Ace: A Mixed Bag of Thrills and Missed Opportunities
A Familiar Collaboration
Vijay Sethupathi and director Arumugakumar reunite in their latest venture, Ace, following their polarizing debut, Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren. The previous film split audiences down the middle—viewers either reveled in its eccentricity or were left bewildered. With expectations cautiously managed for their second collaboration, the burning question remains: Can they deliver a cinematic experience that appeals to a broader audience this time?
Bold Kannan’s Journey
Meet Bold Kannan, portrayed with charm and nuance by Vijay Sethupathi. Kannan is a complex character yearning to shed his criminal past and forge a new identity. His only remaining link to his former life is a final phone call to associates behind bars. Relocating to Malaysia, he crosses paths with Arivu (Yogi Babu), a rag picker doubling as a businessman to impress the lovely Kalpana (Divya Pillai), who runs a hotel.
Enter Rukku (Rukmini Vasanth), an intriguing character juggling a series of odd jobs to survive while grappling with her own traumatic past at the hands of Rajadurai (Babloo Prithviraj). Their chance encounter turns tense when Rukku misidentifies Kannan as a thief, but their relationship evolves in unexpected ways. As Kannan helps Rukku confront workplace pressures, the duo finds themselves entwined in a perilous scenario orchestrated by the ruthless gangster Dharma (BS Avinash), whose dealings in smuggling and illegal arms amplify the stakes.
A Unique Storytelling Approach
Arumugakumar possesses a distinct narrative style that sets his films apart. He crafts protagonists who defy traditional hero archetypes. Kannan’s quirks, reflected in his peculiar nickname, evoke curiosity, albeit at the cost of clarity in the film’s slower first half. Viewers may find themselves puzzled, particularly as the plot limps towards its climax.
From Poker to Peril
The narrative finally picks up steam when a seemingly innocent poker game spirals into a life-or-death struggle. However, viewers must endure a sluggish screenplay, including an overly drawn-out poker scene. Despite Sam CS’s compelling musical backdrop, genuine tension remains elusive—partly due to the complexities of poker that many viewers may not grasp fully.
As the story unfolds, Kannan’s meticulous planning during an elaborate heist takes center stage, highlighting his expertise and raising tantalizing questions about his backstory. Sadly, many of these remain unanswered, leaving audiences yearning for more depth.
Stellar Performances
Vijay Sethupathi’s portrayal of Bold Kannan shines, enriching the character with his signature wit and commanding presence. Rukmini Vasanth excels as Rukku, adding emotional weight to her role. However, occasional lip-syncing discrepancies can be distracting, momentarily pulling viewers from the narrative.
Cinematic Aesthetics
Karan B Rawat’s cinematography exquisitely captures Malaysia’s breathtaking landscapes, further immersing viewers in the unfolding drama. The music, however, proves to be a mixed blessing. While Sam CS’s background score often clashes with the visuals, Justin Prabhakaran’s melodic pieces offer brief moments of respite, albeit serving as narrative speed bumps.
Structural Concerns
Ace falls victim to significant structural flaws. The lack of backstory regarding Kannan’s past undermines his seemingly extraordinary abilities, leaving audiences to accept his brilliance at face value. The screenplay leans on convenient plot devices, rendering many twists predictable and diminishing their intended impact.
Final Thoughts
Despite the film’s engaging heist sequences and a more exhilarating second half, the overall experience feels incomplete, ultimately reflecting a missed opportunity for deeper storytelling. In the realm of polarizing cinema, Ace joins its predecessor with a different flavor—while the earlier film delighted in its quirky chaos, Ace wrestles with its own convenient narrative solutions.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Conclusion
While Ace showcases Vijay Sethupathi’s stellar performance and Arumugakumar’s unique voice, it struggles to maintain consistent momentum across its runtime. This film could have become a masterclass in heist thrillers but instead leaves viewers longing for a more refined and coherent narrative experience.
