Dude Movie Review | Vishal Menon | THR India

In this review for the Hollywood Reporter, Vishal Menon takes a deep dive into Pradeep Ranganathan’s latest Tamil film “Dude,” directed by Keerthiswaran. The review explores how Pradeep’s third outing as a hero attempts to blend crude comedy with social commentary, starting with an unconventional “zero entry” where the protagonist crashes his ex-girlfriend’s wedding. Vishal examines how the film tries to tackle heavy themes like caste and honor killings through its loud, over-the-top approach, while following a twisted love triangle involving a married couple and a child born outside wedlock.

Vishal critiques how despite the film’s attempt at being unpredictable with multiple interval twists, it falls into predictable territory reminiscent of older Tamil films like Idhayam and Kaavalan. He notes that Pradeep’s performance feels repetitive, the treatment of serious subjects comes across as crass rather than clever, and the frantically paced comedy leaves audiences feeling more exhausted than entertained. While acknowledging the film’s occasional laughs and its attempt to present a modern hero who respects his lover’s freedom, Vishal ultimately finds that this follow-up to Love Today delivers a love story that feels outdated and grating.