Dude: Pradeep Ranganathan scores a 100-crore hat-trick, second in 2025 after Dragon; what it means to be a hero material in Tamil cinema

The third time is not only a charm, magic, but also a solidifying hat-trick success for actor and filmmaker Pradeep Ranganathan, who has been catering to the young audience of Tamil cinema. While his directorial Love Today, in which he also starred, earned him a name and fame by grossing over Rs 100 crore, this year’s Dragon just made it better and solidified. For those who thought Pradeep might have just gotten lucky, his latest film, Dude, has yet again made it to the prestigious triple digit by hitting a century once again. With Dude now grossing over 100 crores worldwide, as per the makers, Pradeep Ranganathan has become the current sensation of Tamil cinema.

Dude makes it to 100-crore club; third time for Pradeep

It looks like what Pradeep touches turns gold, given his last three films have gone on to become not only profitable but also 100-crore blockbusters. This comes at a time when Tamil cinema has been facing a lull at the box office, and with stars' films like Coolie and Thug Life failing to appeal to the audience, Pradeep Ranganthan is slowly becoming a star face that the next generation can look forward to.

On Thursday, the producers of Dude announced that the film made Rs 100 crore. The claim was made just within six days of release. With the Diwali weekend contributing significantly, one cannot ignore the fact of how Pradeep has been consistent in keeping the box office alive and thriving. After he made Dragon (a film by Ashwath Marimuthu), a success that surpasses films like Coolie, Thug Life and Retro, the young star in making already has another film (Dude) under the top 10.

Also read: Dude movie review: Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju's eccentric entertainer is fun and flawed

Counting his filmography as an actor, Pradeep’s three films have all become blockbusters. It is interesting to note how all three, Love Today, Dragon, and Dude, do not jump onto the bandwagon of starry cameos, violence and bloodshed, but choose to be easy-going entertainers, family-oriented, and more importantly, films that cater to the young adults. Be it his eccentric acting in wacky situations, the nature of romance and family in his films, and the making that is adrenaline-rushing, reel-esque, and vibrant, Pradeep has made sure that his films are a stand-out.

Also read: Dude actor Pradeep Ranganathan blames Mamitha Baiju for breaking his phone: She kicked me in such a way…

Despite his films not having political correctness in some instances, or even get a fair share of criticism, Pradeep has now become a face that the young audience can look forward to celebrating onscreen. This comes at the time when Pradeep was questioned about his looks and being a ‘hero material’. Just before the release of Dude, Pradeep was asked by one of the journalists about how, while not being within the standards of ‘hero material’ mould, he was able to attract a crowd. While the answer from Pradeep was humble then, the actor’s back-to-back success now has proved how he is indeed the hero material who is able to attract crowds, earn his producer money, and make sure to put himself prominently in Tamil cinema.

After Dude, will Pradeep Ranganathan’s LIK also taste success?

This year is not over for Pradeep, as he is looking forward to the release of LIK (Love Insurance Kompany), which is set to release in December. One expects that there will be no dearth of wackiness, given that the futuristic romantic drama is helmed by Vignesh Shivan. LIK is set to release in theatres on December 18. While Pradeep does not need any more introduction, LIK can potentially be the point of pressure for the actor, who is fresh off hat-trick success.

FAQs

Q. What is Keerthiswaran's new movie called?

A. Debutant Keerthiswaran's movie is titled Dude, starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju.

Q. Which platform is Dude Ott?

A. Dude will stream on Netflix after its theatrical run.

Q. What is Dude movie box office collection?

A. Dude has collected Rs 100 crore worldwide.