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Gandhi (Vijay), a skilled officer in the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (SATS), successfully completes a high-stakes mission in Kenya, eliminating a terrorist gang led by Menon (Mohan). Years later, while on a mission in Bangkok, Gandhi is devastated to find his son, Jeevan (also Vijay), dead. However, his world is turned upside down when he unexpectedly encounters Jeevan alive in Russia.
Story:
Gandhi (Vijay), a skilled officer in the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (SATS), successfully completes a high-stakes mission in Kenya, eliminating a terrorist gang led by Menon (Mohan). Years later, while on a mission in Bangkok, Gandhi is devastated to find his son, Jeevan (also Vijay), dead. However, his world is turned upside down when he unexpectedly encounters Jeevan alive in Russia. The two return home together, but strange and unsettling events begin to affect the members of SATS. As Gandhi sets out on a quest to uncover the truth, he is faced with several questions: Did he truly succeed in his earlier missions? Is the man claiming to be Jeevan really his son? Could there be a deeper connection between Jeevan and Menon? These mysteries form the gripping core of the movie, keeping the audience intrigued until the end.
Pros:
Thalapathy Vijay showcases his versatility in *Gandhi*, excelling in the dual roles of Gandhi and Jeevan. His portrayal of Jeevan’s villainous side is especially compelling, with an intense and menacing presence. In contrast, his calm, composed performance as Gandhi, enhanced by a stylish salt-and-pepper look, adds depth and gravitas to the character. Vijay’s ability to balance both roles with finesse is the film’s biggest asset, making him the central attraction. Supporting actors like Prabhudeva, Jayaram, Prashanth, Mic Mohan, and Sneha give decent performances in their limited roles, though they don’t have as much screen time to shine. The face-off scenes between the two Vijays are a standout, engaging the audience with well-executed tension and drama. The action sequences are choreographed with energy and precision, adding to the film’s appeal. The climax, set during a live CSK cricket match, is a definite fan-pleaser, although the extended runtime could have been trimmed for a tighter finish. Nonetheless, Vijay’s dynamic performances carry the film.
Cons:
The storyline of the film follows a predictable and familiar template, despite Venkat Prabhu’s claims of an unpredictable screenplay. For viewers who have seen similar films, the narrative is easy to foresee, making it less engaging. A more tightly written script could have significantly elevated the film’s impact. The first half is particularly slow and drags, testing the audience’s patience, as the plot struggles to build momentum. Although the second half picks up with intense face-off scenes, the film’s overall length remains a concern, contributing to a sense of it being stretched. Vijay’s strong performance helps keep the momentum going, but the film is riddled with notable plot holes, particularly in the action sequences. The villains’ inability to land a single shot on the protagonist feels like an overused and frustrating trope common in action films. Menon, portrayed by Mohan, lacks the necessary depth and menace, rendering the villain less impactful than expected.
Meenakshi Chaudhary’s character is underutilized, appearing only in a handful of scenes and songs, leaving much to be desired from her role. The cameos by Trisha and Sivakarthikeyan are pleasant surprises but ultimately contribute little to the film’s narrative. Additionally, some of the humor falls flat, missing the mark in key moments. The end credits sequence is a glaring issue, feeling like a direct copy from a flop Hollywood movie, which undermines the film’s originality. Overall, while Vijay’s performance is commendable, the film’s weak script and pacing hinder its overall impact.
Technical Aspects:
Venkat Prabhu’s direction and screenplay are the film’s weak points, with a conventional story and slow pacing that diminish audience engagement. The first half drags, and the film’s excessive runtime further hampers its appeal. On the technical side, the VFX team deserves credit for convincingly de-aging Vijay, though some other versions of the character appear awkward. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music is underwhelming and fails to leave a lasting impact. Several scenes, particularly in the first half, feel unnecessary and could have been trimmed to improve pacing. The cinematography is adequate, supporting the narrative but not standing out. However, the production values are commendable, giving the film a polished look. Overall, despite some technical strengths, the weak direction, slow pacing, and excessive length hold the film back from being truly engaging.
Verdict:
Overall, “The Greatest of All Time (The GOAT)” is a standard revenge action drama that relies heavily on Vijay’s strong performance. His portrayal of the villainous Jeevan and the face-off scenes are the film’s standout moments. However, beyond these highlights, the movie lacks novelty and excitement. The slow pacing, extended runtime, underwhelming score, and several plot holes make it a challenging watch for anyone other than die-hard Vijay fans. While Vijay’s dual roles offer some appeal, the film ultimately falls short in delivering a fresh and engaging story.
#Rating: 2.75/5
Director: Venkat Prabhu
Starring: Meenakshi Chaudhary, Mohan, Ajmal Ameer, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Sneha, Laila, and Vijay
Music Director: Yuvan Shankar Raja
Cinematographer: Siddhartha Nuni
Editor: Venkat Raajen
Producers: Aghoram Kalpathi, Ganesh Kalpathi, and Suresh Kalpathi
