Director Venkat Prabhu first grabs attention with his Vijay-starring film, GOAT (The Greatest of All Time). The movie opens with a gripping recovery mission led by Gandhi (Vijay), a secret agent, up against the villain Rajiv Menon (Mohan). True to the film’s title, Gandhi delivers a thrilling action scene that highlights his unique flair. But just as he’s about to make the final move on Rajiv, a friend intervenes because of the unfolding situation.
- This opening scene sets the tone for the movie, showcasing moments of brilliance from Venkat and his team that make GOAT stand out with its blend of exciting action and fan-pleasing elements.
In GOAT, Gandhi heads a Special Anti-Terrorism Squad that features his friends Sunil (Prashanth), Ajay (Ajmal), Kalyan (Prabhu Deva), and their boss Nazeer (Jayaram). The film portrays these characters as seasoned agents who juggle their routine office life, complete with the usual workroom banter. Additionally, Gandhi’s wife, Anu (Sneha), struggles with how work spills over into their personal lives, adding a relatable layer to the narrative.
If GOAT isn’t your first action thriller, you’ll know things will get messy eventually. What starts as a calm setup soon leads to a whirlwind of events. When the story jumps from 2008 to the present, the action ramps significantly, turning GOAT into an intense and thrilling ride, almost like encountering a Chupacabra.
One of the highlights of GOAT is undoubtedly its impressive casting. While some roles might appear as glorified cameos, the ensemble cast resembles an Expendables-style lineup. The familiarity with these actors makes it easy to connect with the camaraderie and friendships within the team.
The seasoned veterans bring their best to the film, adding a special touch to the overall experience.
Despite the star-studded cast, Vijay is the film’s standout, carrying it with his dual roles as Gandhi and his son Jeevan. Director Venkat Prabhu skillfully ensures that both characters have their moments in the spotlight. Gandhi and Jeevan grapple with their responsibilities, personal losses, and a mission that drives the plot. The film’s strength lies in how the director and Vijay handle the contrast between these roles. Like Gandhi, Vijay shines as a man burdened by responsibilities that culminate in grief, particularly in a powerful scene where he faces a significant loss.
It’s commendable when filmmakers take feedback to heart and make improvements. We’ve seen this with Zack Snyder’s cut of Justice League and the updated Sonic the Hedgehog in the films. Similarly, after criticism about the de-aging VFX in GOAT’s promotional material, the creators went back to refine the portrayal of a younger Vijay. Since this element is crucial to the storyline, their decision to enhance the VFX was wise, ultimately boosting the film’s overall credibility.
The action sequences in the film need to catch up, and the songs and background scores fall flat. The most significant disappointment is the antagonist, played by Mohan. The character could be better written, and even a seasoned actor like Mohan struggles to make it engaging. Additionally, portraying female characters as damsels in distress feels frustrating and outdated.
What works for GOAT is its ability to keep the stakes low and focus on fan service. When the film embraces this mode, it goes all out. From nods to Vijay’s previous hit films, his dance moves, and signature mannerisms to references to his peers and political innuendos, GOAT is a pop-culture treasure trove. It features exciting cameos and a heartfelt tribute to a late legend, creating a memorable experience for fans.
If you’re expecting a globe-trotting espionage thriller or a genre-specific film like Venkat’s Maanaadu, GOAT might let you down. However, if you’re eager to see one of our most popular stars celebrating his iconic persona—transitioning from a GOAT to a Beast—then The Greatest of All Time is worth a watch. Despite its flaws, it reminds us that a lion is always a lion.
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, GOAT is projected to open with over Rs 100 crore at the worldwide box office and has already earned over Rs 60 crore in pre-sales. This strong start continues the trend set by ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay’s previous film, Leo. This year’s biggest Tamil opener has been Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2, which earned Rs 26 crore nett on its opening day and eventually grossed Rs 81.3 crore nett in India and around Rs 150 crore worldwide. The reported budget for GOAT is Rs 400 crore.
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