Review: Good Bad Ugly (2025) – Ajith Kumar’s Triple Act in a Stylized Action Drama
Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran, is a 2025 Tamil-language action drama featuring Ajith Kumar in a triple role. The film, produced by Mythri Movie Makers, marks their debut in Tamil cinema and showcases Ajith as a reformed gangster drawn back into the underworld to save his son from false accusations.
Plot Overview
The narrative centers on AK, a retired gangster who returns to his violent past after his son is wrongfully convicted. Ajith’s portrayal of three distinct facets of his character—the good, the bad, and the ugly—adds depth to the storyline. The film explores themes of redemption, familial bonds, and the inescapability of one’s past.
Performance and Direction
Ajith Kumar delivers a compelling performance, effectively differentiating between the three personas he embodies. Director Adhik Ravichandran crafts a narrative that pays homage to classic gangster tropes while infusing it with contemporary sensibilities. However, the film’s heavy reliance on style occasionally overshadows its emotional core.
Technical Aspects
The cinematography by Abinandhan Ramanujam captures the gritty underworld with flair, while G.V. Prakash Kumar’s music complements the film’s tone. The editing by Vijay Velukutty ensures a brisk pace, keeping the audience engaged throughout the 139-minute runtime.
Reception and Box Office
Upon its release on April 10, 2025, Good Bad Ugly received mixed reviews. Critics praised Ajith’s performance and the film’s visual style but noted shortcomings in its storytelling. Despite this, the movie emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2025, earning between ₹179 crore and ₹242 crore worldwide. It also became Ajith Kumar’s highest-grossing film to date.
Good Bad Ugly stands as a testament to Ajith Kumar’s star power, offering a stylized action drama that, while not without its flaws, delivers entertainment and showcases the actor’s versatility. Fans of Ajith and the action genre will find much to appreciate in this cinematic venture.
