Actor Pradeep Ranganathan, who has earned a strong place in the hearts of the youth with youthful blockbusters like 'Love Today', has recently released his latest film 'Dude'. His latest film 'Dude' was released as a Diwali gift.
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Directed by Keerthyswaran for the first time, 'Premala' fame Mamita Baiju plays the heroine in this film. Expectations are high on this romantic drama, produced by a big banner like Mythri Movie Makers. Did this film live up to the expectations of the youth? Did Pradeep achieve his hat-trick of success? Let's see.
Plot Synopsis
Gagan (Pradeep Ranganathan) and Kundana (Mamita Baiju) are both brothers-in-law. Growing up together since childhood, their friendship and bond are very strong. Gagan runs an event management company. Kundana loves Gagan, but Gagan sees her only as a friend, which is why he gently rejects her love. Heartbroken, Kundana goes abroad for higher studies.
Shortly after, Gagan realizes his love for Kundana. He prepares to marry her again. During this time, Kundana... falls in love with a man named Parthu (Hrindu Haroon) from a different caste and becomes pregnant by him. Kundana's father, Adikeshavulu (Sharath Kumar), the Minister of Animal Husbandry, is full of caste pride.
Against this backdrop, Gagan's extraordinary sacrifice and courageous decisions to save Kundana's love and her life are the main plot of the film. The second half shows the hardships Gagan faced for his girlfriend's happiness, even though she loves someone else. With this very point of sacrifice, the director also tried to indirectly convey a social message that questions traditional methods and honor killings.
Plus Points (What Worked)
Pradeep Ranganathan's performance: The main strength of this film is Pradeep Ranganathan. In the role of Gagan, he entertained with his own energetic and mischievous performance. He impressed in emotional scenes and comedy timing. His body language that connects with the youth is a big asset to this film. It is no exaggeration to say that he carried this film on his shoulders.
Mamita Baiju: Mamita Baiju, who is popular with 'Premalu', has brought the character of Kundana to life. Her performance is very natural and attractive. Especially, her chemistry with Pradeep has been worked out very fresh.
Part One: The first part of the film is very fun and youthful. Pradeep Mark's comedy and romantic scenes keep the audience hooked. The interval twist is good.
Sai Abhyankar's music: Sai Abhyankar's songs and background music bring the film to life. The BGM elevates many scenes.
Minus Points (Areas for Improvement)
Second Half Screenplay: Compared to the first part, the second half is a bit slow. The story seems to be revolving around one place. The pace of the film has slowed down due to the increase in scenes like running. The balance between emotional drama, comedy and social message has been affected.
Character Development: Except for the main characters, the rest of the characters, especially Sarath Kumar's character, need to be written more strongly. Some scenes feel routine.
Logical flaw: The concept of important sacrifice in the story may not seem acceptable to some viewers or may seem far from logic.
Technical aspects & Verdict
Keertishwaran, who made his debut as a director, has chosen a good story. Technically, the film is at a high level. Niketh Bommi's cinematography gives a very colorful and youthful feel. Mythri Movie Makers' production values are excellent. It would have been better if editor Bharat Vikraman had reduced some of the stretched scenes in the second half.
Verdict: 'Dude' takes the regular love story format and tries to give it a new treatment with an unusual sacrifice. Pradeep Ranganathan's one-man show, Mamita Baiju's chemistry and Sai Abhyankar's music make the film a must-watch.
If there had been a strong emotional connect and a more poignant second half screenplay, the level of this film would have been different. This is a good film for the younger audience, family and friends to laugh and think about.