Good Bad Ugly Movie Review: Ajith Kumar’s Film That Falters Yet Keeps You Hooked Till The End

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I’d been curious about all the buzz surrounding Good Bad Ugly, and now that it’s finally streaming on Netflix, I decided to check it out. And I must say in many moments, the film does full justice to the mass appeal, charm, and effortless style Ajith Kumar brings to the screen. At its core, Good Bad Ugly is an emotional crime drama that blends slick visuals, grounded action, and heartfelt family dynamics into a story that mostly hits the mark. It’s gritty, stylish, and tries to go beyond just surface-level thrills; for the most part, it pulls it off.

Plot Peek – No Spoilers Ahead

Good Bad Ugly centers around AK (Ajith Kumar), a once-feared gangster known as “The Red Dragon,” who is now serving time in prison in India. Years ago, he walked away from his violent past, choosing to surrender and accept the consequences of his crimes. Meanwhile, his wife Ramya (Trisha Krishnan) and son Vihaan (Karthikeya Dev) have started a new life far from the shadows of AK's past, living peacefully in Spain, away from the chaos that once defined their world.

After nearly two decades behind bars, AK is a man transformed ,older, quieter, but still carrying the fire of a father who never stopped protecting his family in spirit. When a sudden crisis puts Vihaan’s future in jeopardy, AK is pulled back into the murky world he left behind. The story then unfolds as a tense emotional journey where past sins collide with present danger, forcing AK to make impossible choices.

What follows is a gripping mix of personal reckoning, gangland politics, and a father’s unwavering love. As he confronts his old allies and enemies, the film explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and how far one man will go to shield his family, even if it means becoming the man he tried to leave behind.

Ajith Delivers Big – And Here’s How the Others Match Up

Ajith Kumar leads the film with a powerful triple act, playing three versions of the same character, AK, a man with a violent past and a fragile present. As the ruthless gangster known as "The Red Dragon" in flashbacks, he’s all swagger and seems to be the man of the moment. In the middle timeline, we see him as a man caught between two worlds, trying to step away from the bloodshed while haunted by consequences. In the present day, he becomes a hardened yet vulnerable father who will go to any length to protect his son. Each version feels distinct and grounded. 

 Trisha Krishnan brings grace to her role as Ramya, but her character could have benefited from more depth and narrative weight, a missed opportunity in an otherwise emotionally charged plot. Arjun Das impresses in a dual role, playing two key characters whose contrasting personalities bring tension and unpredictability to the story. He balances menace and vulnerability with remarkable ease. Shine Tom Chacko and Simran appear for a few minutes, and yet both manage to capture your attention.

Karthikeya Dev gives a sincere and relatable performance as Vihaan, the conflicted son at the heart of the crisis. Jackie Shroff adds class and grit in a role that’s brief but pivotal. Prabhu, Prasanna, Sunil, and Raghu Ram also round out the cast with steady performances that complement the film’s gritty, emotionally layered narrative.

Direction & Writing – Where It Works and Where It Falters

Director Adhik Ravichandran steers Good Bad Ugly with a vision that tries to balance style, substance, and sentiment. It’s clear that he wanted this film to be more than just a mass-action entertainer; there’s an emotional core beneath the blood and bullets, and for the most part, he manages to tap into it. His handling of Ajith Kumar is confident, letting each phase of AK’s life breathe and evolve naturally. The father-son relationship becomes the emotional anchor of the film, and that’s where Adhik’s direction finds its most honest moments.

The writing takes a big swing, weaving together multiple timelines and character arcs. The past and present collide frequently, and while that brings intensity, it also leads to occasional narrative clutter. Some scenes pack a punch, especially in AK’s confrontations and introspective moments, but others, particularly involving secondary characters, feel underdeveloped. Trisha’s role, though performed with grace, could have had more emotional weight and screen time, especially given how central family is to the plot. Still, the screenplay sticks to its emotional spine, and that keeps the film engaging even when the pacing dips.

Stylistic Touch: Cinematography, Music, and More

Good Bad Ugly is visually striking, with cinematography that captures both the scale and emotional depth of the story. The color moves from warm tones in the flashbacks to cooler ones in the present, adding to the film’s mood. The camera work is particularly effective in moments of emotional reflection, highlighting Ajith’s performance in his role. The action sequences are clear and impactful, adding excitement without complicating the visuals.

The music by Sam C. S. fits well with the film’s mood, supporting the story without taking attention away from it. The team has made sure that the production design, costumes, and styling reflect each character's evolution across timelines. While the transitions between timelines could have been smoother, the film remains visually engaging and well-polished throughout.

Final Thoughts

Good Bad Ugly may not be a perfect film, but it strikes a solid balance between emotion and action. While the writing feels a bit underdeveloped for some of the supporting characters, each actor plays their part well and brings their role to life. That said, it’s hard to overlook Ajith Kumar’s undeniable charm, style, and commanding screen presence, which truly elevate the film. If you're a fan of Ajith or enjoy loud films, this one is definitely worth a watch. 

Also, if you to have missed it in theatres, catch Good Bad Ugly now on Netflix.

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