The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) is Thalapathy Vijay’s latest venture, a tribute film directed by Venkat Prabhu. While the film cements Vijay’s legacy as one of the titans of Tamil cinema, it also marks his penultimate project before his full shift into politics. The film showcases a blend of action, nostalgia, and typical Vijay mass appeal, but struggles with a wafer-thin storyline that leaves viewers wanting more in terms of depth.
Plot Overview
In GOAT, Vijay plays Gandhi, part of an elite team called the Special Anti-Terrorism Squad (SATS). Alongside his teammates—Sunil (Prashanth), Kalyan (Prabhudheva), and Ajay (Ajmal Ameer)—and led by Nasser (Jayaram), the team effortlessly handles high-stakes missions. However, tragedy strikes during a mission in Thailand where Gandhi loses his pregnant wife (played by Sneha) and his son. Devastated, Gandhi retreats to a quieter, less dangerous life.
But fate intervenes when Gandhi, on a work trip to Moscow, encounters an unexpected adversary, pulling him back into the game. The movie unfolds as he reunites with his SATS team to take down a new villain, leading to action-packed sequences and emotional twists.
Thalapathy Vijay’s Performance
Vijay is undoubtedly the heart and soul of GOAT. His dual performance—channeling both his older self and a younger version reminiscent of his character in Azhagiya Tamizh Magan—is brilliant. Despite the script’s shortcomings, Vijay’s presence alone carries the film through its slower moments. The film feels like a celebration of his career, filled with moments that remind us why Vijay is one of Tamil cinema’s most beloved stars.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Director Venkat Prabhu, known for his unconventional storytelling and sharp comedy, attempts to give us a classic two-hero narrative but falters with a predictable plot. While the film is packed with surprises and twists, many of them fall flat due to their predictability. For instance, the much-hyped Metro fight scene reveals a masked villain, but audiences can easily guess who it is before the big reveal, dampening the excitement.
On the bright side, whenever the director taps into Vijay’s impeccable comic timing, the film soars. These lighter moments breathe life into an otherwise dragging storyline, but they are too few and far between to sustain the film’s three-hour runtime.
The Final Act Saves the Day
Though the film tests patience at points, the last 30 minutes deliver a series of twists, cameos, and high-energy sequences that redeem the movie. This final stretch is where GOAT truly shines, allowing the audience to leave the theater with a smile, despite the film’s uneven pacing.
Nostalgia and References Galore
Venkat Prabhu uses GOAT as a platform to weave in numerous references to Vijay’s illustrious filmography and his political aspirations. Scenes that highlight Vijay’s past roles are sure to evoke nostalgia, and fans of the star will relish the moments where these throwbacks come alive. Vijay’s willingness to make certain bold script choices allows for some memorable moments, especially when he metaphorically “passes the baton” to another actor in a key scene.
Supporting Cast and Music
GOAT benefits from a strong supporting cast, including Prashanth, Prabhudheva, Sneha, and Jayaram, who complement Vijay’s performance well. The film also plays on nostalgia with some yesteryear actors making appearances, adding a layer of enjoyment for older fans. Unfortunately, the villains, particularly Menon (played by Mohan), fall short of expectations and don’t leave a lasting impact.
One of the film’s bigger letdowns is Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music. While the composer has delivered numerous memorable soundtracks in the past, the background score in GOAT feels lackluster, and the placement of songs disrupts the film’s flow rather than enhancing it.
De-Aging Technology: Hit or Miss?
The film relies heavily on de-aging technology to portray younger versions of its characters. While the team successfully brings a younger Vijay to life, particularly in action scenes, the use of AI for flashbacks showing teenage Vijay is underwhelming. The technology struggles to deliver a seamless experience, which pulls the audience out of the story at times.
Conclusion
GOAT is an inconsistent film that comes together only in the pre-climax and climax sequences. It’s a film that leans heavily on Vijay’s star power and nostalgia, with moments that will resonate with fans but may leave others disappointed by the lack of a compelling story. The cameos, surprises, and final act help compensate for some of the movie’s shortcomings, making it a decent watch for Vijay’s fans but not quite the masterpiece it could have been.
If you’re in for some nostalgia, Vijay’s charismatic performance, and a few entertaining surprises, GOAT offers just enough to make it worthwhile.