The film runs for nearly three hours without any dull moments. However, it may not appeal to those who prefer more serious cinema.
A collage of stills from Venkat Prabhu's 'The GOAT'. (X)
The long wait for Thalapathy Vijay’s The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) finally ended on Thursday, 5 September, with the film hitting the theatres worldwide to high expectations.
Despite opening to a mixed response, the movie is poised for a huge box-office collection, thanks to Vijay’s immense popularity. It’s no surprise that director Venkat Prabhu chose to name the film GOAT, a nod to Vijay’s current stature in the industry.
Vijay became a bankable star ever since his film Ghilli (2004) minted money for its makers. His films typically follow a hero-centric formula, and audiences expect certain elements from his movies.
GOAT is no exception as it delivers the usual hero moments that Vijay’s fans crave.
Filmmaker Venkat Prabhu, who previously delivered a mega-hit with Ajith’s Mankatha (2011), created a film packed with emotions and action sequences.
GOAT is likely the biggest film the director has helmed since Mankatha. The latest outing also generated buzz for using de-ageing technology to portray Vijay as a younger character. Now, let’s delve into the plot.
Vijay in a still from ‘The GOAT. (X)
The film kicks off with an action-packed sequence aboard a moving train in Kenya. Gandhi (Vijay) is a member of the Special Anti-Terrorism Squad (SATS), working alongside Kalyan (Prabhudheva), Sunil (Prashanth), and Ajmal Ameer (Ajay) to recover stolen uranium from terrorists led by Rajiv Menon (Mohan).
Upon returning to India, the focus shifts to their personal lives. Gandhi’s wife Anu (Sneha) is pregnant and unhappy, feeling neglected by her husband. He decides to take her on a vacation to Thailand, but a tragic incident strains their relationship further.
The first half of GOAT is filled with action and drama, with Vijay’s performance and the songs keeping the pace lively. A key moment in the film is the introduction of Jeevan, Gandhi’s son (also played by Vijay), where the de-ageing technology is utilised to make him appear younger.
In the second half, more is revealed about Jeevan’s past and his connection to Gandhi; revealing the details would spoil the plot.
The film turns into a cat-and-mouse game between Jeevan and Gandhi, or as the film puts it, Thalapathy and Ilaya Thalapathy.
Who will emerge victorious? Is Jeevan connected to the terrorists? These questions drive the story forward.
Vijay plays a dual role in the film. (X)
Venkat Prabhu is known for his commercial films that offer high entertainment value. In interviews, he stated that GOAT was made exactly as he envisioned, and it shows in every scene.
The film runs for two hours and 59 minutes without any dull moments, offering pure entertainment. However, it may not appeal to those who prefer more serious cinema.
The script features romance, love, betrayal, comedy, and intense action scenes. Nevertheless, what sets GOAT apart from other action entertainers is its emphasis on family relationships, which will likely resonate with family audiences.
As is typical of Venkat Prabhu’s films, there are several twists and turns, adding to the excitement. These revelations come at key moments and help keep the audience engaged.
Even during tense scenes, lighter moments have been incorporated effectively, especially in the climax, set in a cricket stadium, where Jeevan and Gandhi face off.
The film also includes a cameo by a leading Tamil actor and a reference to Mankatha, which is sure to thrill fans.
Another exciting feature is the appearance of the late actor Vijayakanth, recreated using AI technology.
Some of the film’s most breathtaking moments include a metro train sequence involving Vijay, Jayaram, and a masked villain. The action scenes, paired with Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score, create a powerful cinematic experience.
The songs are another highlight, with the previously criticised “Whistle Podu” song having been reworked for a better reception. The “Chinna Chinna” song, featuring Bhavatharini’s recreated voice, is a touching melody.
However, the cloning subplot feels unnecessary. Despite this, the film is a solid mass entertainer.
The late actor Vijayakanth was created in the film via AI. (X)
GOAT boasts an ensemble cast, and Venkat Prabhu ensures that each actor gets their moment.
Vijay shines in three distinct roles, including a teenage version of his character. He portrays each role with nuance, especially in emotional scenes with Sneha.
The mannerisms of Jeeva and Gandhi are distinct, and Vijay handles these differences well.
Prashanth stands out in his role as Sunil. It’s refreshing to see the veteran actor in a prominent role in a multi-starrer film.
Prabhudheva’s portrayal of Kalyan is a departure from his usual roles, offering something unexpected. Ajmal Ameer plays his role well.
Sneha, as Anu, is somewhat typical of a wife in a hero-driven film, but her performance is sincere.
Mohan, as the villain Rajiv Menon, delivers a subtle yet impactful performance.
GOAT is a mass entertainer that delivers exactly what audiences expect from a collaboration between Vijay and Venkat Prabhu. It’s packed with entertainment, action, and the typical hero moments that Vijay’s fans love.
(Views expressed here are personal.)
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
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