Director Venkat Prabhu sets a distinctive tone right from the opening scene of his latest film, “The Greatest of All Time” (GOAT). The film opens with a high-stakes recovery mission involving a covert team of agents led by the indomitable Gandhi, portrayed by Vijay. They are up against the villainous Rajiv Menon, played by Mohan. Gandhi proves his prowess with a gripping action sequence that showcases his unique flair. As he’s about to deliver the final blow to Rajiv, circumstances force him to pause, adding an unexpected complexity. This opening scene acts as a microcosm of the film’s overall narrative, highlighting Venkat and his team’s flair for integrating moments of brilliance within a familiar template enriched with fan service.
In GOAT, Gandhi leads the Special Anti-Terrorism Squad, which includes seasoned agents like Sunil (Prashanth), Ajay (Ajmal), Kalyan (Prabhu Deva), and their chief Nazeer (Jayaram). The film refrains from overplaying the patriotism angle, instead choosing to present these characters as regular office-goers engaged in typical workplace banter. Gandhi’s wife, Anu (Sneha), is notably unimpressed when work pervades their personal lives, signaling the delicate balance between duty and domesticity. For the audience versed in action thrillers, this idyllic depiction serves as the proverbial calm before the storm. When tragedy hits and the timeline shifts from 2008 to the present, the narrative accelerates, transitioning GOAT into a gripping action saga.
The film’s casting is arguably its strongest asset. Although some roles might feel like glorified cameos, the ensemble cast resembles a dream team, reminiscent of Hollywood’s “The Expendables.” This familiarity helps viewers invest in the camaraderie and friendship between the team members, with the veteran actors bringing their best to the screen. However, despite the star-studded ensemble, it is Vijay who shoulders the film, delivering a dual performance as Gandhi and his son Jeevan. Venkat Prabhu adeptly provides space for both characters to shine. Both Gandhi and Jeevan have their missions and personal losses, adding depth to their portrayals.
The dichotomy in character roles marks a high point in both Vijay’s performance and Venkat’s direction. Gandhi, weighed down by responsibilities that translate into grief, allows Vijay to deliver a deeply impactful performance.
. Jeevan, on the other hand, brings a youthful exuberance complete with antics that have long endeared Vijay to his fans. This role rejuvenates Vijay’s on-screen presence, marking a significant departure from his past attempts at similar characters.
The filmmakers’ willingness to listen to feedback and adapt is evident in the improved visual effects, particularly in the de-aging technique used for Vijay. After early criticisms regarding the visual effects in the promotional content, the creators went back to the drawing board to deliver a more credible depiction of a younger Vijay. This rework showcases a commitment to quality that has paid off handsomely.
However, the film also uses technological wizardry to mask its predictably simplistic plot. Despite the façade of a complex narrative, GOAT essentially boils down to a straightforward revenge story. At some point, viewers are bound to see through the veneer, revealing a narrative that lacks depth. The action sequences, while competent, fail to excite, and the musical scores, including background tracks, fall short of expectations. The most glaring weak point is the underwritten antagonist played by Mohan. Despite his best efforts, the character fails to leave a lasting impact, and the film’s female characters are disappointingly relegated to roles of damsels in distress.
What GOAT does exceptionally well is playing to the gallery. When the film dives into fan service, it does so with contagious enthusiasm. The film is packed with nods to Vijay’s previous hits, signature dance moves, mannerisms, and references to his peers, as well as subtle political innuendos. For fans, GOAT is a veritable treasure trove of pop culture references, exciting cameos, and heartfelt tributes to past legends.
While GOAT may disappoint those seeking a globe-trotting espionage thriller or a tightly-scripted genre piece like Venkat Prabhu’s earlier work “Maanaadu,” it offers a tribute to one of Tamil cinema’s most beloved stars. With all its flaws, “The Greatest of All Time” is a celebration of Vijay’s illustrious career, making it worth the ticket price for die-hard fans. Even with its shortcomings, the film captures the essence of why Vijay remains a lion-hearted star in Indian cinema.
“The Greatest of All Time” is currently screening in theatres, inviting fans to revel in its star-studded spectacle.
