‘The GOAT’ review: Vijay shines, but predictable storyline drags
Thalapathy Vijay’s latest venture, ‘The Greatest of All Time’ (The GOAT), has arrived in theaters with a great deal of anticipation. Directed by Venkat Prabhu, the film boasts a stellar cast and high-octane action sequences. Vijay’s dual-role performance is undoubtedly the highlight, but does the film live up to the hype? Let's break it down.
Story:
The story follows Gandhi (Vijay), an officer in the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (SATS), who eliminates a terrorist group in Kenya led by Menon (Mohan). Following this mission, Gandhi shifts focus to a personal tragedy—his son Jeevan's (also Vijay) death during a mission in Bangkok. However, things take a strange turn when Gandhi encounters Jeevan alive years later in Russia. As the father-son duo returns to India, a series of mysterious incidents involving SATS members unfolds. The core of the plot revolves around the questions: Is Jeevan truly Gandhi’s son? Does he have any connection with Menon? The film builds on these mysteries with action-packed sequences and emotional undertones.
Performances:
Thalapathy Vijay once again proves his star power by delivering two distinct performances. As Gandhi, he exudes calm authority with his salt-and-pepper look, while as Jeevan, he portrays a darker, more villainous side that adds depth to the film. His portrayal of both characters is impressive, showcasing his versatility as an actor. However, the supporting cast, including actors like Prabhudeva, Jayaram, Prashanth, and Sneha, doesn’t get much screen time, leaving their roles underdeveloped. Mohan’s portrayal of Menon, the antagonist, lacks intensity, while Meenakshi Chaudhary’s character is barely explored, appearing in just a few scenes.
Technicalities:
Venkat Prabhu’s direction and screenplay fall short of expectations. The story is conventional, and despite claims of an unpredictable screenplay, the plot is quite easy to foresee. The pacing, especially in the first half, is sluggish, making the audience feel the film’s length. While the action sequences are well-executed, they suffer from common tropes, including the unrealistic portrayal of villains consistently missing their target.
On the technical side, the visual effects, particularly the de-aging of Vijay, are commendable, but other versions of his character feel awkward on screen. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music is largely forgettable, with no standout tracks. While the background score adds tension in parts, the songs themselves fail to make a lasting impression. The cinematography is decent, capturing the high-octane action well, but the editing could have been tighter, especially in trimming unnecessary scenes.
Analysis:
The GOAT has its moments, but the film ultimately struggles to deliver something new. Vijay’s performance in dual roles is undeniably the film’s biggest asset, but it isn’t enough to save the film from its predictable storyline. The narrative’s familiarity makes it less engaging, and the slow pacing in the first half tests the audience’s patience. Although the second half picks up momentum, especially with the face-off scenes between Gandhi and Jeevan, the extended runtime feels unnecessarily dragged.
The action sequences, though stylishly shot, don’t bring anything fresh to the table, and the plot holes—especially where the villains miss every shot—are frustrating. Supporting characters, including Menon and Meenakshi Chaudhary, are underutilized, and even cameos from stars like Trisha and Sivakarthikeyan don’t add much value to the narrative.
On a whole, The GOAT is a standard revenge drama that relies heavily on Vijay’s charisma and screen presence. Fans of Thalapathy Vijay will undoubtedly enjoy his dual roles and action-packed sequences, but the film’s slow pacing, predictable plot, and underwhelming supporting characters make it a challenging watch for general audiences. While the film delivers on star power, it falls short in delivering a gripping, fresh narrative.
Movie Review by: SUHAS SISTU