Director-actor Thej returns with Dude, an action-comedy that blends sports, romance, and humor, centering on a unique football tournament dedicated to the late Puneeth Rajkumar. The film is a tribute to Puneeth, celebrating his love for football through the Appu Soccer Tournament, Thej explains. Veteran actor Rangayana Raghu stars as a football coach who humorously lacks knowledge of the game, adding a fresh twist to the story. Raghavendra Rajkumar also plays a key role and has contributed to the script as a consultant.
The female cast is led by Sanya Kaveramma, cousin of Rashmika Mandanna, supported by Megha, Mohita, Drithi, Anarghya, Beepali Pandey, and others, portraying characters from diverse backgrounds, including doctors, engineers, and models, united by their love for football. I wanted to highlight strong female characters and promote sports, especially football, which is gaining popularity in Bengaluru, Thej shares.
Veteran actors Sundar Raj, Sparsha Rekha, and Vijay Chendoor also have prominent roles. Produced by Panoramic Studios, Dude features music by ML Mohammed and cinematography by Prem. Filming is underway in Bengaluru, including scenes on a custom-built football stadium set in Hennur. The film is set to release in June 2025.
