Dude Twitter Review: Tamil Romantic Comedy Stirs Mixed Reactions Online
Chennai, October 17, 2025 (TheTrendingPeople.com):Tamil cinema’s latest romantic comedy, Dude, starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju, has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media since its release. Directed by Keerthiswaran, the film has divided audiences, with praise for its youthful energy and performances contrasting sharply with criticism for its weak second half.
First Half Wins Hearts, Second Half Divides Opinion
A majority of Twitter users (now X) appreciated the lively and vibrant first half of the film. Fans highlighted the youthful charm of the lead pair and the comic timing that sustains audience engagement. One viewer wrote, "PR’s style and combo with Mamitha is nice. Sarathkumar shines. Humour drives the narration to an extent, one-time watch."
However, the second half failed to maintain momentum for many viewers. A recurring critique centered on editing, pacing, and screenplay issues. One fan summarised, "A mid rom-com with a fairly engaging first half but a lacklustre second half! Director Keerthiswaran sets up the film with potential but falters in the screenplay."
Others were less forgiving. "Dude is an absolute disaster. No proper story, weak direction, dull performances. A total waste of time and money," read one harsh tweet, while another commented, "Somehow #Dude didn’t work for me. Wafer-thin story and wasted opportunity, except for Sarathkumar and Sai Abhyankkar."
Comparisons to Classic Tamil Rom-Coms
Several moviegoers drew parallels between Dude and the 2001 Thalapathy Vijay hit Shajahan, calling the new film a “Gen-Z version” of the classic romantic drama. One reviewer remarked, "Thalapathy’s Shajahan movie’s Gen Z version (or 2k copy). 1st half is good, but 2nd half falls flat. The main enemies of the movie are music & editing, overall below average outing. 2/5."
This comparison underscores how audiences evaluate modern romantic comedies against earlier blockbusters, especially when nostalgic elements are evoked.
Cast and Crew Highlights
Dude features Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju in the lead roles, with Sarathkumar, Sai Abhyankkar, and Hridhu Haroon supporting. The film is produced as a coming-of-age rom-com for the digital generation, exploring themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery in contemporary Chennai.
Sai Abhyankkar’s music has been described as soulful and apt for the film’s Gen-Z audience, while the cinematography captures the vibrant energy of urban youth. Yet, despite these qualities, social media chatter indicates that the story’s execution, especially in the latter half, did not fully resonate with viewers.
Director Keerthiswaran’s Vision
In interviews, Keerthiswaran has emphasized that Dude was designed to capture the spirit of modern youth navigating love and relationships amidst digital-age influences. "We wanted to portray the quirky, fun, and sometimes chaotic journey of a young person in Chennai today," he said.
While the first half succeeds in establishing this tone, the second half’s slower pace and inconsistent character arcs have drawn criticism. Some fans suggested that tighter editing and a stronger narrative conclusion could have elevated the film significantly.
Audience Reaction on X (Twitter)
Social media reactions paint a varied picture:
- "First half is engaging, second half falls flat. Music & editing pull the film down. 2/5"
- "Humour and Sarathkumar’s presence save a bit, but overall a mixed outing."
- "Wafer-thin story. Missed opportunities. Could have been better."
Fans’ discussions indicate that Dude appeals to viewers seeking lighthearted, youthful entertainment but may disappoint those looking for a cohesive romantic narrative.
Implications for Tamil Romantic Comedy
The reactions to Dude highlight ongoing challenges in Tamil rom-coms: balancing modern storytelling for Gen-Z audiences while maintaining strong narrative and emotional depth. Comparisons with past classics like Shajahan demonstrate the pressure on filmmakers to innovate while meeting audience expectations shaped by nostalgia.
For stars like Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju, the film provides visibility and showcases their chemistry, even if critical reception is mixed. Supporting actors like Sarathkumar continue to lend credibility and audience appeal to such projects.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Dude succeeds in delivering lighthearted, youthful fun but struggles with pacing and screenplay consistency in the second half. For audiences seeking quirky Gen-Z romance, it offers enjoyable moments, though it may not leave a lasting impact. The film underscores the challenges faced by modern Tamil rom-coms in blending nostalgia with contemporary storytelling.