Review: Ace
Film: Ace
Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Yogi Babu, Rukmini Vasanth, Divya Pillai, Babloo Prithveeraj, B.S. Avinash, Muthu Kumar, Raj Kumar, Denes Kumar, Alvin Martin, Priscilla Nair, Jasper Supayah, Kaarthick Jay, Nagulan, Zahrinaris & Others
Producer & Director : Arumugakumar
Banner : 7Cs Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
DOP : Karan B Rawat
Music : Justin Prabhakaran
Original Background Score : Sam CS
Editor : Fenny Oliver
Art Director : A.K. Muthu
Rating: 3.5 stars
Director Arumugakumar’s ‘Ace’ is a delightfully simple, funny, romantic entertainer that helps you forget your troubles for a good two-and-a-half hours.
It is a breezy, light commercial entertainer which does not attempt to preach about toxic masculinity, caste, religion or patriotism like most other films in recent times do. Instead, what Arumugakumar dishes out is a neat heist drama that has romance as its base.
The film doesn’t have any messages to convey to society and it certainly does not attempt to take the moral high ground – a big relief! At the same time, the makers seem to have not made the mistake of underestimating the intelligence of audiences. So, what we do not have is a mindless comedy devoid of logic but a neat heist drama that has enough twists and turns to keep you glued to the screen. It is exactly what a lot of people have been craving for in recent times.
The story in brief…
Bolt/Bold Kannan (Vijay Sethupathi) arrives in Malaysia, to put behind him his murky past and get a fresh start in life. At the airport, Arivukarasan (Yogi Babu), who is basically a scrap dealer, mistakes him for someone his relative back home has sent and takes him along as his labourer. Bolt Kannan soon begins working as a chef in the small eatery of Divya Pillai, a woman Arivu has been trying to impress.
Kannan’s stay begins on a pleasant note. He has a couple of confrontations with his neighbour Rukku (Rukmini Vasanth) but eventually both of them realise they like each other. It is then that Kannan realises that the two women who have helped him — Divya Pillai and Rukku have problems and that they need a huge sum of money to fix their problems. What he decides to do next is what the film is all about.
Analysis
Vijay Sethupathi is a delight to watch. The man has lost quite a bit of weight and is back to being his handsome self. He delivers a commanding performance, delivering exactly what the script needs.
Rukmini Vasanth is a perfect fit for the character of Rukku. She looks every bit a Tamilian in Malaysia and the manner she carries herself through the film lends credibility to her character — a strong testament to the impressive performance she has delivered.
Yogi Babu is back to doing what he does best — providing laughs. No joke seems out of place or forced. The comedian is relaxed and in his comfort zone. That comfort helps him combine well with Vijay Sethupathi to deliver humour throughout the film.
Divya Pillai is a stunner and commands your attention every time she appears on screen.
Babloo Prithviraj too delivers a powerful performance as a corrupt, immoral police officer. In fact, one other reason why the film works so beautifully is because of Babloo playing the antagonist to perfection.
Sam C S delivers an apt background score and Justin Prabhakaran’s songs are melliflous and a treat to the ears.
In all, Arumugakumar delivers a neat, clean, highly enjoyable commercial entertainer that works big time.
