Pradeep Ranganathan Addresses Dhanush Comparison: “I Don’t Believe In It”

‘Love Today’ Star Pradeep Ranganathan Attributes Comparison to Dhanush to Similar Physique and Face Cut, Denies Imitation.

While promoting his upcoming film, Dude, in Hyderabad, actor-filmmaker Pradeep Ranganathan once again addressed the persistent comparisons drawn between him and superstar Dhanush. Since his successful debut as a lead actor and director with Love Today in 2022, Pradeep has frequently been likened to a younger version of Dhanush.

Pradeep’s Response on Comparisons

During the press meet for Dude, which is directed by debutant Keerthiswaran, Pradeep was directly asked if he was consciously trying to imitate Dhanush. The actor responded with a smile, attributing the supposed similarity purely to physical characteristics rather than any deliberate effort.

“The thing is that it is not a very conscious effort to do like that or something,” Pradeep explained. “Maybe because of the body resemblance, because I’m thin and all, it might resemble like that or due to the face cut or something. But I don’t believe in it.”

Earlier Defence and Director’s Support

This is not the first time Pradeep has had to field this question. Earlier this year, during the promotions for his film Dragon in February, he offered a similar explanation.

“I have been hearing this. I am not trying to imitate or something. Maybe because of my physique or face cut, it can be. But that’s it. I don’t know if it’s a plus or minus. When I see the mirror, I just see myself,” he had stated.

At that time, the director of Dragon, Ashwath Marimuthu, had also come to Pradeep’s defense, asserting the actor’s unique identity: “Pradeep Ranganathan is Pradeep Ranganathan. I don’t see the actor you’re telling.”

Upcoming Projects

Pradeep Ranganathan first entered the film industry as a director in 2019 with Comali, a film given to him by Ravi Mohan and Vels International after they were impressed by his short films. He also made a cameo appearance in Comali. His dual role as director and lead actor in the 2022 film Love Today brought him widespread recognition.

His new film, Dude, which co-stars Mamitha Baiju and features a tricky love story as seen in the trailer, is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 17 for Diwali. Following this, he is also slated to appear in Vignesh Shivan’s upcoming film, Love Insurance Kompany, alongside Krithi Shetty.

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