When the movie has an actor as charismatic and popular as Ajith Kumar, anticipation is sky-high. Good Bad Ugly, helmed by Adhik Ravichandran, is a movie that wears its heart on its sleeve—a glitzy, high-octane tribute meant for die-hard followers of the Tamil superstar. Does the movie offer something more than fan fare? Here’s a point-by-point Good Bad Ugly Movie Review with nostalgia, emotions, and plenty of mass appeal.
Good Bad Ugly Movie Review: A Chic Ode to Ajith Kumar
Title is quite possibly the definition of moral befuddlement, but Good Bad Ugly makes a beeline to the bare basics. It’s about the gangster’s pursuit of redemption, the desire for the father, and the mass roots comeback of the hero star.
At its core is Ajith Kumar, playing out the menacing but tormented Red Dragon, or AK. And let us make one thing certain—this movie belongs to Ajith and is all about Ajith. Whatever else, including the plot, comes second.
Plot Synopsis: A Gangster’s Redemption Story with a Twist
The film follows the journey of Red Dragon, a menacing gangster who surrenders after an emotional ultimatum from his wife Ramya (played by Trisha Krishnan). She explains to him that he must turn himself around if ever he wishes to feel their son Vihaan in his arms again. AK complies, handing himself over to the police authorities of Mumbai and embarking on a journey of redemption.
In the meantime, Ramya and Vihaan begin anew in Spain, keeping AK’s imprisonment a secret by explaining to the boy that his father is out of town on business. Telephone calls every week maintain the charade—until AK is released on the eve of Vihaan’s 18th birthday.
As the family embarks on reunification and exodus from India, an ambush by competing gangsters turns everything upside down. Ramya is enraged and grief-stricken and insists AK sort out his old scores before they can start fresh. The bombshell? Vihaan is kidnapped. And AK has to return to the underworld to reclaim his son.
Ajith Kumar Is the Heart and Soul of the Film
Any Good Bad Ugly movie review must start and conclude with Ajith Kumar’s colossus-like presence. Either as the peaceful, reformed individual looking for a second lease of life or as the violent don who can kill a dozen without compunction, Ajith is great.
His charisma cannot be denied. From slick action cuts to scenes filled with an emotional intensity with Trisha, Ajith promises us why he remains the bankable star of Tamil cinema. His fans are able to see it all they ever wanted—slow-motion struts, tight close-ups, punch dialogues, and a commanding screen presence.
The standout scene? His tearfully repressed prison phone call to Vihaan, where he keeps tears from being shed behind a grin. It’s the only genuine and earthy scene that actually works in the entire film.
Trisha Krishnan Shines, but Is Underused
Trisha, as Ramya, is refined and expressive on camera. Her character is, however, underdeveloped. While she does deliver some standout scenes—especially when she spars with AK following the ambush—her character otherwise devolves into that of a jealous wife and insecure mother. A more robust, fully developed character arc would have provided a much-needed counterbalance to the plot.
A Cluttered Roster of Villains Dilutes the Threat
This is where the movie fails. With a set of villains consisting of Arjun Das (doubling up), Jackie Shroff, Rahul Dev, Shine Tom Chacko, and a few more, Good Bad Ugly attempts to do too much. None of these villains get sufficient screen space to make an impact.
Whereas we had one menacing villain before, now we have several half-baked ones. Arjun Das tries his best to raise the game with his double act, but the script does not give him enough meat to chew. With a film already crowded with cameos and flashbacks, the occurrence of villains just makes it more cluttered.
Mass Moments and Cameos Galore
Director Adhik Ravichandran never hesitates in going in for fan service. Be it remixed versions of cult songs (Ilamai Idho remix is an entire crowd-pleaser) to borrowed punch dialogues from Vijay and Yash, the film is filled with references to icons of Tamil cinema.
Cameos by Simran, Sunil, Prabhu, Yogi Babu, and Priya Varrier add to the entertainment quotient, although not all of them land as intended. Some cameos are memorable, others feel like box-ticking exercises.
One thing is clear: this is a love letter to Ajith Kumar’s filmography. If you’ve followed his career, you’ll find yourself grinning at the many callbacks.
Technical Aspects: Music, Cinematography, and Editing
GV Prakash Kumar’s background score and music perfectly complement the massy tone of the film. His music adds value to Ajith’s elevation scenes and fight scenes. Vetri Veliye and Kanda Kadhal are already chart-busters.
Cinematography by Abinandhan Ramanujam gives the film a polished, glossy look. The framing, lighting, and stylized shots elevate even the most generic scenes. However, the editing by Vijay Velukutty could’ve used a tighter hand. The second half, in particular, suffers from uneven pacing and unnecessary detours, such as the bizarrely long scene with Jammy and Zakaba.
A Thin Plot Weighed Down by Nostalgia
Despite all its visual sheen and star power, the biggest issue with Good Bad Ugly is its wafer-thin storyline. The emotional core of a gangster trying to reconnect with his son is a compelling hook, but it gets lost in the noise.
Dialogues try hard to be punchy, but many land awkwardly. While the film banks heavily on nostalgia, it lacks the emotional gravity to truly move the audience. There are moments of brilliance, yes—but they’re fleeting and often buried under excess.
Final Verdict: Watch It for Ajith, Not the Story
So, who is Good Bad Ugly really for?
If you’re an Ajith fan, this is your festival. You’ll cheer at the slow-motion walks, clap at the action set-pieces, and maybe even shed a tear during the family moments. The film is clearly designed as a star vehicle, and in that, it succeeds.
However, if you’re looking for a gripping gangster drama with emotional heft and narrative depth, you might walk away underwhelmed.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
What Works:
- Ajith Kumar’s commanding performance
- Slick cinematography and action sequences
- GV Prakash’s background score
- Nostalgic references and mass appeal
What Doesn’t:
- Overcrowded with villains
- Weak storyline with underdeveloped characters
- Inconsistent pacing in the second half
- Some cameos and dialogues feel forced
FAQs
Q. Is Good Bad Ugly worth watching?
Yes, if you’re a fan of Ajith Kumar or enjoy mass entertainers with style and action.
Q. Is the film family-friendly?
The movie has violence and intense scenes, so parental guidance is advised for younger viewers.
Q. How is Ajith Kumar’s performance in Good Bad Ugly?
Outstanding. His charisma and screen presence are the film’s biggest strengths.
Q. Who directed Good Bad Ugly?
The film is directed by Adhik Ravichandran, known for blending stylish storytelling with massy themes.
Conclusion
Good Bad Ugly is a film that understands its audience and doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. It’s a celebration of Ajith Kumar—his journey, his style, his aura. It may not break new ground in terms of story or characters, but it knows how to deliver a crowd-pleasing experience.
In the end, this isn’t just a movie. It’s a fan event. A spectacle. A tribute. And sometimes, that’s enough.
