Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Cast: Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, Sreeleela
Director: Adhik Ravichandran
Genre: Action | Thriller | Drama
Runtime: 147 minutes
Language: Tamil
In an industry that thrives on star power, Good Bad Ugly arrives as yet another reminder of why Ajith Kumar remains a force to be reckoned with. Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, this action-packed drama attempts to blend sleek cinematics, emotionally charged moments, and high-octane set pieces — with varying degrees of success.
Plot Summary
Good Bad Ugly centers around three versions of Ajith’s character, each representing a different moral compass — the righteous, the rogue, and the unpredictable. As the narrative unfolds, these personas are intricately woven into a larger plot involving political corruption, revenge, and a race against time to save an innocent life. Trisha Krishnan plays a crucial role as a political journalist, while Sreeleela adds freshness and energy as a tech-savvy rebel aiding the mission.
The film opens with a bang — literally — with a stylized action sequence that introduces the “Good” Ajith. From there, the movie jumps between timelines and moral shades, sometimes compellingly, at other times disjointedly.
Performances
Ajith Kumar is undoubtedly the film’s beating heart. Whether he’s walking in slow motion amid explosions or emoting during the film’s more tender beats, he commands every frame. His triple-shade role may not be entirely novel, but Ajith’s charisma ensures each variant feels distinct.
Trisha, reuniting with Ajith after a long gap, lends grace and maturity to her role. She’s underutilized in the first half but gets more agency in the second. Sreeleela, on the other hand, is a welcome burst of energy. Despite the script offering her limited depth, she makes a strong impression.
Direction & Technical Aspects
Director Adhik Ravichandran’s ambition is evident. He aims for grandeur in both scale and storytelling. While he succeeds in crafting a visually engaging product, the screenplay falters at crucial junctures. Some transitions feel rushed, and a few subplots are left hanging, which dulls the emotional payoff.
Cinematographer Abinandhan Ramanujam deserves applause for his lensing. The lighting and framing in the action scenes, especially a night chase in Chennai’s docks, are standout moments. Ghibran’s background score amplifies the adrenaline, but the songs are a mixed bag — one or two could’ve been trimmed for a tighter narrative.
Box Office & Audience Reaction
Released to massive fanfare, Good Bad Ugly has opened strong at the box office, with early reports suggesting ₹22-25 crore on Day 1. Ajith’s loyal fanbase has shown up in full force, and while critics are divided, social media buzz remains electric.
Verdict
Good Bad Ugly may not break new ground in Tamil cinema, but it serves up enough action, star appeal, and style to satisfy its target audience. If you’re an Ajith fan, this one’s tailor-made for you. For others, it’s an entertaining, albeit bumpy, ride.
