Mahdi Ahmed

Scripting waves of imagination from the sunny side of the Maldives.

Posts tagged ‘Redemption’

DRAGON (2025): A DRAMEDY ON REDEMPTION

“Dragon” (2025) is a Tamil cinematic gem that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, blending humor, drama, and romance into a narrative that’s both engaging and thought-provoking. Written and directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, this film showcases the journey of D. Raghavan, affectionately known as ‘Dragon,’ portrayed with remarkable depth by Pradeep Ranganathan.

Pradeep masterfully captures the essence of Raghavan, a rebellious college student burdened with 48 arrears, making his journey from academic underachiever to a man confronting his past both believable and deeply engaging. Pradeep’s performance is a harmonious blend of humor and emotional depth, allowing audiences to connect with Raghavan’s struggles and triumphs on a personal level. His nuanced acting ensures that Raghavan’s transformation is not just seen but felt, making this film a truly immersive cinematic experience.

Anupama Parameswaran shines as Keerthi, bringing a nuanced performance that adds layers to the storyline. Kayadu Lohar, as Pallavi, delivers a compelling portrayal that complements the ensemble cast, including notable performances by Mysskin, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and K. S. Ravikumar.

Leon James’ musical score is the soul of the film, perfectly capturing the essence of each scene and elevating the overall experience. The cinematography by Niketh Bommireddy paints each frame with a vibrancy that mirrors the protagonist’s tumultuous journey.

The editing by Pradeep E. Ragav crafts a rhythm that effortlessly shifts from college mischief to heartfelt drama. Each scene flows smoothly, ensuring that even the predictable beats hit just right. It’s as if the cuts know exactly when to hit the gas or slam on the brakes, keeping the film crisp and engaging—solid editing that gives Dragon its cool, modern pulse.

However, what sets “Dragon” apart is the adept screenplay by Marimuthu, blending conventional narrative structures with inventive storytelling techniques. His screenplay seamlessly integrates humor and drama, ensuring that each scene propels the story forward while deepening character development. The strategic placement of comedic elements provides relief without undermining the narrative’s emotional weight. Additionally, the screenplay’s pacing maintains audience engagement, balancing moments of levity with poignant sequences that resonate on a human level.

This film seamlessly weaves a tale of redemption without being preachy. It holds a mirror to society’s pressures and the lengths one might go to overcome personal failures. The film doesn’t shy away from showcasing the protagonist’s flaws, making his redemption arc all the more satisfying.

In essence, “Dragon” is more than just a film; it’s an experience that resonates deeply, reminding us of the power of second chances and the human spirit’s resilience. A must-watch that leaves you reflecting long after the credits roll.

P.S. The poignant scene at the end between Dragon and his father, Dhanapal, portrayed with heartfelt sincerity by George Maryan, is one of the film’s most emotionally charged moments. If that scene doesn’t open your floodgates, then maybe nothing will.

FROM DOUBLE MEANINGS TO FAMILY MAGIC – MY REDEMPTION

As a screenwriter with a reputation (okay, infamous might be more accurate) for sneaking in those double-meaning dialogues, I’ve heard more than my fair share of whispers. Some loud. Mostly about how my work flirts a little too much with cheekiness, especially for an 18+ audience. Guilty as charged!

But hey, I’ve always been about delivering something extra. If the scene called for a wink and a nudge, the dialogue was more than happy to comply. But it wasn’t gratuitous. Every smirk-inducing word had a purpose, serving the story, the characters, and—let’s be honest—keeping the audience entertained, even if it made them blush a bit.

But yesterday evening? Yesterday evening was different. Yesterday evening was a turning point. It was the premiere of Roboman: The Movie, and this time, the audience I wrote for wasn’t the 18+ crowd ready to catch every innuendo. This was for families—kids, parents, everyone looking for a wholesome ride. It was my shot at redemption, to prove that I could write something family-friendly that was just as engaging without leaning on the suggestive. And let me tell you, it felt good.

What made the evening even better? My usual premiere buddy, my wife, was there as always. She’s my muse, my most honest critic, and when it comes to feedback, let’s just say no one tells me the truth quite like she does. But this time, there was a new guest—our 13-year-old son, at his first-ever movie premiere. And not just any movie, but one I wrote. I hadn’t felt this nervous in years. Not because of the critics or the audience’s reaction, but because my toughest reviewer would be sitting right beside me, popcorn in hand, ready to whisper his thoughts in real-time.

And whisper he did.

About halfway through into the movie, my son leans over and says, “I know how this is going to end.” I glance at him, eyebrow raised, because, well, I wrote the thing. I know a twist when I see one. But I humor him and whisper back, “Oh yeah? How?”

The movie carried on, filled with dance, heartwarming moments, and plenty of Roboman heroics. The climax hit, and there it was—the big reveal. And guess what? My son nailed it. He had the ending figured out long before the final scenes played out, and you know what? I was proud. Not because the ending was predictable (okay, maybe a little predictable—it’s a family film, after all), but because he got it. He connected with the story in a way I didn’t see coming.

He absolutely loved the movie, and for me, that was the real win. Seeing him wide-eyed, and fully immersed—that’s the kind of review you can’t buy.

So yeah, yesterday evening was a reminder that I can write family-friendly. And guess what? It can be just as fun, heartfelt, and memorable as anything I’ve written for a more… mature crowd. Roboman: The Movie wasn’t just a film—it was my redemption arc. Proof that I don’t need to lean on double meanings to create a story that sticks.

And my wife? She walked out of that theater with a smile and a few tears. The emotional scenes got to her, and as we left, she turned to me and asked, “Is my makeup smeared?” That, my friends, is when you know you’ve done something right.