A Treat Tailored for Ajith Fans – “Good Bad Ugly” Movie Review
Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran with music by G.V. Prakash, features an ensemble cast including Ajith Kumar, Trisha, Prabhu, Sunil Prasanna and Arjun Das. The film is a full-on mass entertainer designed with one goal in mind – to delight Ajith’s die-hard fans.
The story revolves around Ajith’s character, the former head of a massive crime syndicate known as Red Dragon. Choosing to leave his dark past behind for the sake of his wife (Trisha) and son(Karthikeyan Dev), he surrenders himself and ends up in prison. He promises to reunite with his son on his 18th birthday. However, fate takes a turn – just as he steps out, his son gets imprisoned due to a larger conspiracy. The rest of the movie follows Ajith’s mission to uncover the truth behind this setup and rescue his son.
The plot is thin, but the commercial value is sky-high. Adhik Ravichandran has clearly crafted this film as a celebration of Ajith, loaded with nostalgia and fan-pleasing moments. The director doesn’t aim for logic here – instead, it’s all about spectacle and style. As they say, “Don’t look for logic, enjoy the magic” – and Ajith himself is that magic.
The movie reimagines iconic scenes from Ajith’s past hits like Vaali, Amarkalam, Attagasam, Mankatha, and Vedalam, bringing them back to life in fresh ways. These callbacks, combined with applause-worthy dialogues and whistles in the theatre, keep the energy high. As expected, the chemistry between Ajith and Trisha remains charming and enjoyable.
Performance-wise, Ajith carries the film with his screen presence, while Trisha brings emotional depth with her performance. Prabhu lends authenticity to his role, and Arjun Das stands out with a powerful portrayal. Yogi Babu makes a brief yet memorable appearance and Sunil, fresh off his role in Mark Antony, impresses again with his comic timing.
However, one of the film’s letdowns is its music. G.V. Prakash, usually known for scoring precisely to a film’s rhythm, misses the mark here. The background score, laden with jarring and excessive sound, struggles to match the pace and tone of the film. Though the use of retro hits adds some charm, it also highlights a lack of confidence in original composition, making it a notable weak point.
Visually, the film is engaging. Abinandan Ramanujam’s cinematography and song sequences enhance the grandeur and contribute to the film’s glossy appeal.
Director Adhik Ravichandran has said in several interviews that Good Bad Ugly is essentially a “fanboy tribute,” and watching the film confirms this. It’s a movie made by a fan, for the fans – unapologetically loud, nostalgic, and celebratory.
Simran’s special appearance in the second half of the movie evokes memories of her classic roles from earlier films. While the film boasts a large and talented cast, most of the spotlight remains firmly on Ajith, leaving limited scope for other performers to shine.
Good Bad Ugly is a loud, colorful, and nostalgic celebration of Ajith Kumar. It’s packed with fan service, style, and throwbacks—but light on story and substance. If you’re an Ajith fan, it’s a feast. For others, it might feel like a spectacle with more flash than depth.
Rating: 3/5