"Dragon" Movie Review: A Journey from Darkness to Redemption
What makes a person truly good? Is it their actions, their intentions, or just the fear of consequences? And what about those who reject the idea of perfection, choosing instead to make mistakes and learn along the way—does that make them bad people? These thought-provoking questions do not have straightforward answers, and neither does Dragon, a film directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. The movie tells the story of a man who spirals into a reckless life but finds a way to climb back towards redemption. His name is D. Ragavan, also known as Dragon.
The film opens by introducing Ragavan as a brilliant student, a school topper who later becomes a gold medalist in Computer Science. At first, he appears to have a bright future ahead. However, when he confesses his love to a girl, she rejects him, saying she is drawn to rebellious and wild boys. Instead of accepting himself as he is, Ragavan decides to change completely, abandoning his disciplined life to transform into a reckless troublemaker. He turns into a hooligan disguised as a student, choosing to live on the edge rather than follow the structured path he once excelled at.
Although Dragon might seem like a movie that glorifies reckless behavior, it carefully presents Ragavan as a lonely figure. He is used by those around him but fails to realize it. The film subtly explores the isolation that exists behind the image of so-called “college kings”—those students who seem powerful and influential within the college walls but struggle to find meaning beyond them. Ragavan has five close friends who remain loyal to him despite his reckless nature. However, the film does not shy away from showing how their patience is gradually wearing thin. His love interest also remains in his life, but her tolerance is slowly fading as well.
Interestingly, Dragon does not celebrate its protagonist as an alpha male. Instead, the film highlights two other male characters who, on the surface, may seem ordinary but play crucial roles in the story. George Maryan plays Dhanapal, Ragavan’s simple but caring father, who tries to support his son despite his reckless ways. Then there is Mysskin as Mayilvahanam, the principal of Ragavan’s engineering college, who is both ethical and understanding. These characters serve as a contrast to Ragavan’s chaotic journey, showing a different kind of strength—one rooted in patience, wisdom, and quiet resilience.
Ultimately, Dragon is not just about a rebellious young man but about the complex journey of self-discovery, consequences, and redemption. It challenges the audience to rethink what it means to be “good” or “bad” and whether personal transformation is ever truly possible. By the end, Ragavan’s story is not one of glorified recklessness but of finding a way back from the darkness. The film leaves us questioning our own definitions of morality and whether a second chance is something everyone deserves.