It’s no secret that Tier-2 Tollywood actors often struggle to make a significant impact in the US market. However, Pradeep Ranganathan’s latest film, Dragon, released as Return of the Dragon in Telugu, has taken the North American box office by storm. Despite not being a superstar like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, or Vijay, Pradeep has managed to achieve an incredible feat overseas.
Unlike big-budget extravaganzas that usually dominate the overseas market, Dragon is a medium-range Tamil film that has surprisingly struck gold. In just two days, the film has grossed a remarkable $421,792, with the US alone contributing $371,751 and Canada adding $50,221. The Tamil version has raked in $281,866, while the Telugu dubbed version has impressively contributed $139,926.
With this momentum, Dragon is on track to surpass the $1 million mark in the US, a rare achievement for a mid-budget Tamil film. Even some top Tamil actors struggle to cross this milestone, but Pradeep Ranganathan has managed to establish a solid presence with only his second film as a lead actor. Notably, the Telugu version’s contribution is proving to be a major boost, with projections estimating it will reach the $400K range in its full run.
Globally, Dragon is expected to surpass ₹100 crore at the box office, marking a phenomenal success for Pradeep. With this milestone, he has cemented his place as one of Kollywood’s most promising stars. Now, all eyes are on his upcoming film LIK (Love Insurance Kompany), directed by Vignesh Shivan. As a youthful entertainer, it is anticipated to take his stardom even further.
Pradeep Ranganathan’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary, and with Dragon’s success, he has firmly established himself as a force to reckon with in Tamil and Telugu cinema.
