The February 21, 2025 clash between Dhanush directed Nilavuku En mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK), and the Pradeep Ranganathan starrer Dragon at the Tamil box-office was leaning in favour of NEEK, due to factors like Dhanush (writing, direction, production, cameo), and Red Giant Movies, the distribution network of Tamil Nadu deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin that ensures early morning shows, priority screens, and overall a better visibility in cinemas. 

However right from the advance bookings stage, the AGS Entertainment produced Dragon had more takers with the Tamil cine audience. Dragon had better reviews than NEEK, and a better response that was reflected in one million Dragon ticket sales in the first week, on a single online booking site alone. 

Both Dragon and NEEK have completed a week of theatrical run, and are currently in week 2. At this stage, Dragon's box-office is more steady and fast paced owing to the movie's content clicking with Tamil film audience. 

A coming-of-age story of a youngster on the wrong path is what Dragon offers, and its right packaging by writer, director Ashwath Marimuthu has proven once again that while pre-release business plans do help in the film business, it is content that is always the king.