Dude Movie Review – Promising Start, Faltering Finish

Pradeep Ranganathan’s Dude, written and directed by Keerthiswaran, is a love story that tries to be unconventional yet remains rooted in familiar rom-com territory. Mamitha Baiju plays the female lead, while the supporting cast includes Sarath Kumar, Rohini, Hridhu Haroon, Dravid, and a few others. Here’s our Dude Movie Review.

Synopsis

The plot revolves around two cousins, portrayed by Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju, who grow up as close friends. When she confesses her love, he dismisses it, claiming he has never seen her that way. However, time alters his perspective; he soon falls for her and even requests her father, his maternal uncle, played by Sarath Kumar—to arrange their marriage. On the wedding day, a shocking revelation surfaces: she is already in love with another man, Hridhu. Her father, a caste fanatic, reacts violently, threatening her with honour killing. To save her, Pradeep devises a clever plan for the couple to flee abroad. Circumstances, however, twist once again when Pradeep and Mamitha marry to manage the crisis, only for him to later discover that she is pregnant. What follows is a sequence of unexpected and complex turns.

Analysis

Keerthiswaran’s Dude opens on a conventional yet engaging note, neatly packing all the elements of a modern romantic comedy. The first half unfolds at a measured pace but soon finds its rhythm, leading to a well-crafted pre-interval block that raises expectations for what’s next.

Unfortunately, the second half struggles to maintain that spark. Although the setup holds promise, the screenplay quickly slips into predictable patterns and loses its earlier liveliness. Still, Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju share an easy, believable chemistry that keeps the film afloat in several moments. Debutant Sai Abhyankkar makes a striking impression with his confident screen presence, adding vitality whenever the momentum dips. Conversely, the editing appears inconsistent, with abrupt transitions that disrupt the film’s flow, especially in the later portions.

Final Word

Ultimately, Dude demands tighter screenwriting to sustain audience attention. The storytelling lacks depth and conviction, leaving parts of the film feeling hollow. Moreover, the marketing could have been more forthright; unveiling the film’s premise in the trailer might have set realistic expectations rather than misleading ones.

Despite its flaws, the Dude Movie Review acknowledges that the film offers a few genuinely enjoyable sequences and moments of breezy humour. Yet, it never fully resonates on an emotional level. Dude remains a pleasant watch in parts but fails to leave a lasting impression—a decent one-time entertainer that could have achieved far more with sharper writing and a more cohesive second half.