GOAT Movie Review: Prioritizes Fan Service Over Storytelling
In recent years, Tamil cinema has had its fair share of action-packed, fan-centric films. The latest entry, GOAT (The Greatest of All Time), directed by Venkat Prabhu and starring the ever-charismatic Vijay, seeks to ride the wave of fandom with explosive action sequences and nostalgic nods. But does it live up to its ambitious title? Let’s dive into a breakdown of the movie, where it shines and where it stumbles.
Setting the Stage: The Action-Packed Opener
GOAT wastes no time in throwing viewers into the action. From the very first scene, Venkat Prabhu sets the tone. Gandhi (played by Vijay) leads a covert operation to bring down the villain Rajiv Menon (portrayed by Mohan). The opening scene is a high-stakes mission where Gandhi’s unique fighting style and sharp instincts take center stage. As the film hints, Gandhi truly embodies the GOAT but not without facing his own challenges.
In classic action-hero style, Gandhi is moments away from delivering the final blow to Rajiv, only to be interrupted by a close friend. This scene, in essence, encapsulates the broader story of GOAT—action-packed, yet punctuated with moments of emotional depth. It’s a film that attempts to balance spectacle with heart, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that fan service takes precedence over an intricate narrative.
The Squad: Familiar Faces, Strong Camaraderie
A major strength of GOAT lies in its casting. Gandhi’s Special Anti-Terrorism Squad includes a team of familiar faces: Sunil (Prashanth), Ajay (Ajmal), Kalyan (Prabhu Deva), and their chief Nazeer (Jayaram). Together, they are a formidable group of seasoned agents and close-knit friends. This camaraderie is one of the film’s highlights, providing a sense of warmth and unity that helps the audience invest in their mission. Their workroom banter brings a sense of normalcy, reminding us that even secret agents have personal lives and mundane challenges, like when Gandhi’s wife Anu (played by Sneha) expresses frustration with how work seeps into their home life.
However, as any seasoned action movie viewer knows, things won’t stay calm for long. The peaceful camaraderie quickly dissolves as the team faces tragedy, propelling the film from a nostalgic past to a turbulent present.
Dual Roles: Vijay’s Star Power
Despite its ensemble cast, GOAT is undoubtedly Vijay’s show. The actor plays dual roles — Gandhi, the seasoned anti-terrorism agent, and Jeevan, his son. Venkat Prabhu, ever-aware of Vijay’s magnetic star power, provides ample moments for both characters to shine. Gandhi, weighed down by responsibility and personal loss, is a character steeped in grief. Vijay’s portrayal of Gandhi, particularly in moments of emotional turmoil, showcases his ability to deliver grounded, heartfelt performances.
But it’s Jeevan who steals the show. As the young, brash son, Vijay taps into the playful energy and charm that his fans have come to adore. His portrayal of Jeevan is reminiscent of his earlier roles, complete with witty one-liners and rebellious antics. It’s a joy to watch Vijay slip back into this younger persona, and the de-aging visual effects used to help him achieve this are surprisingly effective — a testament to the filmmakers’ response to earlier criticism of the film’s promotional material.
The Plot: A Predictable Revenge Story
Unfortunately, while GOAT excels in fan service and casting, its plot falls short. At its core, this is a straightforward revenge story. Gandhi, now retired, is forced back into action when the ghosts of his past come back to haunt him. The narrative, while serviceable, doesn’t break any new ground. It’s a plot we’ve seen countless times before, and while it works well enough to support the action, it lacks the depth and complexity that could have elevated the film.
The film draws clear parallels to other revenge thrillers in Tamil cinema, most notably Rajadurai, a film directed by Vijay’s father, S. A. Chandrasekhar. The connection is unmistakable, particularly in how both films center around a younger version of Vijay’s character, offering a nostalgic throwback for long-time fans. But as the action sequences roll out and the story progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that the plot is a thin excuse for grandiose set pieces and callbacks to Vijay’s earlier work.
Weak Villain, Strong Hero
If there’s one major flaw that weighs GOAT down, it’s the underwritten antagonist. Rajiv Menon, played by veteran actor Mohan, is a lackluster villain. Despite Mohan’s best efforts, his character feels one-dimensional and fails to provide the kind of menacing, formidable presence required to match Gandhi’s towering heroism. In an action-thriller like this, a compelling villain is key, but GOAT misses the mark here, leaving audiences with a sense of dissatisfaction.
To make matters worse, the female characters are often relegated to the sidelines, depicted as damsels in distress rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. This outdated trope feels like a missed opportunity in an otherwise modern film.
Fan Service Over Substance
What GOAT lacks in story, it more than makes up for in fan service. For die-hard Vijay fans, this movie is a celebration of everything they love about the actor. From hat-tips to his previous hits to recreations of iconic dance moves and political innuendos, the film is jam-packed with Easter eggs and references that will leave fans grinning from ear to ear. There’s even a touching tribute to a late legend, adding a layer of sentimentality to the spectacle.
In this regard, GOAT succeeds in being a pop-culture extravaganza. It’s clear that Venkat Prabhu knows his audience and delivers exactly what they want. If you’re a Vijay fan looking for a nostalgia trip, this film delivers. But if you’re expecting a tightly crafted action-thriller with a gripping plot, GOAT might leave you wanting more.
A Mixed Bag with Big Moments
In the end, GOAT is a film that delivers on fan expectations but falters when it comes to crafting a compelling narrative. It’s a movie that prioritizes theatricality and nostalgia over innovation and depth, and while that works for a certain audience, it might not resonate with those seeking something more substantial.
If you’re looking to revel in Vijay’s charm and see him tackle dual roles with flair, The Greatest of All Time is worth a watch. But if you’re after a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller, you might want to lower your expectations. At the end of the day, as the film suggests, even with its flaws, a lion remains a lion.
