suresh kavirayani
Pradeep Ranganathan became an overnight star with the success of Love Today, which was a massive hit even in Telugu. He not only directed the film but also played the lead role. Now, he returns as the lead actor in Return of the Dragon, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. Anupama Parameswaran and Kayadu Lohar play the female leads, while well-known directors like KS Ravikumar, Gautam Menon and Mysskin appear in acting roles. Here’s a look at the story and how the film fares.
Story
Ragavan (Pradeep Ranganathan), nicknamed “Dragon” in college, is a carefree and mischievous student who never attends classes, takes exams lightly, and spends most of his time with friends. Due to his poor academic record, he is required to write 48 supplementary exams to complete his degree. However, his reckless behavior leads the college principal (Mysskin) to expel him.
Determined to hide the truth from his parents, Ragavan lies that he has secured a job with a salary of Rs 18,000, when in reality, he spends his days idling at a friend’s place. His college girlfriend, Keerthi (Anupama Parameswaran), initially supports him but later becomes frustrated with his failures. She eventually leaves him to marry a professor, telling Ragavan that he has failed in every aspect of life—academically, professionally, and personally.
Angered by Keerthi’s rejection, Ragavan decides to prove himself. He acquires a fake engineering degree and secures a job at a prestigious software company. His salary soars, and he moves from a slum to a gated community, getting engaged to a wealthy woman, Pallavi (Kayadu Lohar).
Just as life seems to be going smoothly, Ragavan’s past catches up with him. The college principal unexpectedly appears at his office, threatening to expose his forged degree. However, instead of revealing the truth immediately, the principal presents him with a proposal. What does the principal want? How does Ragavan react? What happens to his engagement with Pallavi? The answers unfold in Return of the Dragon.
Analysis
Unlike his previous films, where Pradeep Ranganathan served as both director and lead actor, in Return of the Dragon, he focuses solely on acting, with Ashwath Marimuthu (Ori Devuda) at the helm. The title stems from Ragavan’s college nickname, “Dragon,” but the significance of the “return” is something the audience must discover while watching.
The film subtly conveys an important message: when someone achieves success through dishonest means, another deserving individual suffers. It also explores the psychological burden of guilt—when given a second chance to correct a mistake, choosing the wrong path can lead to lasting regret. The director effectively delivers this message, though it takes until the second half for the story to delve into its core theme.
The first half of the film is lighthearted, filled with college antics, playful rivalries and humorous moments. While some scenes provide laughs, the narrative shifts gears when the principal confronts Ragavan just before the interval. The second half takes on a more serious tone, building up to an intense and emotionally charged final act.
The film’s climax is particularly gripping, filled with unexpected twists that showcase Ashwath Marimuthu’s storytelling skills. The emotional depth peaks in the final moments, with all actors delivering strong performances. The film begins with the principal addressing his students, sharing Ragavan’s story as a cautionary tale and this framing device effectively sets up the narrative. While the humor and energy of the first half make for an entertaining watch, it’s the second half that elevates the film with its dramatic intensity. One of the standout moments is when Ragavan, after serving time in jail, returns home, and his father assures him that he will always be there for him—a scene that resonates deeply.
Performances
Pradeep Ranganathan delivers another compelling performance, particularly excelling in the emotionally charged climax. His natural acting style keeps the character relatable. Mysskin adds depth to his role as the strict yet layered principal, making his character memorable.
Anupama Parameswaran shines in a brief yet impactful role, leaving a strong impression despite limited screen time. Kayadu Lohar brings glamour to the film and plays her part well. KS Ravikumar, Gautam Menon, and the rest of the cast contribute effectively. Indumathy and George Maryan, playing Ragavan’s parents, are perfectly cast, delivering some of the most touching moments in the film.
Technical Aspects
The dialogues, especially in the second half, are thought-provoking and enhance the film’s impact. Leon James’ music and background score are decent but not particularly memorable. Cinematography by Niketh Bommireddy is visually appealing and captures the film’s shifts in mood effectively.
Verdict
Return of the Dragon starts off slowly but picks up after the interval, leading to a gripping second half with an engaging narrative and a strong message. While there are a few cinematic liberties and loopholes, the performances—especially in the latter half—make it a worthwhile watch. If you enjoy a mix of humor, drama, and unexpected twists, this film is worth checking out at least once.
Cast: Pradeep Ranganathan, Anupama Parameswaran, Kayadu Lohar, Mysskin, Gautam Vasudev Menon, KS Ravikumar, and others
Cinematographer: Niketh Bommireddy
Music: Leon James
Producers: Kalpathi S Aghoram,
Kalpathi S Ganesh, Kalpathi S Suresh
Writer and Director: Ashwath Marimuthu
Rating: 3/5
