Good Bad Ugly Review – Ajith Kumar returns to his mass-hero roots with this high-octane action-comedy, which hit theatres on April 10, 2025. Directed by Adhik Ravichandran and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film is a blend of vintage Ajith swagger, stylized action sequences, and fan-service galore.
Featuring a star-studded cast including Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, and Jackie Shroff, Good Bad Ugly attempts to strike a balance between emotion and elevation—but does it succeed?
Storyline: Ajith’s AK is Back in Action
Ajith Kumar plays AK, a retired underworld don who now leads a peaceful family life. But his past comes back to haunt him when his young son is kidnapped by a ruthless gang led by a cold-blooded villain portrayed by Jackie Shroff. Forced out of retirement, AK is driven by one mission: get his son back at any cost.
The story unfolds across two timelines—the present-day pursuit filled with action, and a flashback that reveals AK’s rise as a principled crime lord. Along the way, we meet a scheming enforcer (Arjun Das), while Trisha Krishnan plays AK’s wife, a grounding presence in his stormy world.
The first half is sharp and pacy, with a major interval twist rumoured to involve betrayal. The second half, however, dives deep into revenge, chaos, and a high-decibel showdown where AK becomes the embodiment of the “good,” the “bad,” and the “ugly.”
Pros of Good Bad Ugly
✔ Ajith Kumar’s Star Power
Ajith owns the screen with his signature swagger. Slow-motion entries, punchy lines, and that ever-charming smirk—this is vintage Thala, and fans will not leave disappointed.
✔ Energetic Action Sequences
Whether it’s gritty hand-to-hand fights or explosive gun battles, the action is loud and stylish. The interval block is especially praised for its intensity and cinematic flair.
✔ Stylish Presentation
Adhik Ravichandran gives the film a polished, glossy aesthetic. GV Prakash’s background score hits hard, while colourful cinematography adds to the massy vibe.
✔ Full-On Fan Service
Loaded with call-backs to Ajith’s iconic films like Billa and Mankatha, this movie is tailor-made for the fanbase. Elevation scenes, signature style moments, and applause-worthy dialogues light up theatres.
✔ A Promising First Half
Tight scripting, fast-paced storytelling, and the introduction of key characters make the first half a thrill to watch.
✔ Strong Villains
Both Arjun Das and Jackie Shroff make an impression with their menacing performances, even though their screen time could’ve been more.
Cons of Good Bad Ugly
✘ Clichéd Plot
The premise—a retired gangster out to rescue his kidnapped son—has been seen before. The story lacks freshness and innovation.
✘ Draggy Second Half
After the thrilling interval twist, the second half slows down with repetitive sequences and a predictable climax. The energy dips significantly.
✘ Underused Cast
Actors like Trisha Krishnan and Sunil get minimal screen time. Their characters feel more like props than participants.
✘ Lacks Emotional Punch
Despite a deeply personal storyline, the emotional beats don’t land. The father-son connection feels rushed and overshadowed by action.
✘ Overloaded with Fan Moments
While fans will celebrate every Thala reference, neutral viewers may feel alienated by the one-sided storytelling focused solely on Ajith’s appeal.
Final Verdict: Who Should Watch It?
Good Bad Ugly is unapologetically a mass entertainer designed for Ajith Kumar’s fans. If you walk into the theatre expecting logic and depth, you may leave disappointed. But if you’re in for slow-motion struts, punchlines, and back-to-back elevation scenes, this film delivers the goods.
It shines as a star vehicle but falters when it tries to be a well-rounded cinematic experience. The first half excites, the second half stretches, and the emotional core remains undercooked.
So, should you watch it?
- Yes, if you’re a die-hard Ajith fan.
- Maybe, if you enjoy flashy action with minimal plot.
- No rush, if you’re waiting for a well-written story—wait for the OTT release.
⭐ KhabriBhai Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars
A fan-fuelled firecracker with flickering storytelling.