
Dragon Review: Pradeep Ranganathan and Ashwath Marimuthu Present an Engaging and Vibrant Entertainer
2 months ago | 5 Views
The title of the film may initially appear unconventional for a Tamil production; however, it aptly reflects the narrative centered around a college student. The protagonist, D Raghavan, also known as Dragon, embodies the typical middle-class college youth who indulges in fun and romance while neglecting his studies.
During his time at AGS Engineering, Raghavan encounters Keerthy, portrayed by Anupama Prameswaran, and a romantic relationship develops between them. She jokingly warns him that she will 'kill' him if he ever breaks up with her, yet four years later, it is Keerthy who ends the relationship. The reason for her decision lies in her perception of Raghavan as a 'failure,' burdened with 48 arrear papers and seemingly lacking direction in life. She opts to marry a man with a monthly income of ₹120,000 and substantial assets. Feeling hurt, betrayed, and angry, Raghavan resolves to secure a job with a salary of ₹120,001 to demonstrate his success. However, the challenge remains: how will he manage to clear his 48 arrears? This dilemma marks the beginning of the true narrative. He resorts to deception, obtaining a fake degree certificate, which propels him up the corporate ladder, ultimately leading to a promotion that sends him to the USA, courtesy of his boss, Gautham Vasudev Menon. Just as Raghavan, now engaged to Pallavi (played by Kayadu Lohar), feels triumphant, his world unravels when his college principal, Mysskin, unexpectedly appears at his workplace. What transpires next?
Director Ashwath Marimuthu has crafted a film that is both captivating and entertaining, interweaving elements of drama, romance, and valuable life lessons. Raghavan's middle-class parents strive to provide him with an education, willing to make significant sacrifices for his success. Like many young men in college, Raghavan adopts a carefree attitude, attributing his lack of success to his parents' financial struggles rather than acknowledging his own failure to study and earn his degree. Is deception truly the only path available to him? Is dishonesty a requisite for climbing the ladder of success? Does experiencing a love failure preclude the possibility of second chances? Should the sacrifices made by parents be honored in life? How much importance should we place on honesty?
Similar to Oh My Kadavule, Ashwath Marimuthu’s narrative allows Raghavan to easily navigate his challenges and achieve success. Pradeep Ranganathan’s characterization also reflects elements of Dhanush from some of his previous works, along with traits reminiscent of Pradeep from Love Today. The storytelling of Raghavan is enriched with delightful friendships (the YouTube group), encouraging parents, romantic melodies, and college experiences, making it particularly relatable to the youth who connect with these themes. Many of the dialogues carry philosophical weight, emphasizing broader life lessons. Ashwath has skillfully integrated these elements in Dragon, yet the film's standout moment is the confrontation between Pradeep and Mysskin. The director has crafted a compelling character arc for both, ensuring their exchanges are precise and devoid of superfluous dialogue. The performances are commendable, with Pradeep’s portrayal as Dragon propelling the narrative, while Mysskin adds an explosive dynamic.
Dragon is an enjoyable and engaging film that conveys a significant social message relevant to contemporary society. While financial success is important, is it the sole purpose of life? Directors Ashwath Marimuthu and Pradeep Ranganathan have excelled in this endeavor.
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