Ace is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language romantic crime comedy directed, written, and produced by Arumuga Kumar under the 7Cs Entertainment banner. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi in his landmark 51st lead role, alongside Rukmini Vasanth, who makes her Tamil cinema debut, with Yogi Babu in a key role. Shot mostly in Malaysia, the film mixes elements of romance, crime, and humor into one storyline.
Even with very little promotional activity, Ace attracted attention thanks to its lead cast and genre mix. The movie was released on May 23, 2025, aiming to entertain viewers with its unusual blend of storytelling, humor, and drama.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Vijay Sethupathi, Rukmini Vasanth, Yogi Babu, Divya Pillai, Babloo Prithviraj, B. S. Avinash |
| Director | Arumuga Kumar |
| Writer | Arumuga Kumar |
| Budget | ₹35 Crores |
| Music Directors | Justin Prabhakaran (Songs), Sam C. S. (Background Score) |
| Cinematography | Karan B. Rawat |
| Editing | Fenny Oliver |
| Release Date | May 23, 2025 |
| Languages | Tamil, Telugu (Dubbed) |
Story
The film follows the journey of Kannan (Vijay Sethupathi), a man hoping to leave behind his troubled past and build a new life in Malaysia. On arrival, he meets Arivu (Yogi Babu), a comic character who introduces him to Rukmini (Rukmini Vasanth), a woman struggling with her own set of issues.
Kannan’s decision to help Rukmini soon traps him in a chain of events involving a risky heist, a feared gangster, Dharma (B. S. Avinash), and a corrupt police officer, Raja Dorai (Babloo Prithviraj). As Kannan tries to outwit these forces, he must navigate through crime, betrayal, and romance while seeking redemption and a brighter future.
The film attempts to balance serious crime drama with love story and comedy, but critics noted that the shift between genres feels uneven, and parts of the plot do not carry enough depth.
Performances
- Vijay Sethupathi: In his 51st lead role, Sethupathi once again holds the film together. His portrayal of Kannan—a man torn between his past mistakes and his desire for redemption—is subtle yet impactful.
- Rukmini Vasanth: Making her Tamil debut, Rukmini brings freshness and charm to her character. She fits well into the romantic track, though some critiques mention minor lip-sync issues, likely caused during dubbing.
- Yogi Babu: His trademark comedy is one of the film’s highlights. His chemistry with Sethupathi keeps the lighter moments alive, though certain jokes feel repetitive and outdated.
- Babloo Prithviraj: As the corrupt cop Raja Dorai, he adds menace and tension, even though the role could have been written with more complexity.
- Divya Pillai: Appearing in a shorter supporting role, she brings some depth but does not get enough screen space to shine fully.
Plus Points
- Vijay Sethupathi’s Performance: Once again, he delivers a believable and engaging role with subtle acting.
- On-Screen Chemistry: The lead pair, Sethupathi and Rukmini, share good emotional chemistry.
- Yogi Babu’s Humor: Lightens the narrative, balancing the darker scenes.
- Cinematography: Karan B. Rawat’s visuals beautifully capture Malaysia with authenticity.
- Music Score: Justin Prabhakaran’s songs and Sam C. S.’s background score enrich both emotional and dramatic sequences.
Minus Points
- Predictable Plot: The storyline follows a familiar path with little surprise.
- Genre Mixing Issues: The blending of crime, comedy, and romance feels uneven in execution.
- Slow Pacing: Certain scenes stretch on for too long, reducing the overall impact.
- Flat Supporting Roles: Characters like Divya Pillai and Prithviraj deserved more development.
- Uneven Comedy: While Yogi Babu is funny, some jokes rely on clichés and don’t land well with all viewers.
Also Read: Maareesan Full Movie Review
Technical Aspects
- Direction & Writing: Arumuga Kumar tries to mix various tones but struggles to keep consistency throughout.
- Cinematography: Karan B. Rawat’s visuals work well to highlight Malaysia and give freshness to the setting.
- Editing: Fenny Oliver could have trimmed sequences better, as the film feels lengthy.
- Music & BGM: Justin Prabhakaran’s soundtrack is pleasant, while Sam C.S.’s score helps lift the action and emotional beats.
- Production Values: The film’s design and Malaysian backdrop are recreated well for authenticity.
Conclusion
Ace (2025) is a romantic crime comedy that entertains in parts, thanks to Vijay Sethupathi’s performance, Yogi Babu’s comic timing, and the film’s colorful setting. However, its predictable story, uneven transitions between genres, and slower pacing reduce its overall impact.
For audiences looking for a light entertainer with familiar elements—romance, laughs, action—the film works. But for those seeking an innovative or refreshing Tamil narrative, Ace might feel underwhelming.
In short, Ace manages to entertain but doesn’t break new ground, offering more comfort than creativity.
