arvind s
After a lot of thought, I chose to watch Dude over Mari Selvaraj's Bison. I am pretty sure Bison is a great movie but I wanted to go for something light and Pradeep Ranganathan movies generally have that going for them.
Kural and Agan are childhood friends. Kural returns from Bangalore seeking a solution to her love life. Agan volunteers to help her out against all odds especially her father, an influential minister.
If you have watched Love Today and Dragon, you know the kind of actor Pradeep Ranganathan is. He is often compared to certain superstars when it comes to his style and looks but I feel he brings his own energy to his characters. Though they all have a similar vibe/energy, they have all managed to keep me entertained. And Mamitha Baiju as Kural is stellar as well. She has a lot more to do in this movie compared to her previous roles. She shows her range as a woman confused about love. Mamitha and Pradeep have brilliant on-screen chemistry. R Sarath Kumar, who plays Mamitha's father is great. Hridhu Haroon plays a character we have not seen him play before, and that works to a certain extent.
Dude also benefits from Sai Abhyankkar's music. Oorum Blood is the highlight with two versions of the song used in apt scenarios. The comedy in the film mostly works. The emotional scenes have the intended impact. However, there are some character arcs that would have benefited from better writing as they are concluded very conveniently.
Dude is what you would call a full on entertainer. It is non-stop fun from start to finish. Though a lot of it may seem a little "impractical" for certain viewers, it would be useful to remember that it is a movie and one should enjoy it for that.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
10/21/25
Full Review
TheMovieSearch R
Dude, a foreign film brought to the United States, attempts to capture quirky antics and over-the-top humor, and at first, it succeeds in grabbing attention. The opening of the film is energetic and engaging, with a cast that is visually appealing and capable enough to hold the audience’s interest. The story initially feels fun and lighthearted, drawing viewers in with its unique style and playful tone.
During the first two acts, the director does a competent job of establishing the narrative and the characters. The audience is guided through the story’s setup, learning key details and understanding the dynamics between characters. The screenplay manages to balance humor and plot, conveying the director’s intentions without overwhelming the viewer, keeping the storytelling coherent and enjoyable at this stage.
The characters themselves are colorful, and the foreign cultural elements add a layer of charm and novelty to the film. There is a definite sense of energy and creativity in how the scenes are staged, and the audience is invested enough to wonder where the story might go next. The cast performs well for the material given, helping maintain interest during the early and middle portions of the film.
However, as the story progresses, the initial charm begins to unravel. By the third act, the screenplay becomes cluttered, and the pacing falls apart. What started as clever and whimsical devolves into a series of absurd and overblown situations that feel disconnected from the original story. The humor, once playful, becomes excessive and unfunny, and the film loses its earlier appeal. The escalation that could have benefited from restraint instead goes off the rails, making the ending feel like a complete disaster.
The final act undermines everything that the first half of the movie had established. The narrative loses focus, the characters’ arcs become nonsensical, and the plot fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion. The comedic attempts fall flat, turning what could have been an enjoyable ride into a confusing, overstuffed mess. It’s a sharp decline that leaves the viewer frustrated rather than entertained.
Overall, Dude is a film that starts strong but fails spectacularly by the end. While it shows glimpses of creativity and charm, the bloated and chaotic final act prevents it from being a truly enjoyable experience. The first two acts offer some fun and engagement, but the lack of cohesion and poor execution in the latter part of the film makes it a movie that is difficult to recommend or consider worth revisiting.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
10/20/25
Full Review
Stephen C
Funny in 2 hours and 20 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dubbed and subtitled in worldwide studios!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
10/17/25
Full Review
Harish N
"Dude" (2025) is a film that successfully delivers a good and fun watch, largely due to the amazing performance and charismatic presence of its lead, Pradeep Ranganathan. He once again proves that he is in top gear, effortlessly carrying the film with his relatable energy and compelling acting.
Pradeep Ranganathan is undoubtedly the film's strongest asset. His ability to blend youthful charm with genuine emotion is a highlight, making the movie feel fresh and resonant. He is amazing in the role, engaging the audience from start to finish.
The film operates well as a fun and lighthearted entertainer. It strikes a chord with its blend of humor, romance, and youthful vibe, making it a generally enjoyable cinematic experience. While the film is very good, it is not without its minor flaws. Minor dips in the narrative or moments that feel less polished might be present, but they are ultimately overshadowed by the fun factor and Pradeep's top-tier performance.
Overall, "Dude" is a film that delivers on its promise of entertainment, offering a good and fun watch that is significantly elevated by Pradeep Ranganathan's amazing performance.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
10/17/25
Full Review
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