Thalapathy Vijay’s much-anticipated film, “The Greatest of All Time (The GOAT),” premiered last Thursday, and while it had fans eager for its release, the film has garnered mixed to below-par reviews. Directed by Venkat Prabhu, the film was expected to be a major hit, but recent scrutiny has shifted focus to a different controversy—the resemblance of its climax to that of the 2018 English film “Final Score.” The climax of “The GOAT” has caught the attention of netizens, who have pointed out striking similarities between it and the climax scene from “Final Score.” Both films feature high-stakes finales set in a sports stadium, but while “Final Score” is set in a football stadium, “The GOAT” switches the setting to a cricket stadium. Additionally, “The GOAT” features a cameo by cricket legend MS Dhoni, further differentiating it from its English counterpart.
Despite these differences, the core similarities in the climax scenes have led to criticism regarding the originality of Venkat Prabhu’s direction. Critics argue that the resemblance raises questions about the creativity and innovation of the film, with some suggesting that it lacks a fresh narrative approach. This criticism has intensified as the resemblance became a topic of widespread discussion on social media, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the issue. The film’s cast includes a notable lineup of actors, such as Meenakshi Chaudhary, Sneha, Prabhudeva, Jayaram, Prasanth, Laila, and Mohan. Each actor plays a significant role in the narrative, but the controversy surrounding the climax has overshadowed their performances. The film, produced by AGS Entertainment, also features a soundtrack composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, known for his memorable music scores.
The resemblance of “The GOAT”‘s climax to “Final Score” highlights a broader conversation about originality in filmmaking. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Venkat Prabhu will address these concerns and whether the film’s other aspects will receive more positive attention. For now, the focus remains on the film’s controversial ending and its impact on the overall reception of the movie. As the film industry continues to evolve, the scrutiny faced by “The GOAT” underscores the importance of innovation and originality in storytelling. The response to this controversy may influence future discussions about creativity and inspiration in cinema.