Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly hit theatres with all the fireworks one expects from a star-driven entertainer. Directed by self-proclaimed Ajith fan Adhik Ravichandran, the film has sparked a flood of reactions, most of them split straight down the middle. While die-hard fans are hailing it as a “mass” comeback for the star, critics are pointing out the film’s uneven storytelling and over-the-top fan service.
Across social media, Ajith fans have declared the film a winner. Many are celebrating his powerful entry, catchy songs, and scenes that reference his past blockbusters. A user wrote, “Violence. Violence. Violence. Thala is back,” quoting one of the film’s many callback dialogues. Another praised the nostalgia-filled interaction between Ajith and Simran, calling it one of the film’s standout moments. The remix of Ilamai Idho and the song God Bless U have also become instant hits among audiences.
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However, critics have a more restrained take. The general consensus is that while Good Bad Ugly offers plenty of moments for fans to cheer, it doesn’t do much beyond that. Ajith plays Red Dragon aka AK, a gangster who surrenders for the sake of his son and returns to action when the boy is kidnapped. The first half, packed with slick action and star-powered moments, moves quickly. But the second half, filled with flashbacks, dragged-out scenes, and a cluttered villain list, loses momentum.
A common complaint is the number of villains including Arjun Das, Jackie Shroff, Rahul Dev, Shine Tom Chacko, and others, none of whom get enough screen time to make an impact. Arjun Das, in a double role, especially left critics underwhelmed. Trisha’s character is also seen as underwritten, serving more as a plot device than a fully realised role.
What has raised eyebrows even further are the animated cameos. From John Wick to Money Heist’s Professor and Don Lee from The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil, the film takes wild creative liberties. While fans in theatres cheered, some critics questioned the legality and necessity of these references.
Despite all this, Good Bad Ugly is being praised for its technical aspects, GV Prakash’s music, especially during elevation scenes, and Abinandhan Ramanujam’s stylish cinematography.
In short, if you're an Ajith fan, this film gives you everything you could want. For everyone else, it’s a loud, chaotic, and overindulgent ride that might be harder to sit through.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.