Dragon – Release Date, Cast, Budget, Director, Box Office & Global Success!

Dragon is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language coming-of-age comedy drama film directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. The film, which is set in a college backdrop, combines humor with emotional depth, and it marks the second collaboration between director Ashwath Marimuthu and actor Pradeep Ranganathan. With a compelling story and engaging performances, Dragon has become one of the standout films of 2025. Here’s an in-depth look at the film’s release date, cast, budget, director, box office performance, and global success.

Release Date

The movie Dragon was released worldwide on 21 February 2025 in both standard and EPIQ formats. The film was initially set to be released on 14 February 2025, but its release date was pushed back to avoid a box-office clash with Vidaamuyarchi (2025). Despite the delay, the film was well-received upon its release and performed strongly at the box office.

Plot Summary

The plot of Dragon follows the journey of D. Ragavan, a young man who transforms from a diligent student into a rebellious character. Initially a hardworking 12th-grade student who wins a gold medal in computer science, Ragavan’s life takes a turn after his crush rejects him. Heartbroken, he adopts the rebellious moniker “Dragon” and ends up accumulating multiple arrears during his college years. However, the film takes an interesting twist when Dragon pretends to have secured a high-paying IT job and builds a facade of success. As the story progresses, Dragon’s life becomes more complicated, and he is forced to face the consequences of his actions, leading to a redemption arc that is both emotional and inspiring.

Cast

Dragon boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including:

• Pradeep Ranganathan as D. Ragavan “Dragon”: The protagonist who embarks on a journey of self-realization.
• Anupama Parameswaran as Keerthi: Ragavan’s love interest.
• Kayadu Lohar as Pallavi Parasuram: The woman whom Dragon falls in love with later in the story.
• Mysskin as S. Mayilvahanan: The college dean who plays an important role in Dragon’s transformation.
• Gautham Vasudev Menon as Vale Kumar: The CEO of a multinational corporation.
• K. S. Ravikumar as Parasuram: Pallavi’s father.
• George Maryan as Dhanapal: Dragon’s father.
• VJ Siddhu as Anbu: Ragavan’s friend who is part of his rebellious phase.

Director & Crew

Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Pradeep Ranganathan, Dragon is the second collaboration between Ashwath and Pradeep, following their successful association in Oh My Kadavule (2020). The film’s cinematography is handled by Niketh Bommireddy, and editing is managed by Pradeep E. Ragav. The music, which has played a crucial role in setting the film’s tone, is composed by Leon James, marking his third collaboration with Ashwath and his first with Pradeep.

Budget and Box Office

With a production budget of approximately ₹35–37 crore, Dragon was a commercial success at the box office. As of March 2025, the film had grossed around ₹152 crore (approximately $18 million), making it the second highest-grossing Tamil film of the year and the seventh highest-grossing Indian film in 2025. The film’s success can be attributed to its relatable storyline, engaging performances, and a fresh take on the college drama genre. Dragon also benefited from its widespread release in both Tamil and Telugu, where it was dubbed as Return of the Dragon to avoid confusion with another Telugu film sharing the same name.

Global Success

Dragon has resonated with audiences not only in India but also internationally. The film was distributed across multiple regions, including the Middle East, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and Sri Lanka. In the international markets, Dragon has garnered positive reviews, and its relatable themes of self-discovery, ambition, and redemption have contributed to its appeal across diverse cultural backgrounds.

The film was also made available on Netflix for streaming on 21 March 2025, further expanding its reach to global audiences. Critics have highlighted the film’s perfect balance of humor and emotion, making it a standout choice for both casual moviegoers and those looking for more profound storytelling.

Reception and Critical Acclaim

Critics have lauded Dragon for its engaging narrative, strong performances, and emotional depth.

• Harshini SV from The Times of India awarded the film 4/5 stars, praising it as a “fun, emotional, and fully charged ride.”
• Kirubhakar Purushothaman of News18 also gave the film 4/5 stars, noting that despite its predictability, the screenplay is crafted in a way that keeps the audience entertained and invested.
• Avinash Ramachandran from The Indian Express gave it a 3.5/5, appreciating the film’s preachy yet entertaining nature.
• Bhuvanesh Chandar from The Hindu wrote that the film serves as an antidote to many Tamil college dramas that glorify reckless behavior, offering a more nuanced view of youth and redemption.

The film’s performances particularly that of Pradeep Ranganathan, have been praised for their authenticity and charm. His portrayal of Dragon’s transformation from a carefree student to a man seeking redemption resonated with audiences across all demographics.

Conclusion

Dragon is a perfect blend of humor, heart, and inspiration. Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, this Tamil film has proven to be a commercial and critical success, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. The engaging storyline, strong performances, and the relatable theme of redemption have made Dragon one of the must-watch films of 2025. With its global appeal and impressive box office numbers, Dragon is a film that has captured the attention of audiences worldwide and continues to perform strongly in the global market.

Whether you are a fan of coming-of-age stories, college dramas, or simply looking for an emotionally fulfilling cinematic experience, Dragon is sure to leave a mark.