Vijay Sethupathi’s Ace: A Missed Opportunity or a Passable Entertainer?

By Kishan Baraiya | Published on May 24, 2025

Vijay Sethupathi, fondly known as Makkal Selvan (People’s Treasure), has carved a unique niche in Indian cinema with his versatile performances and relatable screen presence. From intense dramas like Super Deluxe to action-packed entertainers like Master, Sethupathi has consistently delivered performances that resonate with audiences across linguistic boundaries. His latest outing, Ace, a Tamil-Telugu bilingual crime-comedy, hit theaters on May 23, 2025, with much anticipation. Directed by Arumuga Kumar and featuring Rukmini Vasanth in her Tamil debut, Ace promised a blend of heist thrills, humor, and romance. However, according to reviews, particularly from 123telugu.com, the film falls short of expectations, earning labels like “dull” and “disappointing.” So, what went wrong with Ace, and does it still have redeeming qualities? Let’s dive into a detailed analysis of the film, its strengths, weaknesses, and its place in Vijay Sethupathi’s illustrious career.

Plot Overview: A Heist with High Stakes

Ace follows the story of Bolt Kashi (Vijay Sethupathi), a man who arrives in Malaysia seeking work. He befriends Jyanam (Yogi Babu), who helps him secure a job. Along the way, Kashi meets Rukmini (Rukmini Vasanth), a woman grappling with financial struggles. In a bid to help her, Kashi turns to poker, hoping for a quick financial fix. However, his plan backfires when he’s cheated by Dharma (BS Avinash), a ruthless gangster, leaving Kashi in significant debt with a one-week deadline to repay. Desperate, Kashi plans a bank robbery, setting the stage for a series of events that unravel whether he succeeds, how Rukmini fits into the plan, and what role Raja Dorai (Babloo Prithveeraj) plays in this chaotic narrative.

The premise of Ace is intriguing—a blend of crime, comedy, and romance set against the backdrop of a high-stakes heist. It’s a formula that has worked wonders in films like Ocean’s Eleven or Tamil hits like Thirudan Police. However, the execution, as noted by critics, is where Ace stumbles. According to 123telugu.com, the film’s predictable story and sluggish pacing drain it of the tension and excitement needed to keep audiences hooked. Despite the potential for a gripping narrative, the screenplay lacks focus, and the tonal shifts between crime, romance, and comedy feel uneven.

Vijay Sethupathi: The Saving Grace

If there’s one consistent highlight in Ace, it’s Vijay Sethupathi’s performance. Known for his ability to slip into any role with ease, Sethupathi brings his signature calmness and understated charm to Bolt Kashi. Whether it’s delivering subtle emotional beats or handling action sequences, he carries the film with his effortless screen presence. Critics at 123telugu.com praise his “expressive subtlety,” noting that he handles his scenes with the same sincerity that has made him a fan favorite. However, even Sethupathi’s talent can’t fully salvage an underwritten character. Bolt Kashi lacks the memorable moments that defined Sethupathi’s roles in films like Vikram Vedha or Maharaja, leaving audiences wanting more.

Sethupathi’s career trajectory is worth noting here. From his early days in supporting roles to becoming a leading man in Tamil cinema, he has consistently chosen diverse projects. His 50th film, Maharaja (2024), was a critical and commercial success, blending emotional depth with a thrilling narrative. In contrast, Ace feels like a step back, failing to provide Sethupathi with a role that matches his caliber. Yet, his ability to elevate even a lackluster script speaks volumes about his star power. For fans, his performance alone might be reason enough to watch Ace, but it’s clear the film doesn’t fully capitalize on his strengths.

Supporting Cast: Mixed Performances

The supporting cast of Ace includes Yogi Babu, Rukmini Vasanth, BS Avinash, Babloo Prithveeraj, and Divya Pillai. Yogi Babu, a staple in Tamil cinema for his comedic roles, tries to inject humor as Jyanam. Early in the film, his one-liners land well, providing some much-needed levity. However, as the film progresses, the screenplay fails to sustain his comedic momentum, rendering his efforts ineffective in the second half. This is particularly disappointing given Yogi Babu’s track record in films like Aandavan Kattalai, where his humor complemented the narrative.

Rukmini Vasanth, making her Tamil debut, delivers a convincing performance as Rukmini. However, her character lacks emotional or dramatic depth, limiting her impact. Critics note that while she fits the role, there’s little for her to work with, making her presence more functional than memorable. Supporting actors like BS Avinash and Babloo Prithveeraj perform adequately but fail to leave a lasting impression. The ensemble cast, while competent, is let down by a script that doesn’t give them enough to shine.

Direction and Writing: A Lack of Energy

Director Arumuga Kumar, who also wrote Ace, bears the brunt of the criticism for the film’s shortcomings. The screenplay is described as “dull” and “outdated,” failing to elevate a simple story into something engaging. A heist comedy thrives on sharp writing, clever twists, and a fast-paced narrative—elements that Ace lacks. The slow pacing, especially in the first half, drains the film of energy, and the predictable plot doesn’t offer enough surprises to keep viewers invested.

Kumar’s attempt to blend crime, romance, and comedy is ambitious but poorly executed. The transitions between these genres feel jarring, and none of the elements are explored deeply enough to resonate. For instance, the romantic subplot between Kashi and Rukmini lacks emotional weight, while the comedic moments, primarily carried by Yogi Babu, fizzle out as the film progresses. The heist itself, which should be the film’s centerpiece, lacks the tension and ingenuity that make heist films thrilling. Comparisons to films like Thirudan Police or even Sethupathi’s own Soodhu Kavvum highlight how Ace falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative.

