‘Dude’ review: Pradeep-Mamitha chemistry, emotional twists impress fans

Director Keerthiswaran’s romantic entertainer Dude, starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju, hit screens on Friday, and early reactions from netizens suggest that the film could be a hit.

A social media user hailed the movie as “A very Pradeep Ranganathan coded film. The hidden conflict was a great strategic move. The first and second halves sit on completely opposite sides of the spectrum. Though predictable at times, it’s more than watchable. I liked it, though people may differ.”

Another viewer added, “Decent second half with a complicated relationship. There’s humour throughout the film. Pradeep and Mamitha nailed it. BGM and music feels fresh throughout the film. The debut director picked a good story and weaved it with an engaging screenplay. The emotions in the last 20 mins land like all Pradeep’s films. This one will be a super hit.”

Highlighting the film’s pacing, one more fan wrote, “First half started with a slow track and unexpected interval block! Second half kicks banger with fiery start with twists and turns in the climax! #Dude A good mid rom-com film!”

Dude Movie Reviews:

Ahead of the release, director Keerthiswaran shared a heartfelt note of gratitude on social media, reflecting on his debut project. “Feeling grateful. Tomorrow my first movie DUDE releases. Amazing feel, excited and nervous at the same time. In this moment, I sincerely thank my hero PR for the trust in me. I truly wish Dude will be your new acting showcase from tomorrow,” he wrote.

He also thanked his producers, Naveen and Ravi, saying, “Enna director aaki azhagu paathathuku nandri. (Thank you for making me a director and enjoying its beauty).” Keerthiswaran reserved special mention for his cinematographer Niketh Bommi, describing him as “my brother, my shoulder. Niketh, you made me. Everyone deserves a Niketh in life, and I'll try to be a Niketh in someone's life.”

The director also expressed gratitude to music director Sai Abhyankar and supporting cast members, including Sarath Kumar, Mamitha Baiju, and Rohini, for their encouragement. He further thanked filmmakers Sudha Kongara, Vikraman, and cinematic icons like Rajinikanth, Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, Bong Joon-ho, Vadivelu, and A.R. Rahman for shaping his understanding of cinema.

Keerthiswaran concluded, “Dude will be an entertaining, emotional, quirky, original film made straight from the heart and gut with conscious and aesthetic choices throughout. And as a personal statement, Dude is not a film that talks about love. It's a film that talks about the Right to Love. Hope you all like it.”