Dragon Movie Review & Box Office Collection Day 1: Strong Start at the Indian Box Office

Dragon Movie Review: A Tale of Redemption and Realism

Rating: 3.5/5

Director Ashwath Marimuthu’s Dragon delves into the complexities of morality, personal choices, and redemption through the journey of its protagonist, D Ragavan, also known as Dragon. The film questions whether being good solely out of fear of consequences is truly virtuous and whether those who reject societal norms to live freely are inherently bad.

The story follows Ragavan, a once-studious gold medallist in Computer Science, who transforms into a rebellious troublemaker to impress his love interest. However, rather than glorifying his reckless behavior, Dragon explores the loneliness and consequences of such a lifestyle. His five steadfast college friends and his romantic interest grow increasingly weary of his antics, reflecting the film’s underlying realism.

Unlike conventional hero-centric narratives, Dragon elevates two supporting male characters—Dhanapal (George Maryam), Ragavan’s naive yet loving father, and Mayilvahanam (Mysskin), the ethical principal who attempts to guide him. The film cleverly integrates micro-stories within its screenplay, each with a distinct arc, keeping the audience engaged.

Ashwath’s storytelling excels in its ability to create meaningful payoffs from seemingly trivial moments. Whether it’s Ragavan’s computer skills surfacing at a crucial time or his signature cigarette flick carrying unexpected significance, these elements contribute to a well-crafted narrative. The film’s ability to challenge audience expectations makes it both intriguing and unpredictable.

However, Dragon does have its drawbacks. Some scenes stretch the audience’s suspension of disbelief, making the fantasy elements from Ashwath’s Oh My Kadavule feel more grounded by comparison. The female characters—played by Anupama Parameswaran, Kayadu Lohar, and Indumathi—deliver solid performances, yet their roles remain somewhat one-dimensional, limiting their impact.

Visually, cinematographer Niketh Bommi and composer Leon James craft distinct atmospheres that seamlessly converge at pivotal moments. The film also balances its highs and lows effectively, ensuring that any dips in engagement don’t linger.

While Dragon carries a strong preachy undertone, it remains entertaining. Its themes emphasize parental respect, the value of education, the harsh realities of life, and the necessity of truth. Ultimately, Dragon captivates its audience, leaving them dancing to its rhythm—an experience that is undeniably engaging.

Dragon made an impressive debut, earning approximately ₹6.00 Cr India net on its first day across all languages (early estimates).

Dragon Day 1 Box Office Collection

India Net Collection: ₹6 Cr

Dragon Tamil Occupancy (February 21, 2025)

Dragon recorded an overall 49.31% Tamil occupancy on its opening day.

Dragon Telugu Occupancy (February 21, 2025)

The film registered an overall 24.37% Telugu occupancy on Day 1.

About the Movie

Dragon has made a promising start, with strong occupancy in key markets, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Stay tuned for more updates on its weekend performance and box office trends.