Director Venkat Prabhu sets the tone of his Vijay-starrer “GOAT” (The Greatest of All Time) from the very first scene. The film kicks off with a dramatic recovery mission for a covert team of agents led by Gandhi, played by Vijay, who goes up against the nefarious villain Rajiv Menon, portrayed by Mohan. Gandhi, whose prowess is hinted at in the movie’s title, captivates audiences with an explosive action sequence laced with his unique style. However, just as Gandhi is about to deliver the final blow to Rajiv, circumstances force his friend to intervene, halting the climactic moment. This opening scene serves as a microcosm of the overall plot, showcasing Venkat Prabhu’s penchant for delivering exceptional slivers of storytelling within a template film that thrives on impeccable fan service.
Gandhi and his Special Anti-Terrorism Squad, consisting of Sunil (Prashanth), Ajay (Ajmal), Kalyan (Prabhu Deva), and their chief Nazeer (Jayaram), are seasoned agents and friends. Unlike other action thrillers that rely on the trope of patriotism for character motivation, “GOAT” portrays these characters as regular office-goers, complete with typical workplace banter. Gandhi’s personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife Anu (Sneha), adds a layer of complexity, as work increasingly encroaches upon their personal space. For fans of the genre, it becomes clear that the initial tranquility is merely the calm before the storm. When tragedy finally strikes and the narrative shifts from 2008 to the present, “GOAT” shifts gears and dives into full-throttle action, transforming into a high-octane thriller.
One of the film’s strongest aspects is its stellar casting. Although some roles might appear as glorified cameos, the ensemble cast feels like the closest Tamil cinema has ever come to replicating the camaraderie seen in “The Expendables.” The familiarity with these actors helps viewers invest in the bonds of friendship and camaraderie shared by the team, with the veterans bringing their A-game to the table.
Despite the ensemble, it is Vijay who shoulders the film with his dual roles as Gandhi and his son Jeevan. Venkat Prabhu, understanding the importance of both characters, ensures they each get ample screen time to shine. They both care deeply for their family, endure significant losses, and have missions of their own to complete. The dichotomy between the two characters offers moments where both the director and Vijay excel. As Gandhi, Vijay captures the essence of a man burdened by responsibilities that evolve into grief. One poignant scene, where Gandhi faces a major loss, allows Vijay’s acting prowess to take center stage. However, it’s arguably Jeevan who steals the show.
. Watching Vijay portray a young adult, complete with the antics fans have adored over the years, is a real treat. Without delving into spoilers, it is safe to say that this role showcases a side of Vijay rarely seen in his past attempts, and he excels in it.
“GOAT” also benefits from filmmakers who listen to feedback and improve their product, as seen in the Zack Snyder cut of “Justice League” and the updated titular character in “Sonic the Hedgehog.” After receiving criticism for the de-aging VFX in the promotional material, the creators returned to the drawing board and delivered a more credible version of a younger Vijay, which plays a crucial role in the film’s overall impact.
However, despite the film’s technological achievements and stellar cast, it struggles to mask its shallow, simple, and painfully predictable plot. If Vijay’s previous film “Leo” reminded you of multiple other movies, “GOAT” will do the same. It brings to mind “Rajadurai,” led by Vijayakanth and directed by Vijay’s father, S. A. Chandrasekhar, where the younger character is humorously named Vijay. At its core, “GOAT” is a basic revenge story, and once the glitz and fan service are stripped away, the narrative’s simplicity becomes evident. The action sequences lack excitement, the songs and background scores are underwhelming, and the antagonist, played by Mohan, is painfully underwritten. Furthermore, the female characters are frequently portrayed as damsels in distress, failing to add depth to the story.
What “GOAT” excels in is engaging its fanbase through minimal stakes and relentless fan service. The film is replete with nods to Vijay’s previous hits, iconic dance moves, mannerisms, references to his peers, and political innuendoes. It stands as a pop-culture treasure trove, complete with exciting cameos and a touching tribute to a late legend.
If viewers are expecting a globe-trotting espionage thriller or a genre-specific entertainer like Venkat’s “Maanaadu,” “GOAT” might be disappointing. However, those looking to celebrate one of Tamil cinema’s most beloved stars, with all the elements that fans cherish, “The Greatest of All Time” is worth the ticket price. Even with its drawbacks, it’s a film that reminds us that a lion, with all its splendor and flaws, remains a lion.
“The Greatest of All Time” is currently playing in theatres, beckoning fans and moviegoers to witness Vijay’s remarkable dual performance.
