If there’s one reason to watch Ace, it’s Vijay Sethupathi — the man who can make even the most uneven scripts feel watchable. This heist thriller, directed by [Director Name], promises high stakes, clever twists, and gritty drama, but only partially delivers. While Sethupathi’s magnetic screen presence keeps the engine running, the film as a whole struggles to match up to its potential.
The Plot: A Promising Heist, Loosely Held Together
Ace revolves around a master con artist turned reluctant criminal mastermind (played by Vijay Sethupathi) who’s pulled back into the game for one last job. With a crew of mismatched misfits, he’s tasked with pulling off an audacious heist — the kind that could change all their lives forever.
Sounds exciting, right?
Well, it is — on paper.
The first act builds intrigue and introduces its characters with flair. But as the story unfolds, the pacing stutters, and the narrative becomes cluttered with subplots and undercooked character arcs. The second half, instead of tightening the tension, often meanders.
Vijay Sethupathi: The Undisputed Ace
No matter the flaws, Sethupathi is simply brilliant. With his trademark effortless style, he infuses depth and unpredictability into a character that could’ve easily been generic. His sly glances, dry wit, and quiet intensity are the film’s saving grace.
Whether he’s masterminding a complex plan or reflecting on a troubled past, Sethupathi brings a gravitas that commands attention.
Direction & Cinematography
Visually, Ace is sleek. The cinematography by [Cinematographer Name] adds a moody, noir-like texture to the film. The heist sequences are crafted with technical finesse, especially a mid-film chase that offers genuine thrills.
Unfortunately, the direction falters in maintaining a cohesive tone. The film swings between serious crime drama and stylized action flick, often feeling unsure of what it wants to be.
Music & Background Score
The background score is solid, especially during tense moments. However, the songs — though few — feel forced and unnecessary, halting the narrative flow rather than enhancing it.
Script & Screenplay: The Real Villain
The biggest heist here? The script. Despite a killer concept, the writing lacks sharpness. The dialogues are serviceable but rarely memorable. Emotional subplots feel rushed, and some twists land flat. A more focused, layered screenplay could have turned Ace into a genre-defining film.
Verdict: Watch it for Sethupathi, Stay for the Style (But Don’t Expect a Masterpiece)
Ace is a film that could have been a knockout but ends up being a stylish yet underwhelming thriller. Vijay Sethupathi, as always, delivers a powerhouse performance, proving once again why he’s one of India’s finest actors. Unfortunately, the script doesn’t match his caliber.
If you’re a fan of Sethupathi, this one’s worth a watch. But if you’re looking for the next big heist classic, you may leave the theatre slightly short-changed.
🎟️ Rating: 2.75/5