Telugu cinema’s latest romantic comedy, Dude, starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju, has triggered a wave of mixed reactions online.
While many praised the film’s vibrant first half and performances, others felt it fizzled out after the interval.
Several users on X (formerly Twitter) drew comparisons between Dude and EVV’s classic Kanya Danam, calling it a “Gen-Z version.”
One viewer wrote, “First half is good, second half falls flat. The enemies of the movie are music & editing. Overall below average outing. 2/5.”
On the positive side, fans lauded Pradeep Ranganathan’s energetic performance.
One user tweeted, “PR performance next level and Sai Abhyankkar’s soulful music, very good and interesting movie.”
Many agreed the first half was “engaging and youth-centric,” filled with signature Pradeep moments.
But the film lost steam in the second half, with multiple viewers pointing to weak writing and pacing.
“A mid rom-com with a fairly engaging first half but a lacklustre second half,” one reviewer summarised. Others complained about poor editing and lack of emotional depth.
Not everyone was forgiving — some called it a “total waste of time,” criticising its wafer-thin plot and dull execution. Yet, a section of the audience enjoyed the humour and chemistry between Pradeep and Mamitha.
“PR’s style and combo with Mamitha is nice. Sarathkumar shines. One-time watch,” one tweet read.
Directed by Keerthiswaran, Dude features Pradeep Ranganathan, Mamitha Baiju, Sarathkumar, Sai Abhyankkar, and Hridhu Haroon.
Marketed as a coming-of-age rom-com for the digital generation, it follows a spirited youngster navigating love, friendship, and self-discovery in Chennai.
With a strong opening half but an underwhelming finish, Dude seems to have landed right in the middle — neither a breakout hit nor a total miss.