Good Bad Ugly movie review
Cast: Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan,
Director: Adhik Ravichandran
Star rating: ★★★

Good Bad Ugly does not make a significant effort to conceal its alignment; it is bold, extravagant, and unapologetically designed to honor its leading actor. The film relies heavily on Ajith Kumar’s charm and commanding presence on screen, yet beneath the surface of glamour and fan appeal, there exists a flimsy storyline that is extended over an inconsistent narrative.

What is the story of Good Bad Ugly?

He is the feared gangster known as Red Dragon, who decides to abandon his criminal lifestyle when his wife Ramya (Trisha Krishnan) insists that he cannot see their son Vihaan until he makes amends for his wrongdoings. Consequently, Red Dragon—also referred to as AK (Ajith Kumar)—makes the choice to turn himself in to the Mumbai police.

While AK serves his sentence, yearning to be a caring father, Ramya and Vihaan relocate to Spain to begin anew. Vihaan is led to believe that his father is away on business rather than incarcerated, and their weekly phone conversations help maintain this façade. AK is released just in time for Vihaan's 18th birthday. However, as AK and Ramya prepare to leave Mumbai permanently, they are confronted by local gangsters. An enraged Ramya pushes AK to resolve the conflict before they reunite in Spain, leading to a shocking revelation: Vihaan has been kidnapped. Who is responsible for this abduction? And what lengths will AK go to in order to rescue his son?

Ajith returns to mass mode in a role tailored for Fans

Good Bad Ugly showcases a revitalized Ajith Kumar, returning to the type of mass-market, commercial film that his audience has been eagerly anticipating. Director Adhik Ravichandran weaves a narrative based on the familiar theme of a gangster seeking redemption—a concept well-known in Tamil cinema—but refreshes it with a stylish and confident presentation that honors Ajith’s legendary on-screen image.

The first half is filled with moments that elevate the star, featuring dynamic action scenes and musical numbers (the remix of Ilamai Idho adds a delightful touch) that are bound to excite fans. The second half explores flashbacks, unexpected cameos, and additional fight sequences. While the first half maintains a lively tempo, the second half tends to lag in certain areas—particularly during the excessively lengthy exchange between Jammy and a deceased Zakaba, which could have benefited from some editing.

One-man show with too many villains 

The film is heavily reliant on Ajith Kumar, who delivers a commendable performance in Red Dragon with remarkable ease. His captivating screen presence provides ample moments for his fans to celebrate. However, the film's most significant drawback lies in its overcrowded ensemble of villains—Arjun Das, Jackie Shroff, Rahul Dev, Raghuram, Tinnu Anand, Shine Tom Chacko, and Pradeep Kabra—all of whom make only brief appearances and fail to leave a lasting impression. Although Arjun Das takes on a dual role, he does not convincingly portray a formidable adversary, suggesting that a single, more powerful antagonist would have enhanced the narrative. Trisha’s character, Ramya, comes across as predictable and insufficiently developed.

The film also features cameos from Sunil, Prasanna, Simran, Prabhu, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley, and Priya Varrier—some of which are effective, while others miss the mark.

Regarding the plot, it is rather superficial and lacks emotional resonance. The narrative does not possess a strong driving force, and although it is filled with catchy dialogues, many fail to make an impact. The film heavily relies on nostalgia, referencing Ajith’s previous works and even incorporating well-known lines from other actors. For instance, AK quotes Yash’s line from KGF: “Violence. Violence. Violence. I love violence,” and later includes Vijay’s “I am waiting.”

GV Prakash Kumar’s background score enhances Ajith’s highlight moments, and several songs have already become popular hits. The cinematography by Abinandhan Ramanujam is commendable, though the editing by Vijay Velukutty could have been more precise in certain areas.

Ultimately, Good Bad Ugly serves as a fan tribute from Adhik Ravichandran to Ajith Kumar—filled with style, action, and star appeal, despite its shortcomings in storytelling.

This film is primarily aimed at fans eager to see their beloved hero return to the big screen.

Read Also: ‘Good Bad Ugly’ Review: Ajith Fans Go Wild, Netizens Call It a Celebration Over Sense

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