Vijay Sethupathi, Yogi Babu fail to elevate this weak thriller.

Imagine this scenario: an **ordinary person**—poor, lonely, and single—daydreams of a life far removed from his reality. What if he could fly to a distant land filled with a vibrant Tamil diaspora? Perhaps he’d encounter a **stunning beauty**, reminiscent of an actress from Sapta Saagardaache Ello? If fate had it, she might live across from him, and they would take the same train to work every day. What if, in a twist of fate, he became a **Prince Charming** with divine poker skills or resorted to a bank heist to save her from her abusive stepfather? After all, it’s all one elaborate dream. Welcome to the world of Ace, where the ridiculous meets the entertaining.

Plot Overview

Ace is an intriguing blend of comedy and thriller, but don’t let the concept fool you—it’s a **mixed bag**. Drawing upon a storyline that feels like a **royal flush of convenient writing**, the film manages to engage its audience… up to a point. Featuring notable talents like the phenomenal **Yogi Babu**, who lights up the screen as Arivukarasan, the film finds its humor primarily through his **impeccable timing**. With nine out of ten of his jokes landing flawlessly, one can’t help but chuckle.

Character Dynamics

The lead pair, **Vijay Sethupathi** and **Rukmini Vasanth**, are undeniably adorable as ‘Bolt’ Kannan and Rukmini. Their charming interplay captivates, particularly in scenes like when Vijay’s hesitant grin meets Rukmini’s wave from her balcony. Their chemistry is palpable, lending the film an endearing quality that even lazy writing struggles to overshadow. One highlight is their playful banter during the ‘Urugudhu Urugudhu’ song, a moment that stirs a longing for a full-fledged rom-com.

Rukmini Vasanth and Vijay Sethupathi in a still from ‘Ace’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Musical Touch

Credit goes to **Justin Prabhakaran** for a soundtrack that elevates the film’s mood without overshadowing the narrative. His background score complements the film’s atmosphere effortlessly, engaging the audience while retaining subtlety.

What Goes Wrong?

Despite the film’s initial promise, it struggles to maintain momentum post-intermission. Concepts introduced, like Kannan’s impeccable poker skills and Arivu’s sanitation employment, are merely left dangling, failing to influence the plot meaningfully. The subplot featuring Rukmini’s obnoxious stepfather, Rajadurai (played by Babloo Prithviraj), swiftly transitions from engaging to **unnecessary**.

The Shift in Tone

As it veers into serious territory, grappling with the nuances of a heist thriller, Ace stumbles considerably. With a premise ripe for comedy, the film lacks clarity in its tone. It hovers between a suspenseful thriller and a lighthearted caper—yet never fully commits to either. Moments meant for tension often come off as unaffecting—highlighted in two central action sequences where the humor feels forced.

Rukmini Vasanth and Vijay Sethupathi in a still from ‘Ace’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

One particular quip from Arivu captures the film perfectly: “**ennada plan’u plan’u nutu, enna maati vidradhu dhana da unnoda plan’u?**”—a testament to the film’s sporadic execution. While it teases with potential, it often reveals more than it impresses.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, Ace serves up a **whimsical premise** packaged in a way that promises thrills—but ultimately falls short. If you’re looking for light-hearted entertainment with a dash of absurdity, it may tickle your fancy. However, if depth, coherence, and a well-defined tonal structure are what you seek, you might find yourself rolling your eyes more often than not. **Currently screening in theatres**, this film is a takeaway for fans of the stars involved, and a cautionary tale for narrative foundations.