Ace Movie Review: A Heist Film Filled with Humor and Heart
Cast:
Vijay Sethupathi, Yogi Babu, Rukmini Vasanth, B. S. Avinash, Babloo Prithvi Raj, Divya Pillai
Director:
Arumuga Kumar
Rating: ★★ ½
Every time Vijay Sethupathi chooses a role, you can expect a refreshing twist, and his latest film with director Arumugakumar certainly delivers that. Known for his riveting performances in previous works like Maharaja and Merry Christmas, this movie takes a delightful detour into the realm of heist comedies.
What’s the Story?
Meet Arivu (Yogi Babu), a rag picker living in the vibrant streets of Malaysia. In a bid to impress his crush, Kalpana (Divya Pillai), Arivu adopts the guise of a wealthy businessman. His life takes a wild turn when he mistakenly picks up Bold Kannan (Vijay Sethupathi) from the airport, unaware of the hidden complexities of his new acquaintance.
Kannan, a character bursting with charm, swiftly lands a job in Kalpana’s restaurant. Meanwhile, romantic sparks fly between him and Rukku (Rukmini Vasanth), who lives with her strict stepfather Rajadurai (Babloo Prithviraj). In a gripping twist, Kannan hatches a heist plan to rescue Rukku from her dire situation, pulling Arivu into this chaotic escapade.
How Does it Fare?
Director Arumugakumar boldly steps into the heist genre, combining it with light-hearted romance to revive the charismatic allure of Vijay Sethupathi on-screen. The duo of Sethupathi and Yogi Babu creates a magnetic chemistry that is hard to resist. While the first half meanders a bit as it sets up the characters, the second half dives into a whirlwind of action, suspense, and comedy.
Standout scenes, including a high-stakes poker game between Kannan and Dharma (BS Avinash), punctuate the narrative with laughter and tension. Yet, the film ultimately feels like a remixed version of a nostalgic tale, heavily borrowing themes from vintage films but repackaged with a modern flair. The comedic interactions between Arivu and Kannan, fortified by sharp dialogues filled with clever references to earlier hits like Soodhu Kavvum and Thalapathi, make it a delightful watch for families this summer.
The Verdict
In terms of performances, both Vijay Sethupathi and Yogi Babu shine brilliantly in their respective roles. Sethupathi’s portrayal of Kannan is both refreshing and effortless, while Babu elevates every scene he graces with his comedic timing. Kannada actress Rukmini Vasanth, in her Tamil debut, gives a commendable performance but her role doesn’t fully showcase her talent. Divya Pillai surprises, leaving a significant impact in her role, while Babloo Prithviraj takes on a well-deserved villainous part.
Technically, the film keeps the energy high with its pulsating background score by Sam CS that amplifies the tension during heist sequences. The emotional song Urugudhu Urugudhu is a notable highlight, adding depth to the storytelling. However, some scenes would have benefitted from tighter editing by Fenny Oliver, as the stretched runtime of 154 minutes occasionally detracts from the overall pacing.
In summary, Ace serves up a delightful and comical heist experience. Thanks to the unbeatable combination of Vijay Sethupathi and Yogi Babu, this film promises not just laughter but also a few heartwarming moments.
