After being called “not ideal hero material” at the Telugu pre-release event of Dude, Pradeep Ranganathan has been receiving support from all quarters. Recently, Nagarjuna Akkineni voiced his support during the weekend episode of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9, where he hosted Pradeep and Mamitha Baiju for the film’s promotions. Nagarjuna compared Pradeep Ranganthan to stars like Dhanush and Rajinikanth. He said, “A few decades back, a merupu teega (flash of lightning) came to cinema and changed its fate forever. His name was Rajnikanth. A few decades later, there came another merupu teega, someone who looked skinny but attracted the youth audience. He is Dhanush. Now I see Pradeep.” Also Read | Sarathkumar tears into ‘Pradeep Ranganathan not hero material’ comment: ‘I have done 170 films and…’ Nagarjuna also mentioned that he had watched Pradeep’s previous two films and appreciated their contemporary, relatable sensibilities. “I have seen both your films and really love them. They are so up-to-date with what today’s youth craves in our films. It’s hard to tell a heart-touching story in contemporary style. Be it Love Today or Dragon, they’re the kind of films that break language barriers.” The Dude actor, visibly overwhelmed at the compliment, responded, “Sir, those are really big words, and the fact that it is coming from you means the world to me.” Also Read | Tovino Thomas’ Rs 30 crore action thriller earned only Rs 3.5 crore in Kerala and turned into a massive flop right after he delivered biggest solo hit Dude, backed by Mythri Movie makers, is being directed by debutant Keerthiswaran. The film is set to release on October 17.
