The GOAT Movie Review – A Mass Entertainer with Mixed Reactions
The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), directed by Venkat Prabhu, stars Thalapathy Vijay in dual roles, offering a mix of action, drama, and nostalgic moments for his fans. The film revolves around Gandhi, a Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (SATS) officer, who returns to action years after his retirement when a past mission comes back to haunt him. The twist? He encounters a younger version of himself, Jeevan, setting the stage for an intriguing storyline that dives into betrayal and redemption.
Story:
Gandhi, an experienced SATS officer, once led successful missions across international locations, such as Kenya and Thailand. However, during a mission in Thailand, a personal tragedy strikes when his son is kidnapped and killed, pushing Gandhi to leave SATS. He retires and settles down as an immigration officer in Chennai, attempting to leave his painful past behind.
Years later, Gandhi is called upon for a special mission in Moscow. While on this mission, he comes face to face with a younger version of himself, Jeevan, which unsettles him. He brings Jeevan back to India, and the story slowly unravels the connection between the two, leading to shocking revelations and emotional conflicts. As Gandhi digs deeper into the truth about their mysterious bond, the story becomes one of betrayal, revenge, and redemption
First Half:
The first half of GOAT lays a strong emotional foundation, with solid family elements that resonate with the audience. However, the international action sequences set in locations like Kenya, Thailand, and Moscow fail to pack the punch expected of a high-octane thriller. While Vijay shines in his portrayal of both Gandhi and Jeevan, the de-aging effects on his younger character are somewhat jarring for viewers, and the interval twist is predictable, leaving room for improvement.
Second Half:
The second half redeems itself with more engaging twists and fan-service moments, showcasing Vijay in his element. The narrative picks up pace, with a few standout scenes that delight his fans. However, the film struggles with pacing issues, and the villain’s motivations are not clearly defined, which weakens the emotional depth of the plot. Vijay’s dance numbers and Trisha’s special appearance add to the entertainment factor, particularly for his core fanbase.
Performances and Technical Aspects:
Vijay’s performance is the highlight of the film, effortlessly carrying the weight of both characters. Supporting performances by Prabhu Deva, Prashanth, and Meenakshi Chaudhary add value, while Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music enhances a few key moments but falls short in others. The film’s cinematography and visuals are commendable, but the lackluster action sequences and inconsistent pacing in the screenplay hold it back from reaching its full potential.
Final Verdict:
GOAT is a must-watch for Vijay’s fans, especially those in Tamil Nadu, where his star power is unmatched. While the film falters in certain areas, the strong performances and a more engaging second half make it an entertaining mass film. For audiences outside of Vijay’s loyal fanbase, GOAT might come across as an average entertainer with room for improvement in terms of its action sequences and villain arc.
Rating: 2.75/5
The film has received a mix of praise and criticism, with fans lauding Vijay’s performance, but the sluggish pacing and predictable plot have drawn some disappointment from general audiences
