Date: September 05, 2024
Vijay’s GOAT Movie Review: A Mixed Bag of Entertainment
Introduction to Vijay’s GOAT and Its Hype
Thalapathy Vijay, a name synonymous with massive stardom in Tamil Nadu, teams up with director Venkat Prabhu for GOAT (The Greatest of All Time). This action-packed movie is creating waves, particularly because it is Vijay’s penultimate film before stepping into politics. With Venkat Prabhu, known for his past hit Mankatha with Ajith, fans were eager to see if Vijay’s GOAT could replicate that magic. Released on September 5, GOAT arrives with high expectations. But does the film live up to its hype?
Storyline of Vijay’s GOAT: Vijay in a Dual Role
GOAT follows the story of Gandhi (Vijay), a member of the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (SATS), whose son Jeevan (also played by Vijay) gets kidnapped during a mission in Pattaya, Thailand. The local authorities confirm Jeevan’s death in a car accident, leaving Gandhi devastated. The film’s plot revolves around the mystery surrounding Jeevan’s death, how it impacts Gandhi’s personal and professional life, and whether Jeevan truly died.
Performances in Vijay’s GOAT: Vijay Steals the Show
Thalapathy Vijay shines in his dual roles as Gandhi and Jeevan. His effortless comedy timing, signature style, and powerful emotional scenes leave a lasting impression. Vijay’s intense performance during the emotional sequences stands out, while his dance with Trisha adds energy to the movie. His portrayal of both characters shows the actor’s versatility and dedication.
Supporting actors like Sneha, playing the heartbroken mother, and Yogi Babu, as ‘Diamond Babu,’ add to the film’s charm. Yogi Babu’s comedic timing lifts the second half and brings some much-needed light moments. Cameos from Trisha and Sivakarthikeyan further add fan-pleasing elements, though Meenakshi Chaudhary’s poorly written role remains a missed opportunity.
Technical Aspects: Music and Editing Fall Short
The biggest drawback of GOAT lies in its technical execution, particularly Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music and background score. Despite a few well-shot scenes, the lackluster soundtrack fails to elevate crucial moments. Even the choreography of the much-anticipated SPARK song disappoints.
Venkat Raajen’s editing is another weak point, with at least 20 minutes of unnecessary scenes, especially in the dragged-out climax. However, Siddhartha Nuni’s cinematography is impressive, with special attention given to the much-discussed de-aging of Vijay, which was notably better after initial backlash from fans.
Direction: Venkat Prabhu’s Attempt at Fan Service
Director Venkat Prabhu has a unique style, known for his entertaining, commercial elements. In GOAT, he manages to deliver an engaging first half filled with emotional moments, lighthearted fun, and twists that keep the audience hooked. However, the second half falters due to predictable plot developments and a slow-paced cat-and-mouse game between Gandhi and Jeevan.
Venkat Prabhu’s love for cricket and M.S. Dhoni becomes evident, especially in the climax, where the director uses Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a backdrop. While this works for fans of CSK and Dhoni, the prolonged climax drags on, testing the audience’s patience.
Strengths:
- Vijay’s Dual Performance: Vijay carries the film with his versatility and style.
- Yogi Babu’s Comedy: The second half benefits greatly from Yogi Babu’s humor.
- Twists and Cameos: The movie features some interesting, albeit predictable, twists and engaging cameos.
Weaknesses:
- Music and Background Score: Yuvan Shankar Raja’s songs and score are a letdown.
- Editing and Climax: The film could have benefitted from tighter editing, especially during the overextended climax.
- Second Half Execution: The writing and pacing lose steam in the latter part of the film.
Final Analysis: A Decent, One-Time Watch
Vijay’s GOAT delivers a decent first half with some standout performances and fan-pleasing moments. However, the film struggles with predictability and uneven pacing in the second half. While it may satisfy Vijay’s die-hard fans, particularly due to the CSK and Dhoni references, the movie may not appeal to a broader audience. Overall, GOAT is an enjoyable one-time watch but fails to reach the heights expected from a Venkat Prabhu-Vijay collaboration.
GOAT – Not the Greatest of All Time, but a decent entertainer.
Rating: 2.5/5