Amaravati, October 18, 2025:

The Telugu youth comedy Dude, helmed by director Keerthiswaran and backed by Mythri Movie Makers, kicked off its Diwali run with a solid bang, logging 235,640 ticket bookings on BookMyShow, outpacing all other festival contenders.

Led by Pradeep Ranganathan's humorous flair alongside Mamitha Baiju, the film blends lighthearted antics with family-oriented sentiment, drawing praise for its relatable vibe and earning over $300,000 in North American presales, eyeing the $500,000 milestone soon.

While competing Diwali entries grapple with tepid or harsh critiques, Dude stands out as the frontrunner, capitalising on its broad appeal. With the extended holiday weekend in play, industry watchers anticipate sustained traction, cementing its status as a seasonal standout.