Pradeep Ranganathan's latest film, "Dude," a romantic comedy also starring Mamitha Baiju, has sparked a wide range of reactions from audiences, with some drawing comparisons to earlier films. Marketed as a coming-of-age story for the digital generation, "Dude" explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery in Chennai.
Many viewers have taken to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share their opinions. Some have pointed out similarities between "Dude" and the classic film "Kanya Daanam," calling it a "Gen-Z version". Others have compared it to Thalapathy Vijay’s "Shajahan".
The general consensus seems to be that the first half of the film is engaging and youth-centric, filled with Pradeep Ranganathan's signature style. However, many viewers felt that the film lost momentum in the second half, citing weak writing and pacing. One reviewer summarized it as "a mid rom-com with a fairly engaging first half but a lacklustre second half". Some criticized the plot as wafer-thin and the execution as dull, while others enjoyed the humor and chemistry between Pradeep and Mamitha.
Despite the mixed reviews, Pradeep Ranganathan's performance has been widely praised for its energy. The chemistry between Pradeep and Mamitha has also been lauded. Sai Abhyankkar's music has been commended as soulful and fresh. Veteran actor R. Sarath Kumar and the supporting cast, including Hridhu Haroon, Rohini, Aishwarya Sharma, and Dravid Selvam, have also been noted for their pivotal roles.
Directed by Keerthiswaran in his debut, "Dude" tells the story of Agan and Kural, childhood friends navigating a complicated emotional landscape. When Kural faces romantic troubles, Agan must confront his own hidden feelings while trying to ensure her happiness. The film explores the contrast between love in the past and how it is perceived by today's youth.
As of Friday afternoon, trade trackers estimate that "Dude" has grossed between Rs 2.02 crore and Rs 3.06 crore in India. Some analysts predict the film could reach an opening of Rs 8-10 crore.
