Vijay’s ‘GOAT’ Review: A Mixed Bag Of Hits And Misses

Review:

Tamil cinema’s beloved star, Vijay, teams up with director Venkat Prabhu for The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), a film positioned as his penultimate project before diving into full-time politics. Released with the tagline “A Venkat Prabhu’s Hero,” the film aimed to deliver a memorable cinematic experience akin to Prabhu’s earlier success with Ajith’s Mankatha. Here’s an in-depth look at whether GOAT lives up to expectations.

Storyline:

In GOAT, Vijay portrays Gandhi, a member of the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (SATS), who faces personal turmoil when his son, Jeevan (also played by Vijay), is kidnapped during a mission in Pattaya, Thailand. Although the local police report Jeevan’s death following a car accident, the film’s intrigue revolves around the impact of this event on Gandhi’s life and whether Jeevan is truly dead. The narrative explores the emotional and professional fallout from this tragedy.

Performances:

Vijay shines as both Gandhi and Jeevan, delivering a performance marked by his trademark charisma and emotional depth. His comic timing and screen presence, especially in dance sequences with Trisha, are highlights. Sneha’s portrayal of a grieving mother is compelling, while Yogi Babu’s role as ‘Diamond Babu’ steals the show with his impeccable comedic timing. Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, and others deliver adequate performances, though Meenakshi Chaudhary’s role, marred by poor writing, fails to impress. A notable cameo by Sivakarthikeyan during the climax adds a high-energy moment to the film.

Technical Aspects:

The film’s technical elements fall short of expectations. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music and background score are underwhelming, failing to elevate key sequences and often disrupting the film’s flow. The choreography in the SPARK song is particularly disappointing. Editing by Venkat Raajen also leaves much to be desired, with at least 20 minutes of unnecessary content, especially in the dragged-out climax. On the positive side, Siddhartha Nuni’s cinematography and Vijay’s de-aging look are commendable, showing attention to detail after earlier criticisms.

Direction and Execution:

Director Venkat Prabhu, known for his engaging commercial films, delivers a decent effort with GOAT. The first half is well-paced, with a solid opening, engaging family moments, and an intriguing pre-interval twist. However, the second half falters, with poorly written cat-and-mouse sequences between Gandhi and Jeevan. Despite Vijay’s strong performances making these scenes watchable, the film’s twists feel predictable. The climax, laden with references to CSK and M.S. Dhoni, stretches too long and may only appeal to die-hard fans.

Overall Impressions:

GOAT offers a mixed viewing experience. The first half and Vijay’s stellar performance provide a solid foundation, while Yogi Babu’s comedic scenes and cameos add charm. However, the film struggles with inconsistent music, lackluster editing, and an overly drawn-out climax. While it may fare well in Tamil Nadu due to Vijay’s star power and cricket references, its appeal in Telugu-speaking regions might be limited after the initial weekend.

Bottom Line:

GOAT is a decent one-time watch, featuring strong performances and a few engaging moments, but it ultimately falls short of greatness. The film is entertaining but could have benefited from tighter editing and a more consistent musical score.

Rating: 2.5/5