GOAT Movie Review: Thalapathy Vijay and Venkat Prabhu Deliver an Action-Packed

“GOAT Review: The Battle of Ilayathalapathy vs. Thalapathy. Good versus bad, youth against experience, with double the fun and action. Director Venkat Prabhu showcases why this film, and Vijay, reign supreme for fans and audiences alike.”

Plot Summary:

Gandhi (Vijay), a member of the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (SATS), successfully completes a mission in Kenya to eliminate a terrorist gang led by Menon (Mohan). Years later, while on a mission in Bangkok, Gandhi learns of his son Jeevan’s (also Vijay) death. However, in a startling turn of events years later in Russia, Gandhi encounters Jeevan alive, and they return home together. Strange occurrences involving SATS members unfold upon their return, prompting Gandhi to unravel a web of mysteries. Is Jeevan truly his son? What is his connection to Menon? These questions drive the film’s suspense.

Positives:

Thalapathy Vijay demonstrates his versatility by brilliantly portraying dual roles as Gandhi and Jeevan. His depiction of Jeevan’s darker persona is particularly captivating, contrasting with his composed portrayal of Gandhi, accentuated by a stylish salt-and-pepper appearance. Vijay’s seamless transition between both characters stands out as the film’s highlight. Supporting actors including Prabhudeva, Jayaram, Prashanth, Mic Mohan, and Sneha deliver satisfactory performances within their respective roles.

The confrontations between the two Vijays are well-executed and engaging. The action sequences are skillfully choreographed, with the climax set during a live CSK cricket match proving to be a crowd-pleaser, despite its extended duration.

Negatives:

The storyline follows a predictable and formulaic path, despite claims of unpredictability by Venkat Prabhu. This familiarity reduces engagement, especially for viewers well-versed in similar films. A tighter script could have enhanced the film’s impact and originality.

The first half of the film is sluggish and tests the audience’s patience, while the second half improves with intense face-off scenes. However, the overall length remains a concern, with Vijay’s performance being a saving grace amidst a stretched narrative.

There are glaring plot holes, particularly in action sequences where the villains consistently fail to pose any real threat to the protagonist, a cliché that detracts from realism and tension.

Mohan’s portrayal of Menon lacks depth, rendering the villain less impactful. Meenakshi Chaudhary’s role is underutilized, limiting her presence to a few scenes and songs. Cameos by Trisha and Sivakarthikeyan add little substance to the story.

Some attempts at humor fall flat, and the end credits sequence feels derivative of unsuccessful Hollywood films.

Technical Aspects:

Venkat Prabhu’s direction and screenplay are the film’s weaker aspects. The conventional story and slow pacing, particularly in the first half, hinder audience engagement. The film’s extended runtime further diminishes its appeal.

The VFX team deserves credit for convincingly de-aging Vijay, although other iterations of his character appear less polished. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music fails to make a lasting impression, and certain scenes, especially in the initial half, seem extraneous and could have been trimmed for a more cohesive narrative. Cinematography meets expectations, and production values are commendable.

Verdict:

“The Greatest of All Time (The GOAT)” relies heavily on Vijay’s performance to carry a standard revenge action drama. His portrayal of both the villainous Jeevan and the intense face-off scenes are standout moments. However, the film lacks innovation and fails to sustain excitement beyond these elements. With slow pacing, a lengthy runtime, forgettable music, and notable plot gaps, it may prove challenging for viewers outside Vijay’s dedicated fanbase.

HashtagU Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by Hashtagu Team.