Good Bad Ugly Movie Review: Ajith Kumar’s Charisma Battles a Bland Narrative

April 10, 2025 / Paulpavan /

Release Date: April 10, 2025
Starring: Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Jackie Shroff, Prasanna, Karthikeya Dev, Redin Kingsley, Yogi Babu, Simran
Director: Adhik Ravichandran
Music: GV Prakash Kumar
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

Introduction:

Kollywood icon Ajith Kumar is back on the silver screen with Good Bad Ugly, a high-octane action drama helmed by Adhik Ravichandran. The film, released in both Tamil and Telugu, features a star-studded cast including Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, and Jackie Shroff. Produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar, with music by GV Prakash Kumar, the movie arrived with a fair dose of hype. But does it deliver beyond Ajith’s magnetic presence?

Story:

AK aka Red Dragon (Ajith Kumar), once a dreaded gangster, emerges from an 18-year prison stint hoping to reconnect with his son Vihaan (Karthikeya Dev), who is unaware of his father’s criminal history. However, his dreams are shattered when Vihaan is arrested in a drug case. To protect his son, AK dives back into the world he left behind, confronting twin crime lords Jammie and Johnny (Arjun Das). The narrative gradually peels back the layers of AK’s past, revealing why he abandoned his violent ways, and whether redemption is still within reach.

Performances:

Ajith Kumar is the lifeline of Good Bad Ugly. His effortless swag, powerful screen presence, and throwback charm are the film’s strongest assets. Whether it’s intense action or emotional scenes, Ajith pulls them off with seasoned confidence.

Trisha’s role is minimal, but she brings elegance to her brief appearances. Arjun Das attempts to bring menace to his dual role, but the character writing holds him back. The supporting cast — including Jackie Shroff, Prasanna, and Simran — are mostly underutilized, existing more as props in Ajith’s orbit than as developed characters.

Technical Aspects:

The film is visually sleek, with Abinandhan Ramanujam’s cinematography delivering stylish frames and slick action sequences. Editing in the first half keeps the narrative tight, but post-interval, the pacing becomes erratic. GV Prakash’s background score hits the right notes in select elevation scenes but fails to leave a lasting impact overall. Dubbing inconsistencies and some amateurish sound mixing affect the viewing experience.

Highlights:

  • Ajith Kumar’s stylish makeover and commanding performance
  • Flashback sequences, including the Photoshoot and AI de-aged look
  • Surprise cameo by Simran
  • High-energy action moments in the first half

Drawbacks:

  • Weak and predictable storyline
  • Emotional scenes lack depth and conviction
  • Flat second half with poor narrative payoff
  • Underdeveloped villain and supporting characters
  • Excessive hero glorification at the expense of logic
  • Average music and weak dubbing

Overall Analysis:

Good Bad Ugly is a star-driven film that lives and dies by Ajith Kumar’s charisma. The first half builds interest with stylish presentation and hints of emotional drama, but the second half struggles to carry that momentum forward. The emotional core between father and son never fully clicks, and the film never rises beyond fan-service moments. Director Adhik Ravichandran had a solid premise in hand but seems more invested in style than substance.

Verdict:

Good Bad Ugly is a visually stylish, yet narratively weak action drama. Ajith Kumar fans may enjoy his vintage screen presence and high-voltage moments, but the film falters in depth and coherence. Outside of its star appeal, there’s little here to remember.

🔸 Rating: 2/5

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