GOAT Movie Review: Vijay Shines but Film Falls Short in Key Areas

Venkat Prabhu’s latest venture, GOAT (The Greatest of All Time), has hit theaters, generating significant buzz among fans and critics alike. Featuring Vijay in a dual role, the film promises a high-octane mix of action, drama, and nostalgia. However, while the film delivers a powerhouse performance from its lead actor, it struggles with some of its more ambitious elements.

Vijay's Dual Role: A Study in Superstardom

In GOAT, Vijay plays two pivotal roles: Gandhi, a seasoned anti-terrorism squad leader, and Jeevan, his younger self. This duality provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of his character, but it also highlights some of the film’s limitations.

The most compelling scenes in GOAT are those where Vijay sheds his superstar persona to portray Gandhi as a vulnerable father. A particularly poignant moment set in Thailand underscores Vijay's ability to convey deep emotional resonance without the trappings of star power. These scenes offer a refreshing break from the high-octane action and visual effects that dominate the film.

Technological Ambitions and Missteps

Prabhu's use of de-aging technology is one of the film's boldest choices. While the effects are generally effective, they occasionally disrupt the film’s immersion. The younger version of Vijay, portrayed as a teenager, feels somewhat out of place, which detracts from the otherwise solid visual storytelling.

The film’s action sequences, featuring fast cars, skidding bikes, and ricocheting bullets, aim for adrenaline-pumping thrills but often fall short. The hurried execution of these scenes leaves little room for viewers to engage fully with the on-screen chaos, resulting in a sense of visual overload rather than excitement.

Narrative and Character Dynamics

The narrative structure of GOAT draws inspiration from espionage classics like the Mission Impossible series. The film’s anti-terrorism squad, consisting of characters like Sunil (Prashanth), Ajay (Ajmal), and Kalyan (Prabhu Deva), faces both global threats and personal challenges. While these elements provide some engaging moments, they also underscore the film’s reliance on familiar tropes.

The portrayal of marital issues between Gandhi and his wife Anu (Sneha) introduces a lighter, more relatable side to the narrative. This subplot, reminiscent of The Family Man, adds depth to the characters and brings some humor to the proceedings. However, the film’s attempt to balance these lighter moments with high-stakes action sometimes feels disjointed.

Nostalgia and Fan Service

GOAT heavily leans into nostalgia, with numerous references to Vijay’s previous work and cameos from various actors. While these elements provide a sense of continuity and celebrate Vijay’s career, they occasionally come off as forced and detract from the film’s narrative cohesion.

The climax, set against the backdrop of a cricket match between CSK and MI, is a notable highlight. This final act effectively combines intrigue, humor, and mass appeal, demonstrating Prabhu’s knack for engaging storytelling. However, the journey to this point is marred by a meandering first half and an over-reliance on visual effects.

Final Verdict

GOAT is undeniably a celebration of Vijay’s career and talents. His performances as Gandhi and Jeevan showcase his range and dedication. However, the film’s reliance on outdated narrative devices and excessive visual effects limits its overall impact. Despite its flaws, GOAT remains an entertaining watch for Vijay’s fans and a testament to his enduring star power.

As Vijay approaches the final phase of his illustrious career, GOAT offers a glimpse into the evolution of a cinematic icon, even if it falls short of being the ultimate greatest of all time.

Cast and Crew

• Cast: Vijay, Prashanth, Sneha, Mohan, Prabhu Deva
• Director: Venkat Prabhu
• Genre: Action, Drama
• Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes