Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly smashes opening day record with Rs 51cr global debut — Here’s why fans can’t stop watching

Ajith Kumar’s 63rd film as lead actor, Good Bad Ugly, stormed into theatres on April 10, 2025, and instantly rewrote Tamil box office history by grossing ₹30.9 crore on its opening day in Tamil Nadu alone. That figure not only marks the highest Tamil Nadu opening for an Ajith-starrer but also positions the film among the top-performing openers in South Indian cinema history. With global collections exceeding ₹51 crore on Day 1 and North American earnings surpassing $600,000, the film’s debut signals both local dominance and international appeal.

The performance was driven by a mix of anticipation, strategic release planning, and Ajith Kumar’s enduring popularity. The release saw over 2,400 shows across Tamil Nadu, the widest rollout for a Tamil film in the state. What makes the feat more notable is that these numbers were achieved without early morning shows, a common strategy for big-star films in the region. High occupancy levels throughout the day suggested that the film’s pull was organic and not reliant on hype alone.

Pre-release ticketing also indicated strong momentum. According to industry trackers, Good Bad Ugly registered ₹7.89 crore in pre-sales in Tamil Nadu from 2,091 shows, beating the record previously held by Beast (2022). Total global pre-sales stood at ₹47.25 crore, making it the highest opening advance booking for any Ajith Kumar film to date.

What is Good Bad Ugly about and why is it generating buzz?

At the heart of Good Bad Ugly is a storyline that blends action, sentiment, and fan-centric callbacks. Ajith Kumar plays AK, also known as Red Dragon, a once-notorious gangster who voluntarily surrenders in the hopes of reconnecting with his estranged family. Released from prison after 18 years, AK discovers that his son Vihaan has been falsely implicated in a drug case. His journey to clear his son’s name forms the crux of the film, leading him back into the underworld to confront the criminal gang known as the Dark Wolves.

The narrative incorporates a dual-antagonist arc featuring twin brothers Johnny and Jammy, whose existence had long been concealed. As AK uncovers their role in framing Vihaan, he embarks on a mission that culminates in violent confrontations, betrayals, and shocking revelations—including a twist that Vihaan’s girlfriend, initially thought to be murdered, had been part of a larger conspiracy.

Despite criticisms around its excessive runtime and uneven pacing, the film has found resonance with audiences due to its fusion of emotional drama, stylised action, and mythologising of Ajith Kumar’s on-screen persona. The plot even includes animated cameos by pop culture figures like Don Lee, John Wick, and The Professor from Money Heist, a storytelling technique that appeals directly to fans familiar with global action franchises.

How did the production and casting elevate Good Bad Ugly’s anticipation?

The film’s production was first confirmed in October 2023 under the tentative title AK63. It was officially announced in March 2024 as Good Bad Ugly, a nod to the 1966 Sergio Leone western classic The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Ajith Kumar reportedly chose the title himself, and it marks his first English-titled film since Red (2002).

Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, the film was produced by Mythri Movie Makers in their Tamil debut, alongside presenters Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar of T-Series Films. Filming began in May 2024 across Hyderabad, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Notably, the Spain schedule included Toledo House—famous for its role in Money Heist—cementing the filmmakers’ efforts to blend Indian action storytelling with global cinematic motifs.

The project was mounted on a lavish production budget between ₹270 crore and ₹300 crore, placing it among the costliest Tamil films ever produced. Ajith Kumar was reportedly paid ₹150 crore, further underscoring the film’s scale and ambition.

Trisha Krishnan stars as Ramya, AK’s estranged wife, marking her sixth collaboration with Ajith. Arjun Das takes on a dual role as Johnny and Jammy, while other supporting roles are filled by Sunil, Priya Prakash Varrier, Jackie Shroff, Prasanna, Shine Tom Chacko, Yogi Babu, and Simran in a cameo.

How has the critical reception impacted its early momentum?

While Good Bad Ugly has clearly struck a chord with Ajith Kumar’s fanbase, critical response has been mixed. Reviewers have lauded the film’s stylised execution, high-energy fight sequences, and crowd-pleasing moments, but many have also pointed out shortcomings in its storytelling and emotional depth.

Firstpost awarded the film 3.5 stars, praising its visual spectacle and “wow moments” crafted for Ajith fans. The Times of India, Indian Express, and Cinema Express each gave 3 stars, noting that although the film is chaotic and over-the-top, it still manages to entertain. Critics agreed that the film prioritises fan service and nostalgic callbacks, often breaking the fourth wall and referencing Ajith’s earlier hits.

Conversely, reviewers from India Today, OTTPlay, and Moneycontrol offered 2.5-star ratings, expressing concerns about the film’s lack of narrative coherence. Observations pointed to overuse of slow-motion, gunfire-heavy sequences, and emotionally flat arcs. Hindustan Times echoed the sentiment that Good Bad Ugly functions more as a cinematic shrine to Ajith than a fully realised story.

Nonetheless, analysts believe that for a star-driven Tamil film, fan satisfaction and theatrical energy can often override critical hesitations—at least in the initial box office run.

What is the music and marketing strategy behind the film?

The soundtrack, composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, includes four tracks that have performed well online. Singles like “OG Sambavam,” “God Bless U,” and “AK The Tiger” blend mass appeal with regional rhythms, adding momentum to the film’s promotional build-up.

Marketing played a pivotal role in the film’s pre-release buzz. The teaser, launched in February 2025, garnered over 32 million views within 24 hours—setting a new record for Tamil cinema. The theatrical trailer, released on April 4, 2025, highlighted key action sequences and dialogue callbacks to Ajith’s past blockbusters. According to director Adhik Ravichandran, these were designed as “mass-appeal moments” rather than simple references, aimed at both long-time fans and casual viewers.

What are the distribution and streaming details?

The distribution rights for Tamil Nadu were acquired by Romeo Pictures, while KVN Productions and Sree Gokulam Movies secured the Karnataka and Kerala markets respectively. U.S. distribution was handled by Prathyangira Cinemas, and the film was released in standard and EPIQ formats across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam languages.

Netflix acquired the film’s post-theatrical digital streaming rights for ₹95 crore, aligning with the trend of streaming platforms investing heavily in South Indian big-budget projects. The film is expected to begin streaming after an eight-week exclusive theatrical window.

How is the film performing beyond Tamil Nadu?

While Tamil Nadu remains the epicenter of Good Bad Ugly’s success, its performance abroad—particularly in North America—has demonstrated Ajith Kumar’s growing international fanbase. The film grossed over $600,000 in North America on opening day, placing it among the top Indian openers in the region for 2025.

However, the film did see a significant drop of over 65% on Day 2, collecting only ₹13.5 crore. Whether this dip is indicative of limited repeat viewership or simply a weekday slowdown will be tested over the Tamil New Year weekend, which often boosts theatre attendance.

Why does Good Bad Ugly matter for Ajith Kumar’s career?

Good Bad Ugly is a turning point not because it reinvents Ajith Kumar as a performer but because it amplifies the cinematic universe built around his persona. The film serves as both tribute and reaffirmation of his mass appeal, layered with larger-than-life action, callbacks, and a mythologised storyline. It may not be a universally appealing narrative, but it firmly reestablishes Ajith’s dominance in fan-driven box office ecosystems.

With streaming deals already secured and a blockbuster opening to boast of, the film’s commercial strategy has ensured financial insulation. Whether it sustains long-term theatrical momentum or faces second-week drop-offs, Good Bad Ugly has made its mark as one of the boldest and most expensive vehicles crafted around a Tamil superstar.