Unconventional Love Story Challenges Societal Norms in 'Dude'

In the 2025 Tamil film 'Dude', director Keerthiswaran presents an unconventional love story that challenges societal norms. The movie follows Agan (Pradeep Ranganathan) and Kural (Mamitha Baiju), who have been close friends since childhood. Their happy bubble is burst when Kural proposes marriage to Agan, setting off a series of unexpected events.

Keerthiswaran skillfully navigates through tried-and-tested tropes, often flipping stereotypes on their head. The film does not shy away from addressing issues of casteism and patriarchy, but it does so without heavy-handed messaging. Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju deliver compelling performances, showcasing the ease and chemistry of their characters' long-standing friendship.

While the first half of the film quickly unpacks the central conflict, the lead-up to the resolution can feel repetitive at times. Keerthiswaran excels at comedy but struggles with emotional scenes, which can border on melodrama. The final twist of the film also doesn't land as intended. However, 'Dude' remains a refreshing addition to the filmography of its lead actors, who have proven their talent in previous works like 'Love Today' and 'Premalu'.