Return of Dragon Review: An Entertaining & Inspirational Film Without Preachiness

By Shantishwarup Tripathi

• Rating: 2.5 Stars
• Producers: Kalpana S. Aghoram, Kalpana S. Ganesh, Kalpana S. Suresh
• Writer: Ashwath Marimuthu
• Director: Ashwath Marimuthu
• Cast: Pradeep Ranganathan, Anupama Parameswaran,  Kayadu Lohar,  Mysskin, Gautham Vasudev Menon, K.S. Ravikumar, and George Maryan
• Duration: 2 Hours 37 Minutes

The Tamil film Dragon, starring Pradeep Ranganathan, will be dubbed into Hindi as Return of Dragon and released on March 14, 2025. Pradeep, known for his writing and directing in films like Comali (2019) and Love Today (2022), first gained recognition among Hindi-speaking audiences with the remake of his film Love Today, titled  "Loveyapa". The film was quite successful, making a mark in the industry. Now, with Return of Dragon, Pradeep Ranganathan takes on the role of an actor, leaving behind the writing and directing responsibilities.

Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, who previously helmed Oh My Kadavule, the film tells the story of D. Raghavan, a man who, after diving deep into immorality, tries to cleanse himself with little hope of redemption. The question is, can a person escape the consequences of his actions?

Story

The story begins in 2014 at a school in Chennai, where D. Raghavan (played by Pradeep Ranganathan) is determined to propose to his childhood love, Anjana, once he wins a gold medal in Computer Science at the HSC exams. Raghavan excels, securing 96% and the gold medal. However, when he proposes to Anjana, she politely rejects him, revealing that she is interested in a bad boy from college instead. Heartbroken, Raghavan resolves to become even worse than the boy Anjana likes.

Four years later, in Vellore, Raghavan becomes the most undisciplined student in his engineering college, failing 48 subjects. Yet, a beautiful girl named Kirti (Anupama Parameswaran) becomes infatuated with him and supports him financially. Raghavan realizes that being bad has its perks. He deceives his poor parents into thinking he's graduated and working a respectable job, while he actually lives a reckless lifestyle, becoming an alcoholic, smoker, and womanizer.

However, reality hits when Kirti, who desires a man with respect and financial stability, leaves him for a college professor named Deepak, who has a high-paying job. Raghavan, unwilling to change, decides to prove his success by securing a job at an American company with a salary of three lakhs per month. He buys an expensive car and house on EMI. His parents are thrilled, and an engagement is arranged with the daughter of a millionaire, Pallavi (Kayadu Lohar). Meanwhile, Anjana, now a college principal, finds out about Raghavan’s past. She and the college dean, Mayilvahanan (Mysskin), give him an ultimatum: either he reforms and passes the 48 subjects, or they expose his truth to everyone.

Raghavan returns to college, determined to complete his education and prove his worth. Will he succeed in his mission? Can he marry Pallavi and turn his life around? For the answers, you’ll need to watch the film.

Review

Before the interval, the screenplay stretches out like rubber, and the audience may feel bored. During this time, Raghavan’s character seems to blend elements of 'Animal' and 'Kabir Singh'. However, post-interval, the pace picks up with quick developments. The film could have been a much better experience if the editing had been tighter, especially if it were condensed into a 90-minute runtime.

The plot, which involves achieving success and winning a beautiful fiancée through deceit, brings back memories of films like Dil (1990) and Rasukutti (1992) – which was later remade as Raja Babu (1994) in Hindi. While the film offers entertainment, it also carries a strong social message, emphasizing that there are no shortcuts to success and that your actions (good or bad) will follow you throughout your life.

Return of Dragon has some interesting moments, but there are also some flaws. For instance, the film shows a ridiculous three-hour road trip from Chennai to Mumbai, which feels unrealistic. Additionally, Raghavan’s early days of being a gangster and facing gender discrimination from classmates and friends feel outdated. However, there are some engaging moments, like when Pallavi tests Raghavan’s honesty, integrity, and character during their first date. The background music is also commendable.

Direction

Ashwath Marimuthu has done a great job once again, blending emotions and storytelling in a compelling way. His direction brings out the right balance of drama and humor, keeping the audience engaged.

Acting

Pradeep Ranganathan delivers a solid performance as D. Raghavan. Anupama Parameswaran Kayadu Lohar, Mysskin, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and K.S. Ravikumar shine in their respective roles. A special mention goes to George Maryan, who plays Raghavan’s father, Dhanpal. His simplicity and innocence have won the hearts of the audience.

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