Technical Aspects: Decent but Unremarkable

On the technical front, Ace is a mixed bag. Karan B Rawat’s cinematography is described as “decent,” capturing the vibrant backdrop of Malaysia adequately. However, it doesn’t stand out or enhance the film’s mood significantly. Sam CS’s background score, typically a strength in Tamil films, fails to elevate the narrative, with critics noting that it doesn’t add much to the overall experience. The songs are forgettable, lacking the emotional or narrative hooks that could have made them memorable.

Editing is a notable weak point, with several scenes feeling unnecessarily protracted. Tighter editing could have improved the pacing, particularly in the second half, where the film struggles to maintain momentum. The production values are adequate, and the Telugu dubbing is satisfactory, ensuring accessibility for Telugu audiences. However, these technical aspects don’t compensate for the film’s narrative shortcomings.

Critical Reception: A Divide in Opinions

The review from 123telugu.com labels Ace as “bland and forgettable,” giving it a lukewarm reception. The site highlights the predictable story, sluggish execution, and lack of emotional or narrative hooks as major flaws. However, posts on X reveal a more varied response. Some users, like @KollywoodCinima, praise Ace as a “complete entertainer” with a “right mix of emotion, humor, and music,” giving it a 3.75/5 rating. Others, like @sudheermax, offer conflicting takes—one post calls it “below average” with a slow first half and predictable second half, while another gives it a 3.75/5, noting that the second half redeems the film with engaging moments. @htshowbiz describes the Vijay Sethupathi-Yogi Babu combo as “fun” and the film as a “mindless heist entertainer,” suggesting it has appeal for audiences seeking light-hearted fare.

This divide in reception reflects the subjective nature of film criticism. While some viewers appreciate Sethupathi’s charm and the film’s occasional comedic highs, others are disappointed by its lack of depth and originality. For a blog like kishanbaraiya.com, which likely caters to cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike, it’s worth noting that Ace may resonate more with fans of Vijay Sethupathi or those looking for undemanding entertainment rather than those expecting a tightly crafted heist thriller.

Vijay Sethupathi’s Career Context

To understand Ace’s place in Vijay Sethupathi’s filmography, it’s helpful to look at his recent projects. His 50th film, Maharaja (2024), was a slow-burn thriller that earned praise for its non-linear storytelling and Sethupathi’s powerful performance. Vidudala Part 2 (2024) showcased his ability to portray complex characters in a socially relevant narrative, though it too faced criticism for pacing issues. Earlier films like Master (2021) and Jawan (2023) highlighted his versatility as a villain opposite superstars like Vijay and Shah Rukh Khan. In contrast, Ace feels like a lighter, less ambitious project, possibly chosen to balance his portfolio with a commercial entertainer.

Sethupathi’s ability to juggle mainstream and offbeat roles has made him a unique figure in Indian cinema. His performances in films like Pizza 2 (2020) and Mumbaikar (2023) show his willingness to take on diverse projects, even if the results are mixed. For fans, Ace might be a minor blip in an otherwise stellar career, but it underscores the importance of strong writing and direction to complement his talent.

The Tamil-Telugu Bilingual Landscape

Ace is part of a growing trend of Tamil films being dubbed and released in Telugu to tap into the vast Tollywood audience. Films like Maharaja, Master, and Jawan have successfully bridged this linguistic gap, with Sethupathi’s performances resonating with Telugu viewers. However, Ace’s lukewarm reception suggests that a compelling script is crucial for bilingual success. The Telugu audience, accustomed to high-octane entertainers from stars like Mahesh Babu and Allu Arjun, may find Ace’s slow pacing and predictable narrative underwhelming.

The bilingual strategy also highlights the importance of cultural nuances in dubbing. While 123telugu.com notes that the Telugu dubbing in Ace is satisfactory, the film’s outdated storytelling may not align with the modern sensibilities of Telugu audiences, who have embraced innovative narratives in films like Pushpa or RRR. For filmmakers, Ace serves as a reminder that bilingual releases require more than star power—they need stories that transcend regional boundaries.

Should You Watch Ace?

So, is Ace worth your time? If you’re a Vijay Sethupathi fan, his performance alone makes the film watchable, even if it doesn’t rank among his best. The comedic moments, particularly in the first half, and the heist premise offer some entertainment value, especially for viewers seeking a light, mindless watch. However, those expecting a tightly woven crime-comedy or a film that matches the intensity of Sethupathi’s previous works may be disappointed.

For readers of kishanbaraiya.com, here’s a quick breakdown:

• Watch it if: You love Vijay Sethupathi’s charm, enjoy Yogi Babu’s humor, or are looking for a casual heist flick.
• Skip it if: You prefer fast-paced narratives, intricate plots, or emotionally resonant stories.
• Streaming option: While Ace is currently in theaters, keep an eye out for its OTT release, likely on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, given the trend for Tamil-Telugu bilinguals.

Final Thoughts

Ace is a classic case of a film with potential that doesn’t quite hit the mark. Vijay Sethupathi’s sincere performance and occasional comedic highs are overshadowed by a predictable story, sluggish pacing, and uneven execution. For a blog like kishanbaraiya.com, which aims to provide insightful content for movie lovers, Ace offers a chance to discuss the importance of strong storytelling in leveraging star power. While the film may not be a standout in Sethupathi’s filmography, it’s a reminder of his ability to shine even in mediocre projects.

As Vijay Sethupathi continues to take on diverse roles, fans can look forward to his upcoming projects, which promise to showcase his versatility. For now, Ace remains a passable entertainer that’s best enjoyed for its lead star’s charisma rather than its narrative depth. What are your thoughts on Ace? Did Vijay Sethupathi’s performance win you over, or did the film’s flaws hold it back? Share your views in the comments below, and stay tuned to kishanbaraiya.com for more movie reviews and insights!

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Sources: 123telugu.com, Posts on X