Dragon Movie Review: A Magical Yet Emotionally Grounded Ride

Storyline: Dragon follows the journey of D. Raghavan (Pradeep Ranganathan), a carefree, middle-class college student who enjoys life without focusing on academics. At AGS Engineering College, he falls in love with Keerthy (Anupama Parameswaran), but their relationship takes a bitter turn when she leaves him, labeling him a failure due to his 48 arrears and uncertain future. Determined to prove his worth, Raghavan sets an ambitious goal—to secure a job with a ₹120,001 monthly salary, outdoing Keerthy’s wealthy fiancé. In his desperation, he resorts to forging a degree certificate, quickly rising up the corporate ladder under the mentorship of his boss (Gautham Vasudev Menon). Just as he reaches the pinnacle of success with an engagement to Pallavi (Kayadu Lohar) and a promotion to the USA, his past catches up with him when his college principal (Mysskin) unexpectedly walks into his office, turning his world upside down.

Dragon Movie Review: 

Director Ashwath Marimuthu, known for his unique storytelling in Oh My Kadavule, delivers yet another engaging and entertaining film with Dragon. He crafts a compelling narrative that blends humor, romance, and thought-provoking life lessons. The film explores themes of honesty, parental sacrifices, and the consequences of shortcuts to success. Whether it’s the protagonist Raghavan (Pradeep Ranganathan) making reckless decisions or Keerthi (Anupama Parameswaran) choosing her own path, the film embraces them without criticism. Much like Oh My Kadavule, Dragon thrives on coincidences and cinematic liberties, making it both entertaining and, at times, a test of patience.

Raghavan is a classic Tamil cinema hero—a rowdy yet lovable college guy who struggles academically and is filled with ego and mischief. However, unlike the typical commercial hero, he lives in an overwhelmingly kind world where his parents, friends, and even random strangers offer support. But what makes this over-the-top kindness believable is that they also guide and correct him before helping, making their support feel earned.

The film stands out because of Ashwath’s unique storytelling choices. For instance, instead of showing Raghavan and Keerthi’s love story from the start, we see their romance unfold only when they are on the verge of breaking up, making their journey more impactful.

Dragon is filled with clever references—nods to Premam, Simbu, and even a cameo of the famous "Idhu ungallukku sonna puriyaadhu sir" dialogue from Oh My Kadavule. These elements, combined with VJ Siddhu and Harshath Khan’s appearances, make the film highly engaging for young audiences.

Pradeep Ranganathan shines as Raghavan, delivering a relatable and energetic performance that captures the struggles of youth caught between ambition and morality. His character has shades of Dhanush’s early roles and his own Love Today persona, making him highly appealing to young audiences.

Anupama Parameswaran does justice to her role as Keerthy, balancing charm and emotional depth, while Kayadu Lohar (as Pallavi) makes a solid impression. Mysskin, in a pivotal role, delivers a powerful performance, particularly in his face-off scenes with Pradeep, which stand out as the film’s highlight. Gautham Vasudev Menon adds a touch of elegance as Raghavan’s boss, subtly mentoring him through his journey.

Leon James’ music plays a crucial role in elevating the film’s moods and emotions. The soundtrack is lively and complements the youthful energy of the narrative, while the background score effectively enhances the tension in crucial moments.

The cinematography captures the college nostalgia, urban corporate life, and emotional turmoil with finesse. The dialogues are sharp and often philosophical, adding depth to the film’s underlying themes.

Beyond its entertaining surface, Dragon carries an important social message—how far should one go to achieve success? Is financial stability everything, or should honesty and integrity take precedence? The film raises questions about parental sacrifices, societal pressures, and the consequences of shortcuts in life.

Final Verdict

Dragon is a highly engaging, fun-filled entertainer that also delivers a thought-provoking message. With a powerful second half, stellar performances, and an emotionally satisfying conclusion, the film successfully balances humor, romance, and life lessons.

Recommended for: Fans of Pradeep Ranganathan, those who enjoyed Oh My Kadavule, and anyone looking for an entertaining film with a meaningful core.

Dragon is a magical, feel-good entertainer with a roaring second half!