Debutant filmmaker Keerthiswaran, who has been basking in the success of his breakout hit 'Dude', is suddenly in the middle of a social-media storm — and this time, it’s not about the film’s box-office numbers.

An Instagram influencer has accused the director of responding “rudely” to her criticism of the film, igniting a heated debate online about how filmmakers handle feedback.

It all began when influencer Roshini Karthikeyan decided to share her thoughts on 'Dude', which stars Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju, along with Sarathkumar in key roles.

According to Roshini, she watched the film, viewed an interview clip, and felt compelled to send her honest criticism directly to Keerthiswaran. What she didn’t expect — or appreciate — was the director’s reply.

Roshini shared a screenshot of the chat on her Instagram Stories (now deleted but widely circulating on X), showing Keerthiswaran responding with laughter emojis followed by: “Go and have some life rather than sliding into my DMs.”

The screenshot exploded across social media. In her story, Roshini claimed she had simply offered “honest criticism” as a paying viewer and expected a budding filmmaker to be open to feedback.

She added that Keerthiswaran’s reaction “speaks volumes about his mindset and his ability to accept feedback,” questioning the intentions behind the film and the director’s approach to criticism.

Once the screenshot hit X, users wasted no time slamming Keerthiswaran. Many called his message “rude,” “unnecessary,” and even “cheap behaviour.”

One user wrote, “Could have at least respectfully responded to their DM. This is cheap behavior @Keerthiswaran_ and you know it.” Another added, “She questioned decently. His answer was not fair.”

Some compared him to filmmakers known for taking criticism aggressively. One comment read: “Can’t take criticism head-on like Vanga.” Others accused him of dismissing a woman’s opinion, saying he needed a “healthier view towards women.”

Meanwhile, supporters of Roshini argue that as a debutant director, Keerthiswaran should have shown more grace — especially given that 'Dude' has already proven itself commercially, grossing ₹113.25 crore worldwide after its October 17 theatrical release.

The film is now streaming on Netflix, where it continues to draw attention — but the off-screen drama is threatening to overshadow its success.

As of now, Keerthiswaran has not responded to the backlash. But the internet certainly has — and it’s not taking this 'Dude' drama lightly.