Good Bad Ugly Review: Ajith Kumar's Swag Can't Entirely Salvage a Thin Narrative
Kollywood's "Thala" Ajith Kumar returns to the big screen with "Good Bad Ugly," a mass-centric action flick directed by Adhik Ravichandran, which premiered today, also hitting Telugu screens simultaneously. While expectations were decent for this stylish outing, the film ultimately relies heavily on its star's charisma to stay afloat.
Ajith Kumar, stepping into the shoes of AK aka Red Dragon, a former gangster with an 18-year prison stint, brings back the vintage swagger his fans have been craving. The narrative kicks off with AK's release as his 18-year-old son, Vihaan (Karthikeya Dev), unaware of his father's past, wishes for his presence. However, AK's freedom is short-lived as he discovers Vihaan's arrest in a drug case. Driven by paternal instinct, AK re-embraces his dark past, embarking on a ruthless quest for justice that leads him to the enigmatic twin brothers Jammie and Johnny (Arjun Das). The film then unravels the mysteries surrounding Red Dragon's past, his reasons for abandoning the gangster life, and the secrets buried beneath his violent history, all while Vihaan fights to clear his name.
The undeniable highlight of "Good Bad Ugly" is Ajith Kumar himself. He effortlessly commands the screen with his signature style and mass appeal, delivering the energetic presence his fanbase has missed. Director Adhik Ravichandran deserves credit for successfully tapping into this beloved persona of the star. Trisha Krishnan, in her brief appearance, adds a graceful charm to her scenes. Arjun Das puts in a sincere effort as the antagonist, though his character's impact feels somewhat limited by the writing. Moments crafted specifically for Ajith's fans, such as his throwback looks, the engaging flashback sequence (including the photoshoot and AI younger look), and a surprise cameo by Simran, do manage to hit the right notes. The narration of the flashback is also a commendable aspect.
However, while the film successfully showcases Ajith's style and screen presence, it falters significantly in crafting a compelling narrative with sufficient emotional depth. The plot is straightforward and lacks the necessary twists and turns to truly grip the audience. Adhik Ravichandran's focus seems more geared towards presenting Ajith in a stylish light than building a substantial story. Consequently, the film's emotional core feels weak, particularly in the second half, which struggles to maintain the momentum established before the intermission. Arjun Das, despite his earnestness, doesn't quite embody the formidable villain needed to stand opposite Ajith. Jackie Shroff is unfortunately underutilized, appearing in only a handful of scenes with minimal impact. The supporting cast, including Sunil, Prasanna, Prabhu, Redin Kingsley, and Simran, primarily serve to elevate Ajith's character, which, while typical for a star vehicle, feels excessive and detracts from the overall storytelling. The father-son dynamic lacks emotional resonance, and the performances in these scenes feel underwhelming. Poor dubbing for several supporting characters and logical inconsistencies further hinder the viewing experience.
Adhik Ravichandran's vision for a sleek and stylish gangster portrayal of Ajith is partially realized through well-crafted visuals and a neatly edited first half that maintains a brisk pace. Abinandhan Ramanujam's cinematography is polished, and the production design is decent. However, GV Prakash Kumar's music is largely forgettable, with only the background score in a few elevation scenes proving effective. Dubbing quality remains a consistent weakness.
Verdict: Ultimately, "Good Bad Ugly" operates in fits and starts, heavily reliant on the sheer magnetism of Ajith Kumar. While he delivers the style and vintage flair his fans adore, and a few moments are tailored to please them, the film is let down by a weak and predictable plot, a lack of genuine emotional weight, and a second half that loses its way. Beyond Ajith's commanding presence, the film struggles to leave a lasting impression, making it a watch primarily for die-hard fans, rather than a compelling gangster drama in its own right.
Rating: 2/5
