Vijay Sethupathi, though a Tamil actor by industry label, has amassed a huge fan following across languages — especially in Telugu cinema. His impactful roles in films like Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy and Uppena were widely appreciated, cementing his place in the hearts of Telugu audiences. His natural acting and grounded screen presence have helped him earn a pan-India fan base.
Last year, Sethupathi stunned everyone with his performance in Maharaja. Despite having a low-key release, the film became a surprise blockbuster, performing well both in theatres and on OTT platforms. That success further established Vijay Sethupathi as a dependable actor with strong box office pull.
However, his latest outing, Ace, has not lived up to expectations. Released quietly with minimal promotion, the film failed to create any pre-release buzz. Unfortunately, even after hitting theatres, it couldn’t impress audiences. Directed by Arumugakumar, Ace falls flat with a predictable, formulaic storyline and dull narration that lacks emotional grip or fresh content.
In a time when box office performance is already under pressure, such underwhelming releases do more harm than good. Ace opened to poor occupancy, with reports of show cancellations on day one in multiple locations. Telugu reviewers and audiences have also expressed disappointment, calling the film a letdown compared to Sethupathi’s past works. For an actor of his caliber, fans expected better, making Ace a missed opportunity in his filmography.