Ajith Kumar’s latest release, ‘Good Bad Ugly,’ has not only captivated audiences but also redefined box office standards in Tamil cinema. With a stellar ₹28.50 crore in opening-day earnings, the film underscores Ajith Kumar’s unparalleled star power and the industry’s evolving dynamics.
IMDB : Good Bad Ugly(2025)
Unprecedented Opening Day Performance
Released on April 10, 2025, ‘Good Bad Ugly’ achieved an average occupancy rate of 76% across theaters nationwide on its first day. In key regions like Chennai and Coimbatore, evening shows saw occupancy rates exceeding 95%, underscoring Ajith Kumar’s enduring popularity. This opening surpasses the ₹28 crore debut of his 2022 film ‘Valimai’ and significantly exceeds the ₹22 crore first-day collection of ‘Vidaamuyarchi’ earlier this year.
Dominance in Advance Bookings
Before its release, ‘Good Bad Ugly’ set a new record in advance bookings. The film registered the highest pre-release sales for an opening day in Tamil Nadu, earning ₹2.09 crore from 2,091 shows in the state. This figure surpasses the advance sales of ‘Beast’ (2022), which earned ₹1.5 crore from fewer than 1,500 shows. Additionally, the film achieved the biggest opening for an Ajith-starrer in Norway, selling over 645 tickets at the location.
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Strong Performance in Overseas Markets
Given Ajith Kumar’s substantial fan base abroad, ‘Good Bad Ugly’ also performed robustly in international markets. While exact figures are pending, preliminary reports suggest the film secured one of the highest openings for a Tamil film overseas.
About ‘Good Bad Ugly’
Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, ‘Good Bad Ugly’ is a Tamil-language action-comedy that combines elements of mass entertainment with a compelling storyline. The film features an ensemble cast, including Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Sunil, Jackie Shroff, Tinnu Anand, Karthikeya Dev, Priya Prakash Varrier, Prabhu, Prasanna, Raghu Ram, Redin Kingsley, and Shine Tom Chacko. The narrative follows Ajith Kumar’s character, “AK,” a retired gangster who returns to his former ways to clear his son’s name after a wrongful arrest.
Production and Development
The inception of ‘Good Bad Ugly’ traces back to early 2019 when director Adhik Ravichandran narrated a script to Ajith Kumar during the filming of ‘Nerkonda Paarvai.’ Ajith agreed to collaborate, leading to the project’s official announcement in March 2024. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film boasts a substantial production budget, with Ajith reportedly receiving ₹165 crore as his remuneration.
Musical Score and Cinematography
The film’s music, composed by G.V. Prakash Kumar, marks his third collaboration with Adhik Ravichandran. The soundtrack features tracks like “OG Sambavam,” “God Bless U,” and “Ak The Tiger,” released in the lead-up to the film’s premiere. Cinematographer Abinandhan Ramanujam captures the film’s dynamic visuals, complemented by Vijay Velukutty’s editing.
Critical Reception
The film has elicited mixed reviews from both critics and audiences. IndiaGlitz praised the on-screen chemistry between Ajith Kumar and Trisha Krishnan, highlighting their successful collaborations and the fresh cinematic magic they bring to this project. However, Gulte.com noted that while Ajith’s performance was commendable, the film’s plot felt dated, and the narrative lacked emotional depth. CinemaExpress commented on the film’s visual appeal but pointed out that its homage-filled approach might not resonate with all viewers.
Anticipated Box Office Trajectory
Anticipated Box Office Trajectory‘Good Bad Ugly’ is on track to become one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year. Industry analysts predict that the film will surpass the opening day collections of other major releases like ‘Jailer’ and ‘Beast,’ potentially entering the list of top five Kollywood openers.
Streaming Rights Acquisition
In a significant development, Netflix has acquired the post-theatrical streaming rights of ‘Good Bad Ugly’ for ₹95 crore, marking one of the largest deals for an Ajith Kumar film. This acquisition ensures that audiences worldwide will have access to the film on the platform following its theatrical run.
‘Good Bad Ugly’ exemplifies Ajith Kumar’s star power and the film’s widespread appeal. With its record-breaking opening, positive reviews, and substantial streaming deal, the film is poised for continued success in both domestic and international markets.
