Tamil cinema has set the stage for a box-office battle with NEEK (Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam), directed by Dhanush, and Dragon, starring Pradeep Ranganathan. While NEEK offers a slice-of-life Gen Z rom-com, Dragon promises a high-energy action spectacle.
NEEK: A fresh take on modern relationships
Dhanush’s third directorial venture, NEEK, explores love, breakups, and self-discovery with a youthful touch. The film is winning over audiences for its relatability and humour. While some viewers found the first half slow, the second half is being widely praised.
Mathew Thomas’ comic timing has emerged as a highlight, drawing applause from both critics and audiences. Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj called the film a “blockbuster success,” while music director GV Prakash labelled it a “treat for youngsters.” Actress Keerthy Suresh also joined in, appreciating its lighthearted and fresh storytelling.
Dhanush, ahead of the release, shared a heartfelt message, expressing confidence in the film and showing his support for the young cast, reminding everyone that he too was once an aspiring newcomer.
Dragon: Big action, bigger expectations
Meanwhile, Dragon has taken a different route, banking on Pradeep Ranganathan’s rising popularity. The film was expected to have a strong opening, but it unexpectedly cancelled its U.S. premieres, even refunding pre-booked tickets. While the reasons remain unclear, this has sparked speculation about the makers’ confidence in the film.
Despite this, actor Silambarasan TR declared his one-word verdict: “BLOCKBUSTER.” Social media buzz suggests Dragon has a strong mass appeal, but reviews are still pouring in.
Who will dominate the Box Office?
With NEEK riding high on positive early reviews and Dragon bringing the mass action factor, the Tamil box office has two distinct flavors to offer. While influencer ratings tend to be generous, the real test will be audience word-of-mouth over the weekend. One thing’s for sure—Tamil moviegoers have plenty to debate this week.
