Story
Raghav (Pradeep Ranganath), once a class topper, realizes that girls are more attracted to rebellious guys than studious ones like him. Determined to change his image, he joins college, rebrands himself as "Dragon," and starts acting like a carefree troublemaker, neglecting his studies. He has a stunning girlfriend, Keerthi (Anupama Parameswaran), and a close-knit group of friends, but his academics take a serious hit, leading to repeated failures. At home, he pretends to have a job, borrowing money from friends to pass it off as his salary. He even manages to secure a high-paying job using a fake degree. However, when reality catches up with him, he finds himself in a tough spot, forced to complete his degree to get out of the mess. The rest of the story follows his journey as he struggles to set things right.

Artists Performance

Pradeep Ranganathan, who made an impressive debut with the blockbuster Love Today, takes on another relatable youth-centric role in this film. He effortlessly transitions between portraying a reckless bad boy and a man seeking redemption, making his character highly convincing. Anupama Parameswaran shines as a young woman drawn to Dragon, only to later realize he isn’t the right person for her future. Kayadu Lohar delivers a strong performance as the hero’s fiancée. The biggest surprise of the film is Mysskin, who plays the college principal with remarkable authenticity. His performance is both compelling and believable. George Maryan, with his naturally sympathetic presence, perfectly fits the role of a father who blindly trusts his son. K.S. Ravikumar and Gautham Vasudev Menon play their parts effectively, while Sneha and Ivana make brief cameo appearances. Director Ashwath Marimuthu also makes a small but pivotal appearance, influencing a major turning point in Dragon’s life.

Story - screenplay - direction: The film’s core narrative revolves around an intelligent young man who neglects his studies in an attempt to impress girls, only to later realize the true value of education and morality, leading to his redemption.

Director Ashwath Marimuthu cleverly conceals the film’s deeper message, revealing its true essence only in the final 20 minutes. He maintains a vibrant, youthful tone throughout, making the film appear like a breezy entertainer before delivering an unexpected and impactful climax.

The protagonist, Dragon, undergoes a well-crafted character transformation—from an irresponsible manipulator to a sincere and honest individual. Similar to Oh My Kadavule, this story is about second chances and self-correction. While the first half lacks significant depth, the second half offers much to anticipate.

The film’s elder characters are thoughtfully written with maturity. Dragon’s father delivers a moving dialogue about how someone else’s mistake cost him dearly, leaving him with a permanent leg injury - his words serve as a moral anchor for his guilt-ridden son. The principal, initially strict and intimidating, gradually reveals a deeply humane side.

Keerthi’s character is also well-developed; despite being Dragon’s ex-lover, she maintains dignity in her interactions, guiding him toward self-improvement in the second half. The screenplay remains engaging, balancing emotions and entertainment effectively.

Other departments: I hadn’t listened to the songs before watching the film, so none of them particularly stood out for me, except for the situational track towards the climax. The background score is adequate. Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography is commendable and adds to the film’s visual appeal. Editing by Pradeep E. Raghav is decent, maintaining a steady pace. The production design is satisfactory, while AGS Entertainment’s production values are top-notch.

Analysis: Dragon is a youth-centric film with a meaningful message. While the first half follows familiar tropes and feels somewhat predictable, the director compensates with a compelling and impactful climax. The film’s strengths lie in its well-chosen cast, engaging entertainment, and emotionally resonant conclusion. However, the first half could have been more impactful. Overall, Return of the Dragon strikes a balance between fun and emotion, making it a worthwhile watch on the big screen.