Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi’s latest theatrical release, Ace, hit screens this week in both Tamil and Telugu. Directed by Arumuga, the film attempts to blend elements of drama, crime, comedy, and romance—but struggles to deliver a cohesive or engaging narrative.
Plot Overview:
The story follows Bolt Kashi (Vijay Sethupathi), who moves to Malaysia in search of better job prospects with the help of his friend Jyanam (Yogi Babu). There, he meets Rukmini (Rukmini Vasanth), a young woman facing dire financial hardship. In a bid to help her, Kashi turns to poker in hopes of making quick money.
However, his gamble backfires when he loses a significant amount to a local gangster, Dharma (BS Avinash). The rest of the film explores whether Kashi is able to overcome this crisis, help Rukmini, and face off against Dharma. The mystery surrounding Raja Dorai (Bablu Prithviraj) also unfolds as the narrative progresses.
What Works:
- Vijay Sethupathi’s Performance: The actor once again proves his mettle with a nuanced portrayal of Bolt Kashi. His subtle expressions and naturalistic acting lend credibility to an otherwise unremarkable character.
- Yogi Babu’s Comic Relief: His interactions with Sethupathi offer brief moments of humor and respite, thanks to his signature one-liners.
- Supporting Cast: Rukmini Vasanth delivers a sincere performance, while Bablu Prithviraj and BS Avinash play their roles competently within limited screen time.
- Cinematography: Karan’s visuals are crisp and appealing, adding some aesthetic value to the film.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Weak Storyline and Predictable Screenplay: Ace suffers from a clichéd plot and uninspired storytelling. With no unexpected twists, the narrative feels slow and formulaic.
- Underdeveloped Characters: Rukmini’s role, in particular, lacks depth. Even Sethupathi’s character—despite the actor’s efforts—feels underutilized.
- Flat Execution of Genres: The film juggles multiple genres—comedy, crime, romance—but none are explored in a fulfilling way. The blend comes off as half-baked and disjointed.
- Technical Shortcomings: The background score by Justin Prabhakaran and Sam CS fails to leave a mark. The editing is choppy, and the overall production value feels inconsistent.
- Direction: Director Arumuga’s lack of focus on a compelling screenplay significantly hampers the film. The narrative fails to engage, testifying to missed opportunities in both writing and direction.
Verdict:
Despite a commendable performance from Vijay Sethupathi and fleeting moments of levity from Yogi Babu, Ace fails to leave an impact. With a formulaic storyline, lackluster direction, and uneven pacing, the film feels more like a missed opportunity than a winning hand. For those looking for a gripping cinematic experience this weekend, Ace might not be the safest bet.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
