Detailed Review of Tamil Movie “Dragon”
The Tamil movie “Dragon”, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, is a compelling blend of humor, romance, and self-discovery. Starring Pradeep Ranganathan, Anupama Parameswaran, Kayadu Lohar, Mysskin, K.S. Ravikumar, and Gautham Menon, the film takes the audience on a roller-coaster journey through the life of a young man struggling to find his identity and purpose.
Engaging and Emotional Storyline
The film follows the life of T. Raghavan, also known as “Dragon,” a brilliant student whose life takes an unexpected turn after a heartbreak. The story begins in 2014 when Raghavan achieves a gold medal in his 12th-grade Computer Science examination. Encouraged by his academic success, he confesses his love to his classmate Anjana, hoping for a romantic relationship. However, she rejects him, expressing a preference for men who are rebellious and fearless. This rejection deeply affects Raghavan, causing a drastic change in his personality.
From being a disciplined and hardworking student, Raghavan transforms into an aggressive and careless individual. His rebellious attitude leads him to fail 48 subjects in college, earning him the title of a delinquent student. The college dean, Mayilvahanan, tries to guide him toward the right path, but Raghavan refuses to change. As he moves forward in life, he deceives his parents into believing he has secured a well-paying IT job, while in reality, he spends his time engaging in reckless activities.
The turning point in the story comes when Raghavan’s girlfriend, Keerthi, breaks up with him due to his lack of ambition and constant failures. Her departure makes him realize the mistakes he has made, pushing him toward self-reflection and change. The rest of the film explores his journey of redemption, struggles, and the steps he takes to turn his life around.
Impressive Performances by the Cast
Pradeep Ranganathan delivers a stellar performance as T. Raghavan. His ability to portray different shades of the character, from a bright and ambitious student to a reckless and rebellious young man, and finally, a reformed individual, is commendable. His expressions, dialogue delivery, and body language make his transformation realistic and engaging.
Anupama Parameswaran, in the role of Keerthi, gives a convincing performance. Her chemistry with Pradeep Ranganathan adds emotional depth to the film, especially in the scenes where she expresses her frustration over his failures. Kayadu Lohar, playing the character Pallavi, brings charm and sincerity to the story, making her presence felt despite limited screen time.
The film also benefits from strong supporting performances by Mysskin, who plays the college dean, and K.S. Ravikumar, who portrays Raghavan’s father. Their impactful dialogues and intense performances add a layer of depth to the film. Gautham Menon also makes an impressive appearance, contributing significantly to the storytelling.
Engaging Direction and Screenplay
Ashwath Marimuthu, known for his fresh storytelling techniques, once again proves his talent with “Dragon.” He keeps the narrative gripping, ensuring the film never loses its momentum. The screenplay is fast-paced, effectively balancing humor, drama, and emotional moments. The dialogues are sharp, filled with wit, and leave a lasting impact. The film’s message about perseverance, self-improvement, and learning from one’s mistakes is beautifully woven into the narrative without feeling forced.
Music and Cinematography Enhance the Experience
The film’s music, composed by Leon James, adds depth to the storytelling. The songs perfectly fit the mood of the film, whether it’s a romantic sequence, an emotional moment, or a high-energy montage. The background score is powerful, enhancing the intensity of key scenes.
The cinematography by Krishnan Vasanth is visually striking, capturing every emotion and detail with precision. The use of vibrant colors in certain scenes reflects Raghavan’s carefree nature, while the subdued tones in emotional moments add to the film’s depth. The camera work, framing, and lighting all contribute to creating a visually appealing cinematic experience.
Audience Response and Critical Acclaim
Upon its release, “Dragon” received an overwhelming response from the audience. Viewers praised the film’s unique storyline, engaging screenplay, and impactful performances. The movie resonated with many, especially young audiences who related to the themes of academic pressure, self-doubt, and personal growth.
Critics also appreciated the film for its storytelling and execution. The Times of India rated it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it an energetic and emotional ride. News18 also gave it 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting the strong performances and screenplay. The Indian Express rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars, appreciating the film’s balance of humor and drama. FilmiBeat Tamil lauded the chemistry between the lead actors and the overall engaging nature of the film.
Final Verdict – A Must-Watch Film
“Dragon” is a well-crafted film that successfully blends entertainment with an inspiring message. It showcases the struggles of a young man who learns to rise from his failures and shape his own destiny. The performances, direction, music, and cinematography all come together to create a memorable cinematic experience.
For those looking for a Tamil film that offers a mix of humor, romance, and meaningful storytelling, “Dragon“ is a must-watch. Whether you are a fan of Pradeep Ranganathan or enjoy coming-of-age dramas, this movie is sure to leave a lasting impact.