Ajith Kumar’s much-awaited action thriller Good Bad Ugly has finally hit the big screens, and fans are already calling it a “madness mass entertainer.”
Directed by Adhik Ravichandran and produced by Mythri Movie Makers—who’ve just made their Tamil industry debut—the film released today, April 10, across five languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi.
While the movie has all the ingredients of a commercial blockbuster, fan reviews are a mixed bag. Some are singing praises about the film’s larger-than-life action and the powerful on-screen presence of Ajith, while others found the storyline a bit over-the-top and parts of the film, particularly the female characters, unnecessary.
Let’s dive into what people are really saying about Good Bad Ugly, and whether it truly lives up to the hype.
Ajith Shines, Arjun Das Surprises
At the heart of the film is Ajith Kumar, who makes a bold return after his last outing Vidaamuyarchi didn’t quite strike gold at the box office. Fans are ecstatic, calling this movie his comeback vehicle. From the moment he appears on screen, viewers have labeled his intro scene as "career best." As the mysterious and intense "Red Dragon," Ajith reportedly owns every frame with his undeniable charisma and screen dominance.
But it's not just Ajith who steals the show. Arjun Das has also garnered massive appreciation for what fans are calling one of the best performances of his career. His intense dialogue delivery and chemistry with Ajith in their shared scenes have created a buzz online, with many saying he nearly matches the leading star in terms of impact.
A Mass Entertainer With Flaws
Early birds who managed to catch the first shows took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts. The consensus? It’s a wild ride that might not be perfect, but it delivers the thrills. Many are calling it a “mass entertainer full of madness,” exactly what fans of high-octane Tamil cinema crave.
One reviewer broke down their thoughts in detail, applauding Ajith’s character arc, the stylish action sequences, and GV Prakash’s background score—calling him the film’s "second hero" for how much energy his music added to the scenes. The BGM, in particular, seems to have struck a chord with fans, with some saying it elevated the mood in every key moment.
However, not everything clicked. The same reviewer, and many others, felt that actresses Trisha Krishnan and Simran were underutilized and their presence didn’t add much to the narrative. This sentiment is echoed across social media, with some calling their roles “completely unnecessary.”
Easter Eggs & Vijay References
An interesting twist that caught many off guard was the clever nods to Thalapathy Vijay—yes, you read that right. Apparently, the film drops references to Vijay right at the beginning and again during the interval, which has caught the attention of his fanbase. Some are even watching the movie just to catch those moments, adding an unexpected cross-fandom element to the movie’s buzz.
Whether these references are just playful Easter eggs or serve a deeper purpose in the plot is still up for debate. But one thing’s for sure—this tactic has definitely fueled conversation and added another layer to the film’s hype machine.
Mixed Bag of Reviews
While many are walking out of theatres thrilled, not everyone is convinced. A few viewers have been blunt about their disappointment, calling the storyline weak and the screenplay lacking coherence. One user rated it 2.5 out of 5 and drew comparisons to Vijay’s upcoming film The GOAT, stating that Good Bad Ugly lacked emotional depth and was too reliant on style over substance.
Another critical review summed it up this way:
“Ajith's screen presence – Good. Too many unnecessary references – Bad. Story and screenplay – Ugly.”
Ouch.
One particularly harsh commenter warned fans not to waste their money, suggesting, “Better save your time and money – a sad aamai (tortoise).”
Of course, in a fandom-heavy industry like Kollywood, extremes in reviews are expected. What one fan sees as "mass" entertainment, another might see as "mindless."
Strong Support from Malayali Audiences
Interestingly, the Malayalam version of the film has been met with a positive response. Fans in Kerala and overseas Malayali audiences gave the film a solid thumbs up. Early reports suggest that despite the mixed opinions from Tamil-speaking regions, the Malayalam audience found the film thoroughly entertaining and worth the watch.
Star-Studded Ensemble
Besides Ajith and Arjun Das, the movie features an impressive cast lineup: Sunil, Jackie Shroff, Sayaji Shinde, Tinnu Anand, Priya Prakash Varrier, Prabhu, Prasanna, Yogi Babu, Raghu Ram, Redin Kingsley, Rahul Dev, Usha Uthup, and Shine Tom Chacko all appear in significant roles. With so many recognizable faces, the movie certainly packs in the star power, even if not all characters were given enough to do.
Final Verdict
Good Bad Ugly isn’t a flawless film—but if you’re in the mood for a high-energy, over-the-top action thriller where the hero walks in slow-mo and the villains fly 10 feet after a punch, then this might be right up your alley. Ajith fans are getting exactly what they hoped for: a stylish, crowd-pleasing return to form.
That said, if you’re someone who prefers tight scripts, well-developed characters, and grounded storytelling—this might not be your cup of tea.
Whether you walk out grinning or groaning, one thing is certain: Good Bad Ugly is a film that’s got everyone talking.
