Actor-Director Pradeep Ranganathan Scores Rare ₹100-Crore Hat-Trick with ‘Dude’ Success; Expresses Global Gratitude

Actor and director Pradeep Ranganathan has officially secured a rare and remarkable box office hat-trick, as his latest film, the romantic comedy 'Dude', rapidly surpassed the ₹100-crore mark in global collections. The film, directed by Keerthiswaran and featuring Mamitha Baiju, achieved this significant financial milestone just six days after its release, firmly establishing Ranganathan as one of the most bankable and consistent performers in contemporary South Indian cinema.

This achievement marks the third consecutive film in Ranganathan's short, yet highly impactful, career as a lead actor to join the prestigious ₹100-crore club. His phenomenal run began with the 2022 youth-centric blockbuster 'Love Today', which he also directed, and which grossed an estimated ₹107 crore worldwide. This was followed by the 2025 release 'Dragon', which solidified his commercial appeal by surpassing ₹150 crore in global collections. The continued, robust success of 'Dude' against recent competition confirms the actor's strong, profitable appeal, particularly among young adult and family audiences.

A Public Expression of Collective Gratitude

Following the announcement of the film’s massive success, Ranganathan issued a public statement via social media to express profound gratitude. In his address, he emphasized that the ₹100-crore hat-trick was not a personal triumph, but a collective achievement made possible by the unwavering encouragement and loyalty of his diverse audience.

The actor-director extended his heartfelt thanks to the Tamil-speaking populace, the producers, and his directorial colleagues, naming Jayam Ravi, Ishari Ganesh, Aghoram, Archana Kalapati, Mythri Movie Makers, Ashwath, and Keerthiswaran. Crucially, he acknowledged the film's phenomenal reach across global territories, specifically thanking the Telugu audience and fans across Kerala, Karnataka, Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore, and North America, highlighting the film’s status as a pan-Indian, international success.

The Impact of Contemporary Storytelling

The film 'Dude' centers on the lives of two childhood friends, Agan and Kural, whose relationship is tested and redefined when a marriage proposal unearths complex family secrets. The film’s narrative, which features veteran actors Sarathkumar and Rohini in pivotal roles, is noted for its blend of youthful entertainment, family drama, and relatable themes, which resonate strongly with the current generation of moviegoers.

Ranganathan, who initially began his career as a director with the 2019 film 'Comali' (in which he made a cameo), has repeatedly defied traditional notions of what constitutes a mainstream cinematic hero. His consistent delivery of box office gold, built on films that prioritize humor, emotion, and contemporary social commentary over traditional action spectacles, has carved out a unique and highly profitable niche in the industry. Looking ahead, the filmmaker has announced his next highly anticipated project, 'LIK' (Love Insurance Kompany), which is slated for release next year, signaling the continued momentum of this rising star.