Sarath Kumar Defends Pradeep Ranganathan at ‘Dude’ Press Meet

The upcoming film Dude, featuring Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju, is set to be released on October 17, 2023, coinciding with the Diwali festivities. At a recent press event in Hyderabad, the film’s director Keerthiswaran and the cast gathered to discuss the movie. During the session, a reporter controversially questioned whether Ranganathan fits the mold of a traditional hero, prompting a strong defense from veteran actor Sarath Kumar.

The incident unfolded when a journalist asked Ranganathan, “You don’t look like you are hero material. But you seem to have a big fan following for someone who has done a few films. Would you attribute it to hard work or luck?” Before Ranganathan could respond, Kumar stepped in to support his co-star. He stated, “You cannot say from A to Z who is hero material. Everybody here is hero material. You don’t have any specification for a hero. A person who is doing any act which is going to be benefitting the society is a hero.”

Ranganathan accepted Kumar’s remarks with gratitude, acknowledging the importance of hard work in his journey. He explained, “There are a lot of talented people like me. I think people see themselves in me. When they see the screen, they feel they are the hero. They are a part of it; they are acting in it. They are romancing in it, they are fighting. So, when they see themselves in me, I am already a hero.”

Reactions from Industry Insiders

At the same press event, Y Ravi Shankar from Mythri Movie Makers expressed his confidence in the film, labeling it a “super duper hit.” He recounted a recent visit to Chennai where he screened the movie and praised its extraordinary quality. “The performances of Pradeep, Mamitha, and Sarath Kumar are so impressive that they are always one step ahead of each other,” said Shankar.

The film, which also features a talented ensemble including R Sarath Kumar, Hridhu Haroon, Rohini, Aishwarya Sharma, and Dravid Selvam, is generating excitement as its release date approaches. The music for the film is composed by Sai Abhyankkar, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.

As the release date draws near, the discussions about heroism, talent, and audience connection are likely to continue, positioning Dude as a significant film in the current cinematic landscape.