Released on September 5, 2024, Vijay’s latest film “The Goat” had high expectations, especially in the Telugu states where it premiered on a grand scale. Distributors even scheduled 4 AM shows in Hyderabad to capitalize on the early buzz. However, despite this ambitious start, the film has faced a disappointing reception from both critics and audiences. Mixed reviews have significantly impacted its performance at the box office, dampening the initial excitement surrounding the release.
The Goat Initial Box Office Decline
In its opening weekend, “The Goat” managed to earn close to ₹3 crore, largely due to Vijay’s strong fan base in the Telugu states. However, the positive initial response quickly waned as word of mouth failed to sustain interest. After four days of screening, the film accumulated ₹8 crore in the Telugu states. Despite these figures, the film’s performance has been lackluster, with Sunday’s collections falling significantly. In comparison, other films like “Saripodhaa Sanivaaram” and “35 Chinna Katha Kaadu” enjoyed better occupancy and traction, highlighting the challenges faced by “The Goat.”
Factors Contributing to the Struggle
Several factors have contributed to the film’s struggle at the box office. A significant issue was the lack of promotion in the Telugu states, coupled with Vijay’s absence from any promotional events. Additionally, the film’s release on a Thursday with minimal buzz contributed to a sluggish start. As the weekdays commence, “The Goat” faces an uphill battle to boost its box office presence. The film needs to reach ₹12 crore in Telangana to be considered in a safe zone, but achieving this target appears increasingly difficult given the current trends.
Star-Studded Cast and Missed Opportunities
Directed by Venkat Prabhu, “The Goat” features an ensemble cast with notable cameos, including a surprising appearance by Trisha Krishnan. The presence of well-known actors and high expectations were not enough to overcome the challenges faced by the film. Highlighting the importance of effective marketing and strategic release planning in the film industry. As “The Goat” continues its run, it remains to be seen if it can recover and meet its box office targets.