Makkal Selvan is back! Vijay Sethupathi‘s latest, Ace, directed by Arumuga Kumar, promises a rollercoaster of romance, crime, and comedy. With a stellar cast including Rukmini Vasanth and Yogi Babu, and presented by B. Siva Prasad in Telugu, Ace hit theatres on May 23rd. Following hot on the heels of Maharaja, will Sethupathi’s new offering be another blockbuster, or will it be a dubuku?
Key Points
Vijay Sethupathi’s Ace hits screens!
Sethupathi shines in Malaysian crime comedy.
Romance blooms amidst robbery and intrigue.
Kannan’s Malaysian Mishaps
Vijay Sethupathi’s latest film, Ace, a romantic crime comedy directed by Arumuga Kumar, has hit theaters. Starring alongside Sethupathi are Rukmini Vasanth, Yogi Babu, Divya Pillai, Avinash, and Prithviraj in key roles. Released in both Tamil and Telugu, the Telugu version, presented by B. Siva Prasad, saw a grand release on May 23rd. Fresh off the success of Maharaja, Sethupathi returns with Ace, but does it live up to expectations?
The story follows Bolt Kannan (Vijay Sethupathi), an ex-con seeking a fresh start in Malaysia. He finds work at Kalpana’s (Divya Pillai) hotel and lodging with his friend Jnanandam (Yogi Babu). He falls for Rukmini (Rukmini Vasanth), who’s saving to reclaim her house from her foster father. When both his lover and employer face financial hardship, Kannan and Jnanandam turn to Dharma (Avinash), a loan shark, entangling themselves in a dangerous web. This leads to questions about Kannan’s connection to a recent bank robbery, his past, and whether he can overcome these obstacles to be with Rukmini.
Director Arumuga Kumar employs a unique narrative style, creating relatable characters despite a somewhat predictable storyline. Vijay Sethupathi’s dark comedic performance, Yogi Babu’s comedic timing, and Rukmini Vasanth’s charm help carry the film, especially through a slower-paced first half. The second half gains momentum as Kannan navigates Dharma’s world, escalating the tension and intrigue surrounding the robbery and his escape. The climax features clever directorial choices and a refreshing screenplay, culminating in a surprising twist.
While the initial focus on character introductions delays the central plot, the film finds its footing when Kannan confronts Dharma. The subsequent unfolding of events, including Kannan’s involvement with the stolen money and his evasion of the law, creates a gripping narrative.
Sethupathi’s Charm Carries Ace
Vijay Sethupathi shines as Bolt Kannan in a role seemingly tailor-made for him, showcasing his comedic prowess effectively. Yogi Babu delivers consistent laughs, while Rukmini Vasanth captivates with her performance. Divya Pillai plays a significant role, and Avinash convincingly portrays the antagonist.
Technically, the film boasts captivating camerawork and a strong background score by Sam CS, although the songs are less impactful. Some tighter editing could have further enhanced the overall experience.
Ultimately, Ace is an entertaining, one-time watch elevated by Vijay Sethupathi and Rukmini Vasanth’s performances, the intriguing Malaysian setting, and the unexpected twists in the story. While not without its flaws, Arumugakumar’s direction and the blend of comedy, crime, and romance make it a worthwhile experience for fans of Vijay Sethupathi.
Looking Ahead
Ace delivers a satisfying masala entertainer with Makkal Selvan’s charisma shining through. While the narrative could have been tighter, the Malaysian backdrop and Rukmini’s charm add to the film’s appeal. This is a decent outing for Vijay Sethupathi fans and might just become the next talk of Kollywood gatherings.
