Vijay Sethupathi’s latest film, Ace, hit theaters worldwide on May 23, 2025, sparking a wave of excitement and mixed reactions among fans and critics. Directed by Arumugakumar, this romantic crime comedy, also starring Rukmini Vasanth and Yogi Babu, promises a high-stakes heist adventure set against Malaysia’s vibrant backdrop. Despite Sethupathi’s magnetic performance, India Today’s review highlights “convenient storytelling” as a major flaw, leaving audiences torn between its thrilling moments and narrative gaps. Nuzpost dives into the buzz around Ace, its strengths, weaknesses, and why it’s a must-watch—or a maybe-skip—for Tamil cinema fans.
A Stylish Heist with High Expectations
Ace, Vijay Sethupathi’s 51st film as a lead actor, follows Bold Kannan, a mysterious figure aiming to escape his criminal past in Malaysia. After a final call to his imprisoned associates, Kannan befriends Arivu (Yogi Babu), a rag picker posing as a businessman, and Rukku (Rukmini Vasanth), a woman haunted by an abusive ex, Rajadurai (Babloo Prithviraj). Their lives intertwine when Kannan’s attempt to help Rukku with workplace pressures pulls them into a dangerous underworld involving gangster Dharma (BS Avinash). The film, produced by Arumugakumar under 7Cs Entertainment, blends action, romance, and comedy, with a trailer launched by Sivakarthikeyan hinting at a stylish, unpredictable ride.
Shot predominantly in Malaysia from May to November 2023, Ace boasts stunning visuals by cinematographer Karan B Rawat, capturing the country’s scenic landscapes. Justin Prabhakaran’s melodic soundtrack, including the hit single “Urugudhu Urugudhu,” adds emotional depth, though Sam CS’s background score has been called “jarring” by some. The film’s U/A certification and 2-hour-36-minute runtime position it as a commercial entertainer, with Prime Video securing post-theatrical streaming rights.
Vijay Sethupathi Shines, but Storytelling Stumbles
Vijay Sethupathi delivers a standout performance as Bold Kannan, infusing the role with his signature wit and charm. India Today praises his ability to make the character’s eccentricities feel authentic, anchoring the film despite its flaws. Rukmini Vasanth, in her Tamil debut, brings beauty and emotional depth to Rukku, though minor lip-sync issues distract. Yogi Babu’s comedic timing, especially in the second half, steals scenes, with critics noting the 40-minute climax as a highlight for its engaging twists.
However, Ace struggles with “significant structural flaws,” according to India Today. The film’s reliance on convenient writing—particularly the lack of backstory for Kannan’s criminal prowess—forces audiences to accept his skills on faith, undermining credibility. The narrative’s tonal shifts, from lighthearted comedy to intense heist thriller, feel uneven, with the first half lacking grip. While the second half redeems with fun moments, the film joins Arumugakumar’s earlier Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren (2018) in polarizing audiences, trading zany chaos for inconsistent execution.
Fan and Critic Reactions: Hit or Miss?
Early reviews reflect a divided response. Oneindia News calls Ace a “refreshingly fun crime comedy” with “enough LOL moments” to keep viewers engaged, praising Sethupathi’s brain-over-brawn approach and Vasanth’s meaty role. The Times of India hails it as a “tidy and harmless commercial entertainer,” with the Vijay Sethupathi-Yogi Babu combo driving the second half’s 40-minute climax. However, some critiques, like one from Filmibeat, label the execution “middling,” citing a missing narrative “connect” despite strong ideas and visuals. The Malaysian setting and Sethupathi’s leaner look have been widely praised, but the predictable storyline disappointed some.
At a pre-release event, Sethupathi spoke to Hindustan Times about the romantic arc, saying, “It’s about how Bold Kannan and Rukku fall in love and experience it. Love is a universal language, but how they view it defines their story.” Director Arumugakumar’s vision, rooted in unconventional heroes, shines through, but critics argue the film doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential, making it a “missed opportunity.”
A Summer Blockbuster or a Passable Watch?
Following the blockbuster success of Sethupathi’s Maharaja (2024), Ace carried high expectations, fueled by strong advance bookings and a vibrant trailer featuring a Sivakarthikeyan cameo nod. The Times of India noted robust pre-sales, with fans flooding social media after the April 19 release date announcement and new poster drop. The film’s mix of action, humor, and romance, set against Malaysia’s bustling backdrop, makes it a visual spectacle, but its narrative flaws may limit its universal appeal.
For fans of Sethupathi’s versatility or those craving a lighthearted heist thriller, Ace offers enough thrills and laughs to entertain, especially with Yogi Babu’s comedic flair and the stunning Malaysian visuals. Yet, for viewers seeking a tighter narrative, the film’s convenient writing and uneven pacing may fall short. As Ace hits theaters, it’s poised to be a summer crowd-pleaser, but whether it’s a true ace or just a wild card remains up for debate.
Nuzpost will keep you updated on Ace’s box office performance and streaming release on Prime Video.