In a landmark decision that has the state’s cinema enthusiasts buzzing with excitement, the Tamil Nadu government has officially approved special screenings of the much-anticipated movie “GOAT” (The Greatest of All Time), starring the celebrated actor-cum-politician Vijay. These screenings are set to take place at 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024, and Friday, September 6, 2024, across all cinema theatres in Tamil Nadu.
The permission for these special showings was granted to AGS Entertainment Private Limited, the production house behind “GOAT,” through a Government Order (GO) issued by the Home (Cinema) department on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. The directive allows for an increase in the number of daily screenings from four to five, a significant departure from the usual restrictions. According to the decree, the first show of the day will commence at 9 a.m., and the final show will conclude at 2 a.m. the following day.
This move comes in response to a request made by AGS Entertainment on August 24, 2024. The appeal aimed at securing permissions for the additional screenings to coincide with the movie’s initial release days. After thorough consideration, the Commissioner of Revenue Administration responded positively, suggesting that the request could be entertained provided that adequate security measures and crowd management protocols were ensured. This recommendation underscored the importance of maintaining hygiene standards and preventing overcrowding during the screenings.
Reflecting on the development, Home Secretary Dheeraj Kumar stated, “We received the request in late August and have since coordinated with the necessary administrative bodies to ensure that all safety and logistical considerations are accounted for. We aim to offer a smooth viewing experience for all fans eager to watch ‘GOAT’ on its release.”
As part of the adaptation, the government invoked powers under Section 11 of the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Act of 1955.
. This section of the law permits the state to authorize exemptions, allowing theatres to operate outside the usual constraints that limit the number of daily screenings.
In addition to the procedural aspects, there has been a considerable buzz around “GOAT.” Director Venkat Prabhu spoke in an exclusive interview about the humour and candidness that Vijay, along with veteran stars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, brings to the film. Prabhu highlighted the unique storytelling and nostalgic elements that fans have been longing to see in Vijay’s performances.
“GOAT” is not just another movie; it has been a subject of significant attention, especially after Vijay hinted at retirement and discussions around age-related digital modifications surfaced. Venkat Prabhu addressed these topics during the trailer launch, dispelling some of the criticisms and clarifying the artistic choices made in the film.
Archana Kalpathi, another key member of the production team, echoed this sentiment in her own interview, emphasizing that “GOAT will feature vintage Vijay.” She noted that the film taps into the essence of what has made Vijay a beloved figure in Tamil cinema for decades.
The anticipation for “GOAT” has also garnered massive attention online. Vijay himself took to social media to share the trailer, captioned, “Presenting my hero THE @actorvijay na the way you have been longing to see for ages! Here is #TheGoatTrailer like never before,” accompanied by links to the trailer in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. This post by Vijay further fueled excitement and amplified fan engagement across multiple regions and languages.
As theatre owners prepare to accommodate the influx of excited fans, they are required by the government to notify the licensing authorities and tax levying bodies of their amended schedules. This protocol ensures that all operations remain transparent and compliant with state regulations.
The relaxation of conditions 14 and 14A of the Form C licence for this occasion reflects the cultural significance and high public demand for Vijay’s latest project. The government’s cooperation signals an understanding of the movie’s expected impact on the cinema industry and local businesses.
In conclusion, as “GOAT” gears up for its grand release, Tamil Nadu’s decision to permit early special showings represents not only a nod to the fervent fanbase of actor Vijay but also a strategic effort to manage the extraordinary demand. With stringent measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable viewing experience, the movie is set to make a significant mark upon its debut, reflecting both the vibrant cinema culture in Tamil Nadu and the enduring legacy of its stars.
