The fun-filled moments, relatable characters, amusing conflicts and well-presented emotions make 'Dragon' a worthwhile outing. The film, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, marks his sophomore project after the success of 'Oh My Kadavule'. Starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Anupama Parameswaran, ‘Dragon’ has seen significant buzz since its announcement, especially following its release on February 21, 2025.
The storyline follows Raghavan Dhanapal, portrayed by Ranganathan, whose carefree life takes a turn for the worse after his girlfriend dumps him due to his irresponsible behavior. Determined to turn his life around and secure wealth, Raghavan resorts to forgery to obtain a high-paying job. Unfortunately, this decision leads to chaos and moral dilemmas, demonstrating the film's central themes of ambition contrasted against ethical shortcuts.
The film has garnered mixed reviews. A critic from The Times of India noted, "Dragon is engrossing tale of a youngster who witnesses a roller-coaster ride... relatable characters, amusing conflicts, and well-presented emotions make this worthwhile outing." Fans have echoed this sentiment, praising the engaging screenplay and the emotional arc of the protagonist. Notable moments highlighted by viewers include comedic scenes during Raghavan’s foray through dishonest methods and intense sequences touching on his personal struggles.
On social media, sentiments have ranged from praise to skepticism. One user, Sekar, urged others, "#Dragon Don’t miss the first 10 mins of the movie... with good social message." The film's gripping opening and surprising climax captured audience engagement, with fans stating it reflects the trials of modern youth. Another user commented, "Pradeep Ranganathan is Terrific as Leadman. Once Again Holds the film really well... A Fun Ride Awaits," demonstrating the lead's impact on the audience.
Although some critiques have centered on pacing issues, viewers appreciated the transformation Raghavan undergoes as he grapples with the consequences of his choices. A review on social media pointed out the film's commendable effort to convey moral lessons without succumbing to glorifying unethical behavior. One user expressed, "Following the #Dragon trailer release, the negativity was overwhelming, but the Dragon team proved them wrong & emerged victorious," summarizing the film’s resilience against poor initial reception.
Notably, the technical aspects stood out as well, with Leon James’ energetic music eleving the film's overall vibe. While the soundtrack received mixed reviews, his background score was praised for enhancing thrilling moments, adding to the film's emotional depth. The cinematography, helmed by Niketh Bommi, effectively captured the contrasts between Raghavan's home and work environments, reflecting the dichotomy of his life choices.
Actor Mysskin's portrayal of the college principal has also been highlighted as memorable, bringing additional gravitas to the film. Fans have remarked on the solid chemistry between the cast, especially between Ranganathan and Parameswaran. The writing allows for character journeys without judgment, showcasing varied paths and decisions influenced by significant relationships, primarily driven by female characters within the narrative.
A fan review on X summarized, "#Dragon is going to do many wonders at Box-Office like what #LoveToday did... Extraordinary songs and bgm." This comment reflects the hope for commercial success following its debut, which is bolstered by the engaging performance from the star-studded cast, including Kayadu Lohar and Gautham Vasudev Menon.
Overall, 'Dragon' has made waves both online and at the box office, captivating audiences and sparking discussions on significant societal issues faced by today’s youth. Its multifaceted approach to storytelling, blending humor with life lessons, resonates well with viewers seeking relatable cinema.
The film serves as both entertainment and contemplation, proving Ashwath Marimuthu's continued ability to create engaging narratives. With Pradeep Ranganathan's spirited performance at its core, 'Dragon' might just be the cinematic experience many have been waiting for this year.