Good Bad Ugly (2025) Review: A Fan-Pleasing Firework That Fizzles on Substance
Good Bad Ugly (2025), directed by Adhik Ravichandran, arrives as one of the most hyped Tamil releases of the year, primarily due to Ajith Kumar’s return to the screen in a mass-heavy avatar. With a stellar ensemble cast including Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Yogi Babu, and Jackie Shroff, and a reported budget pushing ₹300 crore, the film sets high expectations. But does it deliver beyond fan service?
The story revolves around AK, a retired gangster once feared as the “Red Dragon”, who now tries to lead a peaceful life with his family. His tranquility is disrupted when ghosts from his past return to threaten his loved ones. Forced to pick up arms again, AK dives back into a world he once left behind. While the premise holds promise, the narrative execution falls into familiar territory without offering fresh storytelling. The emotional stakes are introduced but not deeply explored, making the central conflict feel more functional than compelling.
Ajith Kumar is undoubtedly the driving force of the film. His screen presence is magnetic, and every frame is tailored to celebrate his charisma. For fans, this is a feast — an explosion of slow-motion walks, punch dialogues, and stylized action. Trisha Krishnan plays the supportive wife with grace, though her role feels underutilized. Arjun Das and Jackie Shroff bring intensity to their roles, but the script doesn’t give them enough room to breathe. Yogi Babu delivers some comic relief, but even that feels forced in a film that struggles to balance tones.
Adhik Ravichandran’s direction is clearly focused on crafting a fan tribute. From callbacks to Ajith’s earlier blockbusters to larger-than-life action sequences, the film is soaked in nostalgia. While that works for core fans, the screenplay lacks the tightness and emotional layering to engage a broader audience. The film often feels like a patchwork of moments designed to elicit whistles in the theater, rather than a cohesive cinematic journey.
Visually, Good Bad Ugly is impressive. Cinematographer Abinandhan Ramanujam delivers slick visuals, particularly in the overseas sequences shot in Spain and the UK. The action scenes are choreographed with flair, even if they stretch believability. GV Prakash Kumar’s music injects energy into the film, though the songs occasionally interrupt the pacing.
The film’s biggest strength lies in its unapologetic celebration of Ajith. It doesn’t pretend to be anything else, and for that reason, fans will walk away satisfied. However, for the average viewer or someone looking for a strong narrative arc, the film may feel like style over substance. The second half, in particular, loses momentum and lacks emotional punch. Characters appear and disappear with little development, and the climax, while grand, lacks payoff.
Audience reactions have been mixed. While social media is abuzz with praise from Ajith’s loyal fanbase — many calling it his best film in a decade — critics have pointed out the film’s narrative shortcomings. One could sum up the reception with a witty fan tweet: “Good for fans, bad for neutrals, ugly for haters.”
In conclusion, Good Bad Ugly is a flashy, stylish entertainer tailor-made for Ajith Kumar’s fans. It thrives on nostalgia and star power but doesn’t quite live up to its cinematic potential due to a weak plot and shallow character arcs. If you’re in it for Ajith’s swagger and action set-pieces, you’ll have a blast. If you’re seeking substance, this one might leave you wanting more.
Rating: 3 out of 5
(+1 for Ajith, +1 for visual style, +1 for fan engagement — minus 1 for plot, minus 1 for emotional depth)
