Released on April 10, 2025, Good Bad Ugly (GBU) is a Tamil action-comedy directed by Adhik Ravichandran, marking Ajith Kumar’s 63rd film as a lead actor. With an ensemble cast featuring Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Jackie Shroff, Simran, and others, this high-energy film has taken Tamil cinema by storm, becoming the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2025 despite mixed critical reception.
For fans of Ajith Kumar, it’s a nostalgic rollercoaster packed with callbacks to his iconic roles, but for others, its wafer-thin plot and over-the-top fan service might feel like a missed opportunity. Here’s a deep dive into what makes Good Bad Ugly a divisive yet electrifying watch. Image source: Wikipedia
The Plot: A Gangster’s Redemption with a Side of Nostalgia
Good Bad Ugly centers on AK, also known as "The Red Dragon" (Ajith Kumar), a notorious Mumbai crime boss who surrenders to the authorities in 2007 to lead a peaceful life with his wife, Ramya (Trisha Krishnan), and their son, Vihaan. Fast forward 18 years, AK is released from prison and plans to reunite with his family in Spain, where Ramya serves as a high-ranking diplomat.
However, his dreams of a quiet life are shattered when Vihaan is wrongfully convicted in a drug case, forcing AK to return to his violent past to save his son. The story weaves themes of vengeance, loyalty, and redemption. Still, it’s primarily a vehicle for Ajith’s larger-than-life persona, peppered with references to his earlier films, such as Billa, Mankatha, and Vaalee.
The Good: Ajith’s Charisma and Fanboy Sambavam
For Ajith Kumar fans, Good Bad Ugly is nothing short of a celebration. Director Adhik Ravichandran, a self-proclaimed fanboy, crafts a film that feels like a love letter to Ajith’s career. From the opening scene, narrated by Mahanadhi Shankar (whose Dheena dialogue gave Ajith his "Thala" nickname), to callbacks to films like Kireedam and Amarkalam, the movie is a pop-culture goldmine. Fans on X have called it a “mass-loaded fan feast” and a “vintage Ajith comeback,” with moments like the interval dialogue “I am waiting” (a nod to Thuppakki) sending theaters into a frenzy.
Ajith dominates the screen with his trademark swagger, whether he’s walking in slow motion, wielding guns, or driving cars in high-octane chase sequences. His multiple avatars—ranging from a sleek gangster to a romantic throwback—cater to every shade of his fan base. The first half is particularly engaging, with slick action, vibrant visuals, and a remixed “Ilamai Idho” song that gets the audience cheering. The surprise cameo by Simran, reprising her Vaalee role, and references to Tamil cinema’s trending memes (like “Irunga bhai”) add layers of nostalgia that hit the mark for loyalists.
The technical aspects also shine in parts. Abinandhan Ramanujam’s cinematography captures the grandeur of Mumbai and Spain’s sets, while Anu Vardhan’s costumes make Ajith look effortlessly dapper, from Versace silk shirts to three-piece suits. G.V. Prakash Kumar’s background score, though not universally praised, amplifies the film’s high-energy moments, particularly in elevation scenes.
The Bad: A Thin Plot and Overdone Fan Service
While Good Bad Ugly excels as a fan vehicle, it stumbles when it comes to storytelling. Critics, including those from The Hindu and The Hollywood Reporter India, note that the film prioritizes fan service over a cohesive narrative, resulting in a “wafer-thin story” that feels like a “brass-knuckle punch to the senses.” The father-son dynamic between AK and Vihaan (Karthikeya Dev) lacks emotional depth, and secondary characters, including Arjun Das’s villain, are underutilized, often reduced to praising Ajith’s character. The second half drags, with overly long sequences (like the Jammy-Zakaba interaction) and logical inconsistencies that frustrate viewers seeking substance.
The screenplay, described by some as “atrocious” and “a total mess,” struggles to balance the nostalgic references with a coherent plot. X users have pointed out that the film feels like a “shallow version” of Prashanth Neel-style high-elevation films, with “more noise than substance.” The constant reuse of old hit songs and loud background music can feel repetitive, and the editing, while commendable for fitting so much into a 2-hour-20-minute runtime, feels choppy at times.
The Ugly: A Film for Fans, Not All
Good Bad Ugly is unapologetically a star vehicle, and therein lies its biggest flaw. As The Times of India notes, non-fans or those unfamiliar with Ajith’s filmography might “wonder what the fuss is all about.” The film’s reliance on callbacks and self-referential humor alienates general audiences, and its lack of emotional heft makes it feel hollow despite its glossy presentation. Some X users even called it “irritating” for its relentless hero worship and lack of logic, with one review labeling it “strictly for those who want to watch Ajith in slow-motion hype.”
The film’s box office performance tells a mixed story. It grossed ₹212 crore worldwide but incurred a ₹66 crore loss due to high production costs, sparking controversy over inflated figures in Tamil Nadu. Despite breaking records with ₹47.25 crore in pre-sales and a ₹28.5 crore opening day, it failed to break even, marking it as a commercial disappointment despite its initial hype.
Final Verdict: A Nostalgic Ride That’s Not for Everyone
Good Bad Ugly is a film that knows its audience and delivers exactly what Ajith fans crave: a high-octane, stylish celebration of their idol’s legacy. Adhik Ravichandran’s bold, irreverent direction and Ajith’s commanding presence make it a “pakka fanboy sambavam,” as fans on X have dubbed it. However, its shallow plot, overreliance on fan service, and uneven pacing prevent it from being a universal crowd-pleaser. If you’re a die-hard Ajith fan, this is a must-watch for its nostalgic highs and massy moments. For others, it’s a flashy but flawed actioner that prioritizes star power over substance.
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