Good Bad Ugly – Release Date, Cast, Budget, Director, Box Office & Global Success!
Good Bad Ugly, a Tamil-language action-comedy film directed by Adhik Ravichandran, has become one of the most anticipated films of 2025. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film marks their first venture into Tamil cinema. The film stars Ajith Kumar in the lead role, alongside Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, and other notable actors. With a star-studded cast, intense action sequences, and high-octane drama, Good Bad Ugly has captured the attention of moviegoers worldwide.
Release Date
The film was released globally on April 10, 2025, in both standard and EPIQ formats, bringing an immersive experience to the audience. The release was eagerly awaited by fans, especially Ajith Kumar’s loyal following, who have long anticipated his 63rd film as a lead actor. The film’s release was originally slated for January 2025, coinciding with the Pongal festival, but was later rescheduled to April after other major films, including Vidaamuyarchi, adjusted their release dates.
Cast
Good Bad Ugly boasts a dynamic and talented cast. Ajith Kumar, playing the role of AK, a retired gangster pulled back into a life of violence to protect his son, anchors the film. Trisha Krishnan, who shares a strong on-screen chemistry with Ajith, plays Ramya, AK’s wife. Arjun Das portrays one of the antagonists, with Sunil, Karthikeya Dev, and Priya Prakash Varrier rounding out the supporting cast. Notable actors like Prabhu, Prasanna, Tinnu Anand, and Raghu Ram also make appearances, contributing to the film’s rich character development.
In addition to these core characters, the film includes Shine Tom Chacko, Jackie Shroff, Simran, and Usha Uthup in cameo roles, making it a multi-generational cinematic spectacle.
Director and Production
Adhik Ravichandran, known for his work in films like Mark Antony (2023), takes the director’s chair for this high-budget action thriller. The film’s screenplay was co-written by Adhik along with Ravi Kandasamy, Harish Manikandan, and B. Hari Krishna. The film’s production was handled by Mythri Movie Makers, marking their first foray into Tamil cinema. The producers, Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar, have been instrumental in ensuring the film’s grand scale.
Filming began in May 2024 in Hyderabad, with key sequences shot in Spain and the United Kingdom. The movie showcases stunning visuals captured by Abinandhan Ramanujam, whose cinematography adds a cinematic flair to the action sequences. The film’s editing was handled by Vijay Velukutty, ensuring the pacing complements the high-stakes narrative.
Budget and Production Values
Good Bad Ugly was produced with a massive budget ranging between ₹270 crore (US$32 million) and ₹300 crore (US$35 million). This significant investment was used to create visually stunning action sequences, grand set pieces, and international locations, which play a critical role in making the film a global phenomenon. Ajith Kumar reportedly received ₹150 crore (US$18 million) for his role, a testament to his star power and the film’s commercial potential.
The film’s music was composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, marking his third collaboration with Adhik Ravichandran after Trisha Illana Nayanthara (2015) and Mark Antony (2023). The soundtrack is one of the highlights of the film, featuring tracks like “OG Sambavam”, “God Bless U”, and “AK The Tiger”. The music and background score have been praised for complementing the film’s high-energy tone.
Box Office Performance
Upon its release, Good Bad Ugly made an impressive debut at the box office. On its opening day, the film grossed a massive ₹50 crore (US$5.8 million) globally. This made it Ajith Kumar’s fastest film to gross ₹100 crore (US$12 million), surpassing his previous films. By April 14, 2025, the film had grossed approximately ₹152 crore (US$18 million) worldwide.
In Tamil Nadu, the film saw a record-breaking release, being shown in 2,400 theaters, the highest ever for a Tamil film in the state. It also performed strongly in overseas territories, including the United Kingdom, where it recorded the highest opening for an Ajith film in that region.
The film’s pre-booking sales were also exceptional, surpassing ₹7.89 crore (US$920,000) in Tamil Nadu alone, making it the highest pre-release sale for an Ajith-starrer. The film’s opening weekend gross reached ₹152 crore, establishing it as a major success at the box office.
Critical Reception
Good Bad Ugly received a mixed response from critics. While many critics praised the performances, particularly that of Ajith Kumar and Arjun Das, the film’s writing received some criticism. The action-heavy film was seen as a tribute to Ajith’s past works, with numerous callbacks to his earlier films, which thrilled his fanbase but left others wanting more in terms of story depth.
Firstpost gave the film a rating of 3.5/5, calling it a “big-ticket entertainer” and a “visual treat for Ajith fans”. The Times of India rated it 3/5, noting that while the film was filled with high-energy moments, the writing could have been stronger. Cinema Express echoed similar sentiments, calling it a “chaotic shrine to nostalgia”. However, some critics like Bhawana Tanmayi of Moneycontrol gave the film 2.5/5, criticizing it for lacking a strong emotional core and relying too heavily on style over substance.
Global Impact and Success
The film’s international reach has been impressive, with the teaser trailer receiving over 32 million views in just 24 hours, making it the most-viewed Tamil film teaser at the time. Its global box office success is not limited to Tamil-speaking audiences but extends to audiences across India and beyond.
Good Bad Ugly was also released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam, to cater to a diverse audience. The film’s international distribution was handled by Romeo Pictures, KVN Productions, and Sree Gokulam Movies, ensuring a wide release across various regions.
The post-theatrical streaming rights were acquired by Netflix for a significant ₹95 crore (US$11 million), further extending the film’s reach to global audiences.
Conclusion
Good Bad Ugly stands as a major milestone in Ajith Kumar’s career, both in terms of box office success and its appeal to fans. With a high-budget production, stunning action sequences, and an all-star cast, the film successfully delivers a spectacle that resonates with audiences, especially Ajith’s loyal followers. While it may have received mixed reviews for its writing, its commercial performance and ability to captivate audiences worldwide cannot be denied. As one of the biggest Tamil films of 2025, Good Bad Ugly has already cemented its place in the annals of Tamil cinema.
