Tamil superstar Vijay collaborates with director Venkat Prabhu for his penultimate film before he transitions into full-time politics. GOAT, which stands for “The Greatest of All Time,” premiered today with the tagline “A Venkat Prabhu’s Hero.” Does the film meet expectations? Let’s dive into the details.
Plot Overview
GOAT revolves around Gandhi (Vijay) and his team from the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (SATS), including friends played by Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, and Ajmal Ameer. During a mission in Pattaya, Thailand, Gandhi’s son Jeevan (also portrayed by Vijay) is kidnapped. The local police report that Jeevan and his kidnappers perished in a car accident, deeply impacting Gandhi’s personal and professional life. The film explores whether Jeevan is truly dead and the effects of his supposed death on Gandhi.
Performance Highlights
Vijay delivers a compelling performance in his dual roles as Gandhi and Jeevan. His comedic timing, charisma, and emotional intensity stand out, especially in dramatic scenes. His dance sequences with Trisha are a crowd favorite. Sneha’s portrayal of a grieving mother is heartfelt, while Yogi Babu’s comedic role as ‘Diamond Babu’ is a standout. Supporting performances from Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, and others are adequate, but Meenakshi Chaudhary’s role, particularly her dance sequence with Vijay, is disappointing.
Technical Aspects
Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music and background score are notable weak points. Despite a few well-crafted scenes, the soundtrack fails to enhance the film’s emotional impact. The background score is inconsistent, with only a few moments, such as the pre-interval and some second-half scenes, being effective. The SPARK song’s choreography is also underwhelming.
Venkat Raajen’s editing lacks finesse, with around 20 minutes of unnecessary footage, particularly in the overextended climax. Siddhartha Nuni’s cinematography is a positive aspect, notably the de-aging effects on Vijay, which were refined after initial criticism.
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Director Venkat Prabhu, known for his entertaining films, delivers a decent but uneven experience with GOAT. The film includes enjoyable elements and fan-pleasing moments but falls short in writing and execution, especially in the latter half. The climax, featuring heavy CSK and M.S. Dhoni references, feels excessive and may not appeal to all viewers.
Thumbs Up:
- First Half: Engaging and well-executed
- Vijay’s Performance: Strong and versatile
- Yogi Babu’s Comedy: A highlight of the film
- Good Twists: Adds intrigue to the story
Thumbs Down:
- Music and BGM: Inconsistent and underwhelming
- Editing: Overextended and could use trimming
- Climax: Overly dramatic and dragged out
Conclusion
Vijay’s reputation for delivering impactful, story-driven films is well-earned, with notable successes like Poove Unakkaga and Kadhalukku Mariyadhai. However, modern filmmakers often include unnecessary commercial elements that disrupt the film’s flow. In GOAT, the inclusion of out-of-place songs and a drawn-out climax detracts from the overall experience. Despite its strengths, including Vijay’s stellar performance and some entertaining moments, GOAT ultimately falls short of greatness.
Rating: 2.5/5
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