In a delightful display of cinematic camaraderie and fan interaction, Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju shared a special moment with audiences during the first-day, first-show screening of their latest film, Dude, in Chennai on Friday morning. The screening, attended by the film’s cast, crew, and enthusiastic fans, became an event that went beyond a typical movie premiere, offering fans a rare opportunity to engage directly with the lead actors and experience the film in a lively, celebratory atmosphere.

Dude, directed by debutant Keerthiswaran and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, tells a charming story about friendship, love, and life-altering choices. The film stars Pradeep Ranganathan as Agan and Mamitha Baiju as Kural, two lifelong friends whose bond is tested when Kural makes a surprising proposal of marriage to Agan. The narrative explores themes of personal growth, love, and the dynamics of long-standing relationships, all set against a backdrop that balances humor, emotion, and relatable life situations. Supporting actors in the film include Sarathkumar, Rohini, Hridhun Haroon, Dravid Selvam, Neha Shetty, and Satya, whose performances complement the leads and enrich the overall story. Released in both Tamil and Telugu, Dude has already attracted significant attention for its refreshing take on contemporary relationships and youthful storytelling.

At the Chennai screening, fans were treated not just to the movie but also to the presence of Pradeep and Mamitha, who made the viewing a highly interactive experience. Videos shared by paparazzi and fan accounts on social media captured the pair engaging warmly with the audience. One particularly memorable moment occurred during the interval, when Pradeep, appearing visibly happy and energized, interacted with music composer Sai Abhyankar, who is part of the film’s creative team. After a brief conversation, Pradeep turned toward the fans seated below and began to gesture, giving thumbs-ups, shaking his head, and even forming heart shapes with his hands, inviting the audience to share their feedback and express their appreciation. The fans responded enthusiastically, cheering and applauding, creating an atmosphere of celebration that highlighted the bond between actors and their audience.

Another video, posted on Instagram by a paparazzo after the screening concluded, captured a tender and playful moment between Pradeep and Mamitha. In the clip, Pradeep is seen taking Mamitha’s hand and lifting it in the air as fans cheered in approval. Mamitha laughed and playfully went along with the gesture, reflecting the natural chemistry between the two leads. Music composer Sai Abhyankar was seen clapping and cheering alongside them, adding to the lightheartedness of the moment. Following this, Mamitha hugged Pradeep in gratitude, while he folded his hands in respect and waved at the cheering audience. These interactions, simple yet heartfelt, underscored the genuine connection the actors maintain with their fans and the joy of experiencing audience reactions firsthand.

Keerthiswaran, the debut director of Dude, also looked visibly pleased as he lined up with the team to exit the theatre after the show. For a first-time director, seeing the audience respond positively to the film and witnessing the actors’ heartfelt engagement with fans must have been especially gratifying. The screening in Chennai was more than just a promotional activity; it was an opportunity for the filmmakers to gauge real-time reactions, celebrate the release, and acknowledge the support of their audience.

The chemistry between Pradeep and Mamitha has been a significant talking point since the announcement of the film. Their on-screen portrayal of Agan and Kural captures the nuanced dynamics of childhood friendship evolving into a deeper, more complex relationship. Moments of humor, subtle emotional exchanges, and the natural ease with which they inhabit their roles have contributed to the film’s appeal. The interaction between the two actors at the Chennai screening mirrored this on-screen dynamic, offering fans a glimpse of the off-screen rapport that enhances the authenticity of their performances.

The presence of supporting actors like Sarathkumar, Rohini, Hridhun Haroon, Dravid Selvam, Neha Shetty, and Satya also enriched the viewing experience. Their collective energy and contributions to the film’s narrative helped create a cohesive story that resonates with audiences across Tamil and Telugu-speaking regions. By attending the screening alongside the leads, the ensemble reinforced the sense of community and collaboration that goes into filmmaking, reminding fans that a successful movie is often the product of teamwork and shared passion.

Pradeep Ranganathan, known for his versatility and engaging screen presence, seemed particularly moved by the audience’s response. His gestures during the interval, as he sought feedback and shared in the fans’ excitement, demonstrated his appreciation for their support. Mamitha Baiju, equally responsive and enthusiastic, complemented his energy, making the event feel inclusive and celebratory. The combination of their professional chemistry and genuine interaction created a memorable experience for fans, enhancing the overall excitement surrounding the film’s release.

The Chennai screening also highlighted the growing trend of actors engaging directly with audiences during premieres. Rather than simply attending a private screening, Pradeep and Mamitha’s decision to watch the film with fans added a layer of authenticity to the experience. It allowed viewers to witness real-time reactions, engage with the stars, and celebrate the release in a communal setting. This approach not only strengthens the connection between filmmakers and their audience but also enhances the overall appeal of the film, creating a shared cultural moment that extends beyond the screen.

Dude itself stands out for its contemporary take on relationships, humor, and youthful storytelling. By focusing on characters who are relatable and scenarios that resonate with modern audiences, the film has carved a niche for itself in the regional cinema space. The inclusion of music composed by Sai Abhyankar, coupled with the performances of the ensemble cast, ensures a cinematic experience that is engaging, emotionally resonant, and entertaining. The Chennai screening, with its lively audience and interactive moments, reflected the positive reception the film has garnered since its release.

In conclusion, the first-day, first-show screening of Dude in Chennai became a memorable event, not just for the film itself but for the engagement and interaction between the cast and their fans. Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju’s warm gestures, playful moments, and genuine appreciation for audience feedback created an atmosphere of joy and celebration. The debut of Keerthiswaran as a director, combined with the support of the ensemble cast and music composer Sai Abhyankar, made the screening a full-fledged cinematic event.

By blending heartfelt audience engagement with a compelling story about friendship, love, and personal growth, Dudehas set a high bar for regional cinema releases. Fans left the theatre not only entertained by the film but also impressed by the actors’ commitment to connecting with them on a personal level. For Pradeep, Mamitha, and the entire Dude team, the Chennai screening was a triumphant start to the film’s journey, a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the joy of cinema shared with those who matter most—the fans.