Review: Good Bad Ugly - Mass-Fans-Madness

 

 

Movie: Good Bad Ugly 
Rating: 3/5

Cast: Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Jackie Shroff, Prasanna, Karthikeya Dev, Redin Kingsley, Yogi Babu, Simran, and Others

Director: Adhik Ravichandran

Produced By: Mythri Movie Makers

Release Date: April 10, 2025

Story:

AK (Ajith Kumar), known as Red Dragon, is a former gangster who has spent 18 years in prison. As his son Vihaan (Karthikeya Dev) reaches his 18th birthday, he hopes to have his father by his side, unaware of AK's criminal history. After AK is released, he learns that Vihaan has been arrested for drug-related charges. To safeguard his son, AK returns to his former life and embarks on a relentless quest to find those responsible. His search leads him to twin brothers, Jammie and Johnny (Arjun Das), who are behind his son's arrest. Who is Red Dragon really? Why did he leave the gangster life behind? What led to his imprisonment? Can Vihaan prove his innocence and regain his freedom? What hidden truths are buried in AK’s violent past? The rest of the film answers these questions.

Performances:

Ajith Kumar makes a stylish comeback to the big screen with Good Bad Ugly, and he provides the high-energy vibe that fans have been longing for. With his classic charm and cool presence, Ajith steals the show, and director Adhik Ravichandran successfully shows the beloved version of the star.  Trisha Krishnan is fine while Arjun Das shines as the baddie. Jackie Shroff, Prasanna, Karthikeya Dev, Redin Kingsley, Yogi Babu, and Simran are okay.

What worked for the film:

Director Adhik Ravichandran showcases a grand and stylish portrayal of the lead, Ajith, throughout the film. The opening sequence and subsequent scenes are well-executed. The interval episode is particularly impressive. The photoshoot segment, along with a surprising cameo in the second half and nods to Ajith's previous films as well as other Tamil movies, resonates well with the audience. These elements are thoughtfully designed for fans and hit the mark. The storytelling of the flashback is captivating.

What did not work for the film:

Because Adhik decided to dedicate the film to fan service for Ajith, the story and emotions appear predictable. One can understand the director not showing much of the gangsters' backstory and Ajith's love track with Trisha, but despite the father-son sentiment having importance in the story, the director limited it to a basic level only. This kind of treatment may not resonate well with audiences who want at least some sort of seriousness. 

Good, Bad, Ugly Review and Verdict:

Adhik Ravichandran provides what was anticipated in the Good Bad Ugly. Despite its clichéd plot and traditional format, the film includes enough exciting mass moments and interesting callbacks to keep one engaged.