Directed by the talented Ashwath Marimuthu, *Dragon* tells the chaotic yet relatable story of academic fraud and the quest for redemption. The narrative centers on Raghavan, portrayed with charm by Pradeep Ranganathan, who finds himself in a web of deceit following a rough breakup. As a college dropout, Raghavan turns to falsifying academic credentials to land himself a corporate job, hoping to leave his past troubles behind. However, his plans abruptly change when his former principal, played with authority by Mysskin, presents him with an ultimatum: return to complete his studies or risk public exposure.
The film is a striking mix of humor and emotion, thoroughly exploring what it means to take shortcuts in life — and at what cost. The story brings to the forefront the idea of perseverance through ethical means. Pradeep Ranganathan's role as Raghavan is perfectly balanced, showcasing his ability to intertwine moments of humor with genuine vulnerability, making the audience root for his journey. Supporting actors Anupama Parameswaran and Kayadu Lohar add depth to the narrative with their compelling performances.
Memorable Performances and Themes
One of the most striking aspects of *Dragon* is Mysskin's portrayal of the principal, adding layers to the story with his stern yet impactful presence. The film cleverly nods to Tamil cinema icons like Premam and Simbu, weaving in meta-humor that keeps audiences engaged. However, despite its strengths, the film does encounter some criticism, particularly regarding its pacing. The first half of the movie drags, leaving viewers wanting a more engaging build-up. Additionally, for those familiar with the Telugu dubbed version, certain comedic moments appear to fall flat.
Leon James’ background score is one of the more memorable parts of the film, brilliantly adding to the mood. Yet, when it comes to the film's soundtrack, the songs themselves fail to leave a lasting impact.
Despite the mixed reviews, the film achieved impressive success, grossing ₹100 crore worldwide. It carries a U/A certification and was released with a 12A rating in the UK. If anything, *Dragon* reminds viewers that while life is full of challenges and temptations to take the easy way out, the true victory lies in overcoming obstacles with integrity and resilience.
