Dragon movie review: Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, “Dragon” is a compelling coming-of-age drama starring Pradeep Ranganathan, Anupama Parameswaran, and Mysskin. The film tackles crucial themes such as education, second chances, and personal growth, delivering a story that resonates deeply with audiences. While the film starts off with a familiar college setting, it takes an intriguing turn in the second half, showcasing director Ashwath Marimuthu’s narrative prowess. Here’s a closer look at the film and what it offers.
Dragon movie review – A tale of transformation, personal struggles, and the pursuit of redemption, “Dragon” unfolds as an engaging cinematic experience. Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, the film follows the journey of D Ragavan (Pradeep Ranganathan), a character who starts off as a model student but falls prey to his own insecurities and poor decisions. The film delves into the consequences of one’s actions, exploring how mistakes can define a person’s future and the impact of second chances. As the narrative progresses, viewers are taken through a rollercoaster of emotions, with the plot revealing the depths of Ragavan’s life choices and the eventual realization of the importance of education and self-improvement.
The central message of Dragon revolves around the significance of learning from one’s mistakes and the role education plays in shaping a person’s life. Director Marimuthu crafts a film that balances lighthearted moments with deep, reflective undertones. However, the film’s success is largely due to the performances of its lead actors, especially Pradeep Ranganathan, whose portrayal of Ragavan adds layers of both humor and emotional depth.
In Dragon, Pradeep Ranganathan plays D Ragavan, a character initially portrayed as the quintessential “good boy.” A gold medallist in school, Ragavan’s life takes an unexpected turn when he confesses his love to a fellow student, only to be rejected in favor of the “bad boys” – those with swagger and a carefree attitude. This rejection marks the beginning of his transformation into Dragon, a character shaped by disillusionment and a series of poor decisions.
As the film progresses, Ragavan’s college life becomes a reflection of his internal turmoil. A far cry from the motivated student he once was, he accumulates 48 standing arrears and adopts a rebellious persona. This shift in his character is both a result of his rejection and the pressures of societal expectations. Despite his shortcomings, Ragavan gains the affection of Keerthi (Anupama Parameswaran), though their relationship is marred by his inability to meet her aspirations. The breakup with Keerthi sets the stage for Ragavan’s journey into self-doubt and regret, pushing him toward dangerous paths.
The plot of Dragon takes a significant leap in the second half, with Ragavan’s realization of his faults and the consequences of his past choices. The film explores themes of education, personal growth, and the impact of one’s decisions. The character arc of Ragavan is both relatable and inspiring, as he navigates the challenges of his emotional turmoil while trying to make sense of his own identity. The second half also highlights the role of education in shaping a person’s destiny, a theme that is integral to the film’s narrative.
Director Ashwath Marimuthu brings forth an engaging visual experience with Dragon. While the first half of the film feels familiar, with a college backdrop filled with unruly students and a focus on Ragavan’s love life and failures, the second half sees the film coming into its own. The twists and turns that unfold in Ragavan’s life are compelling, keeping the audience invested in his journey of self-discovery. The film avoids the clichéd path of a hero overcoming all odds and instead presents a more grounded narrative where redemption is a process that takes time and effort.
One aspect that may seem a bit problematic in Dragon is the treatment of the relationship between Ragavan and Keerthi. The film somewhat villainizes her for being honest and leaving him after realizing that Ragavan is not the man she once thought he was. While there is a sense of redemption for Ragavan’s character, the way the breakup is handled in the storyline could have been more nuanced. Nevertheless, the eventual resolution in this arc adds depth to the characters, making them more relatable.
The comedic moments in the first half, while present, are hit and miss, with some scenes working better than others. However, the emotional moments in the latter half of the film are more impactful, thanks to strong performances from the cast. Pradeep Ranganathan excels in his role as Ragavan, bringing to life both the humor and the pain of a character caught in a downward spiral. His performance evokes empathy as he struggles to come to terms with his failures and tries to find a way forward.
Anupama Parameswaran delivers a solid performance as Keerthi, particularly in a poignant scene where she sheds tears after encountering her ex-boyfriend. Kayadu Lohar, portraying Pallavi, Ragavan’s fiancée, brings warmth to the character, playing the doting girlfriend with a subtle but effective presence. The supporting cast, including VJ Siddhu and Harshath Khan, who play Ragavan’s friends, also bring depth to the narrative with their performances.
Music plays an essential role in Dragon, with Leon James’ composition adding an emotional layer to the film. The background score amplifies the tension and emotional highs and lows of the story, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. Niketh Bommireddy’s colorful cinematography gives the film a fresh aesthetic, while editor Pradeep E Ragav ensures the pacing remains tight, especially as the story picks up speed in the second half.
Overall, Dragon is a satisfying watch that addresses important themes of personal growth, second chances, and the impact of education. While the screenplay occasionally falls into familiar tropes, the film’s strong performances and the clever direction ensure that it remains engaging. With a mix of humor, drama, and thought-provoking moments, Dragon provides a rewarding experience, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate coming-of-age stories with depth.
Dragon movie review concludes as a solid film with minor shortcomings, but ultimately, it delivers a message of hope, redemption, and the importance of self-reflection. Whether it’s the emotional depth of the characters or the exploration of real-life struggles, Dragon stands out as a worthwhile film for anyone seeking a meaningful narrative.
