Good Bad Ugly, the much-anticipated Tamil film starring Ajith Kumar, hit theaters on April 10, 2025, and has already created quite a buzz among fans. Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, the film also features a star-studded cast that includes Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Jackie Shroff, and others. With its dual release in Telugu, the film was expected to attract a wide audience, but early reviews suggest it may not meet the high expectations set by its promotional campaign.
The plot centers around AK, played by Ajith Kumar, a former gangster known as Red Dragon, who has spent 18 years in prison. As his son, Vihaan (Karthikeya Dev), turns 18, he wishes for his father to be part of his life, unaware of AK's dark past. However, AK's release from prison coincides with Vihaan's arrest in a drug case, prompting AK to re-enter the criminal world to protect his son. The narrative unfolds as AK seeks to confront twin brothers Jammie and Johnny (Arjun Das), who are central to the chaos surrounding his son.
Despite a promising premise, critics have pointed out several flaws in the execution of Good Bad Ugly. While Ajith Kumar's performance is lauded for its charisma and style, the emotional depth of his character is lacking. As one reviewer noted, "Ajith Kumar shines as Don, Red Dragon AK, bringing his signature style and swagger to the role, but his character lacks emotional depth, making it feel more like a showcase for his heroics rather than a nuanced portrayal."
Trisha Krishnan, who plays AK's wife, has been criticized for her underwhelming role. Her character does not leave a lasting impression, and her styling throughout the film has been described as inconsistent. This has led to a perception that her presence is more of a token role rather than a significant contribution to the storyline.
The screenplay has been described as formulaic, relying heavily on predictable tropes typical of star vehicles. Critics have noted a lack of suspense and surprises, with one review stating, "The screenplay of the movie is formulaic and lacks any surprises, banking on slow-motion sequences and hero ascension shots to capture the audience's interest." This approach has been viewed as a missed opportunity, as the film could have explored more complex themes and character development.
While Ajith's performance remains a highlight, the film's supporting cast does not manage to leave a significant mark. Jackie Shroff's role is particularly criticized for being underutilized, appearing only in a handful of scenes without any real impact. The supporting characters, played by actors like Sunil, Prasanna, and Redin Kingsley, are mostly there to elevate Ajith's character rather than contribute meaningfully to the plot.
From a technical standpoint, the film showcases good production values, courtesy of Mythri Movie Makers. The cinematography by Abinandhan Ramanujam is polished, and the visuals are well-crafted. However, the music composed by GV Prakash Kumar has received mixed reviews, with some critics finding it underwhelming except for a few elevation scenes. The editing, particularly in the first half, has been praised for maintaining a fast pace, but the second half reportedly loses momentum.
In terms of audience reception, the film has garnered a mixed bag of reactions. While die-hard fans of Ajith Kumar may appreciate the film for its nostalgic elements and his vintage looks, others may find it lacking in substance. One review bluntly stated, "Good Bad Ugly is a disappointment movie that disappoints. Die-hard Ajith fans might love it, while others might end up thinking the movie is dull and not quite engaging."
Overall, Good Bad Ugly appears to cater primarily to Ajith's loyal fanbase, serving as a tribute to his earlier work rather than delivering a compelling story. As one critic summarized, "Adhik delivers what was promised to fans. But, is it a film that treats fans and is a masterclass in good storytelling? That's a question only the audience can answer." With a rating of 2.75 out of 5 from 123telugu.com, the film may find its place among fans but struggles to stand out as a significant addition to Tamil cinema.
In conclusion, while Good Bad Ugly may provide moments of enjoyment for Ajith Kumar's fans, it ultimately falls short of being a memorable gangster drama. The film's reliance on style over substance, combined with a predictable plot and underdeveloped characters, leaves much to be desired. As audiences continue to flock to theaters, it remains to be seen how the film will perform in the coming weeks against competing releases.
