Actor Pradeep Ranganathan has revealed that he had initially wanted to cast Mamitha Baiju in his 2022 directorial hit, Love Today, a collaboration that has now come to fruition in their upcoming film, Dude. The romantic entertainer, which marks the directorial debut of Keerthiswaran, is scheduled for a Diwali release on October 17.
Speaking at an event for the film, Pradeep recounted his early interest in the actress. “When I was looking for a heroine for Love Today, I came across Mamitha’s short film and was totally impressed,” he stated. “I contacted her, but she was supposed to work in Vanangaan then, so it didn’t materialize. When Keerthi said he had Mamitha in mind for Dude, I was surprised.”
The film also features a notable performance from veteran actor Sarathkumar, who admitted he initially refused the role. “When I first heard about my character in Dude, I said I wouldn’t do it,” Sarathkumar explained. “But after Keerthi narrated the entire story with such dedication, I understood his effort to show a new Sarathkumar in this film.”
Dude marks the feature film debut for both its director, Keerthiswaran, who previously assisted director Sudha Kongara, and its music composer, Sai Abhyankkar, known for the viral song “Katchi Sera.” Keerthiswaran noted that the film will present two distinct sides of its lead actor. “You will see the hyper Pradeep that everyone likes, and you will also see a matured, emotional version of Pradeep,” he said.
Mamitha described the on-set experience as a learning opportunity. “I learned a lot from Pradeep Ranganathan,” she said. “When I was scared during some scenes, Sarath sir would cool me down.”
The film is the second Tamil production from the Telugu banner Mythri Movie Makers and is described by the producers as a film for “all age groups from 8 to 80,” incorporating elements of love, emotion, action, and sentiment.