GOAT (Greatest of All Time) has finally hit theatres, and the excitement surrounding the film is immense. Directed by Venkat Prabhu, the star-studded cast includes Vijay, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Laila, Sneha, Ajmal, Mohan, Jayaram, Vaibhav, Premji, and Aravind Akash. With music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, the film promises to be a treat for fans.
The story revolves around a former RAW agent who, after years of completing high-profile missions, retires to live a peaceful life with his family. However, his quiet existence is disrupted when enemies from a past mission resurface, pulling him back into the world he thought he’d left behind.
Releasing in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi on September 5, 2024, GOAT has already sparked global anticipation. Adding to the excitement, the film is rumored to feature special cameos from cricketers like Badrinath and MS Dhoni, as well as actors Sivakarthikeyan and Trisha, making it a must-watch event.
Setting the Stage: A Tribute to Fans
Director Venkat Prabhu establishes the tone of GOAT (The Greatest of All Time) right from the opening scene. The movie kicks off with a covert recovery mission led by Gandhi (Vijay), who is up against villain Rajiv Menon (Mohan). Gandhi, as hinted in the film’s title, dazzles with an action-packed sequence laced with his signature style. But before dealing the final blow, he’s halted by a friend, setting the stage for the story’s unfolding. This scene encapsulates the overall plot, standing out for its fan service while maintaining Venkat’s trademark flair.
The Calm Before the Storm
In GOAT, Gandhi leads a Special Anti-Terrorism Squad with members Sunil (Prashanth), Ajay (Ajmal), Kalyan (Prabhu Deva), and their chief Nazeer (Jayaram). Unlike typical action thrillers drenched in patriotism, these characters come across as relatable office-goers. Gandhi’s personal life, especially his dynamic with his wife Anu (Sneha), adds a layer of realism when work pressures seep into family life. Despite the camaraderie, the film builds tension with an impending storm that drastically shifts the narrative from 2008 to the present, turning GOAT into an all-out action saga.
A Stellar Ensemble Cast
One of GOAT‘s strengths is its exceptional casting. While some roles feel like glorified cameos, the ensemble creates a sense of camaraderie reminiscent of Hollywood’s The Expendables. Each actor delivers a memorable performance, but Vijay, playing dual roles as both Gandhi and his son Jeevan, steals the show. Venkat Prabhu ensures both characters have their distinct moments, with Vijay excelling in both action and emotional scenes.
Vijay’s Star Power Shines Through
In his dual roles, Vijay’s performance stands out, particularly in emotional scenes where Gandhi faces loss. But it’s Jeevan, with his youthful charm and energetic antics, who truly captivates the audience. The transformation from Gandhi to Jeevan showcases Vijay’s versatility, delivering a role that feels fresh, despite the predictable plot.
A Visual Treat with a Familiar Plot
Following criticism about the de-aging VFX in the promotional content, the team returned with a far more polished rendition of a younger Vijay. However, while the film is visually appealing, it falls short on plot depth. GOAT is, at its core, a straightforward revenge story, and despite its glossy exterior, the predictable narrative eventually peels away to reveal its simplicity.
Fan Service at Its Best
Where GOAT truly excels is in its dedication to pleasing Vijay’s fan base. From references to his previous films, dance moves, and political innuendos, to exciting cameos and heartfelt tributes, the film is a pop-culture celebration. Yet, despite all its fanfare, the action sequences, background scores, and underwritten antagonist (Mohan) leave much to be desired
Final Verdict: A Celebration of Vijay
GOAT might not satisfy those craving a sophisticated plot or genre-specific thrills. But for fans of Vijay, the film is a celebration of their favorite star, delivering everything they love about him. It’s not perfect, but as they say, “A lion is always a lion