Released on May 23, 2025, Ace, a Tamil-language romantic crime comedy directed by Arumuga Kumar, stars Vijay Sethupathi, Rukmini Vasanth, and Yogi Babu. Set in Malaysia, the film follows Bold Kannan, a mysterious man seeking a fresh start, who gets entangled in a heist to help Rukku escape her abusive stepfather. The movie, produced by 7Cs Entertainment, aims to blend dark humor, action, and romance, targeting audiences seeking a lighthearted, no-brainer entertainer with commercial appeal.
In This Article:
A Chaotic but Engaging Ride
Ace kicks off with Kannan (Vijay Sethupathi) arriving in Malaysia, where he’s mistaken for a laborer by Arivu (Yogi Babu), a ragpicker posing as a businessman. Kannan falls for Rukku (Rukmini Vasanth), who’s desperate to free herself from her stepfather Rajadurai’s (Babloo Prithiveeraj) clutches. To raise funds, Kannan gambles but loses to loan shark Dharma (B.S. Avinash), leading to a bank heist that spirals into chaos. The Vijay Sethupathi-Yogi Babu duo shines, with Yogi Babu’s one-liners and Sethupathi’s effortless charm earning praise.
Hits and Misses
The film’s strength lies in its humor and star power. Sethupathi’s urban look and Yogi Babu’s comedic timing keep viewers engaged, while Rukmini Vasanth’s Tamil debut adds freshness, though her role lacks depth. Justin Prabhakaran’s “Urugudhu Urugudhu” song and Sam C.S.’s background score elevate key moments. However, critics note a sluggish first half and a predictable storyline. India Today highlighted the “convenient writing” and uneven pacing, giving it 2.5/5, while The Hindu criticized its tonal inconsistency, calling it a “middling comedy-thriller.” The heist feels simplistic, and subplots, like Rajadurai’s blackmail, are underdeveloped, as noted by Indian Express.
A Mixed Bag with Heart
Ace doesn’t reinvent the genre but delivers as a breezy, family-friendly entertainer. Its Malaysia setting adds visual flair, but the script’s reliance on clichés and coincidences limits its impact. For fans of Sethupathi and Yogi Babu, it’s a fun, mindless watch, best enjoyed without overthinking.
-By Manoj H