Why Ajith Kumar’s 300-Crore Film Good Bad Ugly Was Removed from Netflix in 2025? Full Story Explained

Why Ajith Kumar’s 300-Crore Film Good Bad Ugly Was Removed from Netflix in 2025? Full Story Explained

Discover why Ajith Kumar’s ₹300-crore film Good Bad Ugly was suddenly removed from Netflix in 2025. From box office failure to OTT success, and the legal battle with Ilaiyaraaja—read the full story here.

In the dynamic world of Indian cinema, where blockbuster films often dominate conversations, Ajith Kumar’s much-hyped 300-crore project Good Bad Ugly made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Released on April 10, 2025, the film struggled at the box office, failing to match its massive budget with returns. However, the tables turned when it debuted on Netflix in multiple languages—Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam—where it quickly became a trending title, attracting audiences worldwide. Yet, just as fans began celebrating its OTT success, the film mysteriously disappeared from Netflix.

The sudden removal of Good Bad Ugly left fans confused and sparked debates on social media. What really happened? Why did a film, which was gaining traction on OTT after flopping in theaters, suddenly vanish? The answer lies in a legal battle involving legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja, copyright issues, and court interventions. Let’s dive deep into the controversy, the reasons behind its removal, and how this affects the future of big-budget Indian films on streaming platforms. 🎬🔥

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Good Bad Ugly: From Box Office Failure to OTT Triumph 📉➡️📈

Good Bad Ugly was one of the most anticipated Tamil action comedies of 2025. Starring Ajith Kumar in the lead, the film promised a blend of high-octane action, emotional drama, and comedy, directed by Adhik Ravichandran under the banner of Mythri Movie Makers. With a massive budget of ₹300 crores, expectations were sky-high.

Unfortunately, despite the star power and scale, the film underperformed at the box office. Critics pointed out its uneven screenplay and lack of originality, while some praised Ajith’s performance. Just when fans thought the film would fade into obscurity, its OTT release on May 8, 2025 turned things around. Within days of streaming on Netflix, the film began trending across India and overseas, gaining a second life in the digital space.

But this success was short-lived.

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The Unexpected Removal: Fans Left Shocked 😲

In June 2025, fans noticed that Good Bad Ugly was no longer available on Netflix. Viewers searching for the film in India found that it had been completely taken down. The sudden disappearance raised countless questions online. Many speculated it was a strategic move by producers, while others suspected legal troubles.

The truth soon came out—copyright infringement had caught up with the film.

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Ilaiyaraaja vs. Mythri Movie Makers: The Legal Battle ⚖️

The heart of the controversy lies in the unauthorized use of three iconic songs by legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja. According to reports, the film featured his tracks:

• Otta Ruba Tharen
  
  

• En Jodi Manja Kuruvi
  
  

• Ilamai Idho Idho
  
  

Ilaiyaraaja alleged that the producers used these classics without his consent. Although Mythri Movie Makers claimed they had obtained necessary permissions from music labels, Ilaiyaraaja insisted that only he held the creator’s rights.

In April 2025, he sent a legal notice demanding ₹5 crore in damages and removal of his songs from the film. When the producers failed to resolve the matter, the case went to court. Justice N. Senthilkumar ruled in favor of Ilaiyaraaja, ordering that the film must not be released with the disputed songs.

As a result, Netflix was compelled to remove the film entirely from its platform.

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Producers’ Stand: "We Followed Protocol" 🎙️

Producer Yalamanchili Ravishankar of Mythri Movie Makers defended the team’s actions, stating:

“We obtained permission from all music labels for the songs used in the film. The labels had the rights, and we followed protocol by securing NOCs. We acted as per the rules.”

Despite these claims, the court sided with Ilaiyaraaja, stressing that artistic ownership cannot be bypassed by label permissions alone.

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About the Film: Cast and Storyline 🎥

Good Bad Ugly is an action-comedy that marks Adhik Ravichandran’s debut in Tamil cinema. The film boasted an ensemble cast including:

• Ajith Kumar as AK
  
  

• Trisha Krishnan
  
  

• Arjun Das
  
  

• Sunil
  
  

• Prabhu
  
  

• Prasanna
  
  

• Priya Prakash Varrier
  
  

• Jackie Shroff
  
  

• Shine Tom Chacko
  
  

• Tinnu Anand
  
  

• BS Avinash
  
  

• Raghu Ram
  
  

Plot Summary

Ajith Kumar played AK, a powerful underworld leader imprisoned for years. Upon release, AK attempts to leave behind his dark past and start anew. But when his son is caught in a dangerous situation, AK is forced back into the world of crime. The film explored themes of redemption, family loyalty, and moral dilemmas, wrapped in action sequences and humor.

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Impact on OTT Releases: A Warning for Filmmakers 🚨

The controversy surrounding Good Bad Ugly highlights the growing importance of intellectual property rights in the digital streaming era. While theatrical releases may sometimes bypass copyright disputes temporarily, OTT platforms like Netflix operate under strict international legal frameworks.

This case serves as a cautionary tale for producers: securing label permissions alone may not be enough; original creators’ consent is equally crucial. With audiences consuming films globally, even small disputes can lead to massive financial and reputational setbacks.

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Future of Good Bad Ugly: Will It Return? 🔄

Fans are still hopeful that Good Bad Ugly will return to OTT platforms once the disputed songs are removed or replaced. Producers may release an edited version without Ilaiyaraaja’s music or settle the dispute through compensation. Until then, the film’s availability remains uncertain.

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Conclusion 📝

Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly stands as a reminder of the unpredictable journey of films in the modern era. From a ₹300-crore theatrical disappointment to an OTT favorite, and finally a legal casualty, the film has experienced every possible twist. At its heart, the controversy underscores the significance of respecting creators’ rights in the entertainment industry.

For now, fans can only wait to see if the film makes a comeback on digital platforms—or if it will forever remain a "lost" OTT sensation of 2025.

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FAQs 🤔

Q1. Why was Good Bad Ugly removed from Netflix?
It was removed due to a legal dispute involving composer Ilaiyaraaja’s songs used without his permission.

Q2. Which songs caused the controversy?
Three of Ilaiyaraaja’s classics—Otta Ruba Tharen, En Jodi Manja Kuruvi, and Ilamai Idho Idho.

Q3. Did the film perform well at the box office?
No, despite its ₹300-crore budget, it underperformed theatrically.

Q4. Was the film successful on OTT?
Yes, it trended on Netflix in multiple languages soon after release.

Q5. Will the film return to Netflix?
Possibly, if the disputed songs are removed or the legal battle is resolved.