon and Mysskin in brief roles add gravitas, while YouTubers VJ Siddhu and Harshath Khan provide laughs without veering into cringe.
Ashwath Marimuthu’s writing, while not as nuanced as Oh My Kadavule, balances humor and heart effectively. The film’s message that success isn’t about shortcuts but honesty and hard work is simple but impactful. A montage where Ragavan grinds through menial jobs to pay his debts is both inspiring and humbling.
The Meh: A Rocky First Hour and Cliched Tropes
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the first half. For 45 minutes, Dragon feels like Don 2.0. The college scenes rowdy students, canteen brawls and romantic misadventures are fun but forgettable. The humor relies heavily on Pradeep’s dialogue delivery (which works) and over-the-top side characters (which sometimes don’t). Even Leon James’s peppy soundtrack feels underutilized here.
The film also leans into clichés. Ragavan’s transformation from nerd to rebel is rushed, and the “girl changes boy” trope is outdated. Thankfully, Keerthi’s agency and Pallavi’s subplot salvage the narrative.
The Great: A Riveting Second Half and Theatrical Highs
Post-interval, Dragon morphs into the film it promised to be. Ashwath borrows a page from Raju Hirani’s playbook, blending social messages with slapstick comedy. A sequence where Ragavan fakes a corporate job while actually working as a food delivery guy is both hilarious and heartbreaking. The stakes feel real, and the emotional beats hit harder.
The climax is a masterclass in mass entertainment. Without spoilers, expect a showdown that’ll have theaters erupting in cheers. A surprise cameo rumored to be a top Tamil star, adds to the euphoria. Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography shines here, with dynamic framing and vibrant colors elevating the drama.
Themes: Second Chances and Redemption
At its core, Dragon is about second chances. Ragavan’s journey mirrors Ashwath’s own fascination with life’s “redo” moments (a theme he explored in Oh My Kadavule). The film argues that success isn’t about wealth or status but integrity a refreshing take in an era of get-rich-quick fantasies.
It’s also a commentary on parental pressure. Ragavan’s parents, blissfully unaware of his lies, represent countless middle-class families who equate academic success with happiness. Their eventual confrontation is one of the film’s most poignant scenes.
Comparisons: Where Does It Stand in Pradeep’s Filmography?
Fans of Pradeep’s previous work will notice Dragon sits between Love Today’s rom-com brilliance and Don’s campus chaos. While Oh My Kadavule remains Ashwath’s most layered script, Dragon compensates with sheer entertainment. It’s less subtle but more ambitious, blending comedy, drama and social commentary into a crowd-pleasing package.
Verdict: A Solid 3.5/5 – Flawed but Fun
Dragon isn’t perfect. Its first half tests patience and the writing lacks the finesse of Ashwath’s earlier work. But when it soars, it soars high. Pradeep’s career-best performance, a rousing second half and a message that sticks make this a worthy watch.
Final Thoughts: If you’re craving a film that’s equal parts masala and meaning, Dragon delivers. Grab some popcorn, endure the slow start and let the second half sweep you up. As for Pradeep and Ashwath? They’re ready for the big league.
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
Theatre Verdict: A blockbuster in the making, flaws and all.
Streaming Verdict: Wait for it, but don’t skip it.