Movie Name : Good Bad Ugly
Release Date : April 10, 2025
Cast : Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Jackie Shroff, Prasanna, Karthikrya Dev, Redin Kingsley, Yogi Babu, Simran etc.
Director : Adhik Ravichandran
Music Director : GV Prakash Kumar
Telugumopo.com Rating : 2.25/5
Story:
AK was once a feared international don, but he chose to leave his criminal life behind to give his family a better future. Taking responsibility for what happened in the past, he turns himself in to the law and does his time in prison. Once released, all he desires is a calm life with his family.
But just when things are calm, tragedy happens — his son gets kidnapped. Things take a turn for the worse when the boy is arrested for being involved in drugs and murder. AK soon realizes this is no coincidence — it’s a carefully planned conspiracy meant to destroy his family.
With his son’s life at stake, the old AK returns. Ruthless and determined, he begins to unravel the truth in his own fierce style. His investigation leads him to Johnny (played by Arjun Das), the mastermind behind the plot.
But why is Johnny targeting AK’s son? What’s his vendetta? What hidden history connects him to AK and his family? These questions form the crux of the gripping story.
Review:
Ajith is at his best in years. Compared to his recent films, his appearance is sharp and youthful, with noticeable style and character variations. His screen presence, especially in high-octane elevation scenes, is commanding—sure to excite both fans and mass audiences.
Trisha, on the other hand, feels underwhelming. Her performance doesn’t quite land, and the signs of age are more noticeable here than ever. Arjun Das absolutely nails it as the antagonist, delivering intensity and menace. Karthikeya Dev, known from Salaar, plays Ajith’s son and does a decent job, but nothing stands out. Jackie Shroff is loud and largely ineffective, while Sunil’s semi-important role doesn’t leave much of an impression. Priya Prakash Varrier adds some glamour to the film, and both Prasanna and Redin Kingsley offer okay-ish support.
The storyline is nothing new: a former gangster now living a quiet life is forced to confront his violent past when trouble hits his family. We’ve seen this formula many times before and Good Bad Ugly follows in those very footsteps.
What the film does offer is fan service, and plenty of it. From Ajith’s grand introduction to repeated references to his previous films, it’s designed to hype up the audience. There’s a callback to Mankatha where Trisha refers to Ajith pushing her father from a car, and even Simran appears, bringing in Vaali music bits. These nostalgic touches are sure to thrill longtime fans.
The first half of the film has its moments, especially the action sequence where Ajith invades the villain’s den—arguably the highlight of the movie. The second half is packed with action too, but the film lacks emotional depth. Neither the transformation of Ajith into a global mafia don nor the emotional beats involving his family feel convincing or impactful—they come across as superficial.
After a point, the film’s constant need to elevate Ajith with every scene becomes tiring. The drama feels forced, and the noise overwhelms the story. By the final 30 minutes, the chaos is so over-the-top that it borders on exhausting.
GV Prakash Kumar’s background score is energetic and fits the mass tone of the film perfectly, especially during action scenes. However, the songs don’t leave a lasting impression. Abinandhan Ramanujam’s cinematographer looks sleek, and the production values are undeniably high. Mythri Movie Makers have clearly spared no expense, filming in lavish foreign locales and making the visuals look grand.
Director Adhik Ravichandran, coming off the success of Mark Antony, doesn’t quite repeat that magic here. He’s more focused on fan service and re-creating moments from Ajith’s past films than crafting a compelling narrative. If he had given as much attention to the story as he did to Ajith’s image, Good Bad Ugly could have been a stronger film overall. As it stands, it’s a passable one-time watch for fans and a forgettable affair for the rest.
If you’re watching Good Bad Ugly solely for Ajith’s mass avatar—with slow-motion walks, stylish action, and punchy dialogues—you’ll probably walk out entertained. But if you’re looking for a strong story or an emotionally satisfying experience, this film doesn’t deliver.
