Movie Review: Ace (2025)

A One-Time Watch with a Nostalgic Charm

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

The much-anticipated Ace (2025) marks the return of Vijay Sethupathi in a role that reminds audiences of his beloved Naanum Rowdy Dhaan avatar. While the film doesn’t exactly break new ground in terms of storytelling, it does offer a mix of nostalgia, comedy, and lighthearted entertainment that makes it a decent one-time watch.

 Performances

Vijay Sethupathi is undoubtedly the heart of Ace. He slips back into his quirky, rugged charm with ease, bringing a familiar warmth that fans have sorely missed. His screen presence is effortless, and while the script doesn’t fully utilize his range, his charisma manages to carry several sluggish portions of the film.

Yogi Babu, as always, is in fine comedic form. The scenes featuring the Vijay-Yogi Babu combo are the standout moments of the film, with their chemistry producing genuine laughs and injecting life into an otherwise stretched narrative. Their comedic timing is the film’s strongest selling point and the USP that keeps viewers engaged.

Rukmini Vasanth, making her Tamil debut, is a refreshing presence. She looks stunning on screen and handles her role with grace and confidence. While her character could have been written with more depth, she makes a solid impression and is definitely an actress to watch out for in future Tamil films.

 Story & Screenplay

Here’s where Ace falters. The plot, though it starts off with promise, quickly becomes bogged down by unnecessary subplots and extended sequences that dilute the impact. There’s a clear sense that the story could have been tighter, more focused, and better paced. The middle portions feel especially stretched, and despite the attempts at humor and drama, the narrative momentum dips several times.

The film tries to blend elements of action, comedy, and drama, but the uneven writing results in tonal inconsistencies. It’s not entirely unwatchable—there are fun moments—but they feel scattered and disconnected from a coherent central arc.

 Music & Technical Aspects

The music, while serviceable, doesn’t leave a lasting impression. A few songs are enjoyable in the moment but aren’t particularly memorable. The cinematography is decent, capturing the mood of the film well, and the production values are solid.

 Final Verdict

Ace is an average time-pass entertainer that benefits greatly from its lead cast’s charm and on-screen chemistry. While the story drags in parts and lacks the punch needed to elevate it beyond mediocrity, the film does enough to keep you watching, especially if you’re a fan of Vijay Sethupathi or looking for some light weekend entertainment.

It’s not a must-watch, but for those who enjoy masala flicks with humor and heart, Ace might just do the trick—for one viewing, at least.