🎬 ACE (2025): A Gritty Tamil Heist Comedy That Hits the High Notes, Then Misses

Released: May 23, 2025 (worldwide)

Director: Arumuga Kumar

Starring: Vijay Sethupathi, Rukmini Vasanth, Yogi Babu, Divya Pillai, Babloo Prithveeraj

Runtime: ~156 minutes

🎞️ Trailer: 

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💼 Plot & Themes

ACE follows “Bold” Kannan (Vijay Sethupathi), who relocates to Malaysia seeking a fresh start under a new identity. But when his love interest faces a crisis, Kannan dives into the world of gambling and a daring bank heist — hoping to save her and clean up his past.

This genre blender tosses comedy, crime, romance, and action into one package. But the tone shifts are uneven—dramatic heists give way to slapstick jokes and romantic interludes. Future themes explored:

• Identity and reinvention

• Risk, chance, and consequence

• Crime as a ticking emotional time bomb

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🎭 Performances

• Vijay Sethupathi is charismatic as Bold Kannan—cool, clever, and with enough quirk to carry the film. Viewers called him “super smart,” though at times yanked toward unearned swagger.

• Rukmini Vasanth shines in her Tamil debut—her chemistry with Vijay drew widespread praise and became the emotional core for many fans.

• Yogi Babu steals nearly every scene, adding levity to both action and romance. He delivers some of the film’s funniest moments.

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🎥 Direction, Cinematography & Vibe

Arumuga Kumar (of Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren fame) shoots ACE across vibrant Malaysian locations—markets, casinos, and streets glowing with neon life. The visuals help lift the film when the plot wobbles.

Action sequences and the heist setup feel stylish—but often lack narrative weight. The romantic moments pick up later, but the flow remains inconsistent, especially in the second half.

Justin Prabhakaran’s soundtrack (“Urugudhu Urugudhu”) and Sam C.S.’s score are engaging, but occasionally overbearing. An energetic mix aimed at supporting the entertainer mode.

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📉 Reception & Aftermath

Despite high hopes, ACE didn’t light up the box office—labelled a “bomb” on release.

Critics and audiences called it a “watchable time-pass entertainer” with mixed feedback:

• Positive: The Vijay–Yogi Babu pairing, market settings, and light-hearted tone were enjoyable. Rukmini’s performance was especially praised.

• Negative: Storytelling felt predictable and uneven—neither proper comedy nor thriller. Reviewers criticized its lack of coherence and emotional stakes.

It gained traction after debuting on Amazon Prime Video in Tamil and Telugu—where many viewers warmed up to its breezy, harmless fun.

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📝 Final Thoughts

ACE isn’t a thinking movie—it’s popcorn entertainment that hopes its ensemble and Malaysian backdrops carry the audience. Frequently tone-deaf, ACE hits a groove only in its first half and thanks to strong comic chemistry.

If you want a light heist caper that never takes itself seriously—and don’t mind predictable twists—it’s fine. But if you're seeking depth, rhythm, or tightly plotted thrills, this one likely won’t deliver.

Think of it as a lazy Saturday night caper—not unforgettable, but breezy enough to pass the time.

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“Chaotic, colorful, and occasionally charming—just don’t ask it to land all its punches.”