The first reviews for GOAT — The Greatest of All Time are mixed. As Vijay’s potential final film before fully diving into his political career, it has received praise for its entertainment value, including action and dance sequences. However, some critics feel the film falls short in terms of story and dramatic depth.
Storyline
The Greatest of All Time centers on Gandhi (Thalapathy Vijay), a member of the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (SATS), who completes a successful mission in Kenya against a terrorist gang led by Menon (Mohan). Years later, during a mission in Bangkok, Gandhi is devastated to find his son Jeevan (also Vijay) dead.
Shockingly, he later encounters Jeevan alive in Russia, and they return home together. As strange events begin to unfold involving SATS members, Gandhi sets out to uncover the truth behind these occurrences. The film’s central mystery revolves around whether Jeevan is truly Gandhi’s son and his possible connections to Menon.
The GOAT Movie Review
Directed by Venkat Prabhu, the film starts with an intense action sequence in Kenya and transitions to Delhi, featuring an energetic dance number with Vijay and Prabhu Deva. However, the first half of the movie drags, lacking significant action or engaging moments. Vijay delivers strong performances in emotional scenes, and the interval twist adds some intrigue, raising expectations for the second half. Despite this, the film suffers from a weak core plot, and the portrayal of young Vijay’s character may not resonate with all viewers. The background score by Yuvan Shankar Raja fails to impress, and the action sequences, while decent, do not sustain excitement. The film feels overly long, with the dual roles of Vijay offering limited added value.
Plus Points: Vijay’s dual role as Gandhi and Jeevan is the film’s standout feature. His portrayal of Jeevan’s villainous side is compelling, and his portrayal of Gandhi, complete with a stylish salt-and-pepper look, adds depth to the character.
The face-off scenes between the two Vijays are well-executed, and the climax, set during a live CSK cricket match, is a fan favorite. Supporting actors Prabhudeva, Jayaram, and Sneha contribute adequately, and the action choreography is well-handled.
Minus Points: The film’s storyline is predictable and follows a familiar template, despite claims of an unpredictable screenplay. The slow pacing and extended runtime test the audience’s patience. Notable plot holes, such as villains repeatedly missing their shots, detract from the experience.
Menon’s character lacks depth, and Meenakshi Chaudhary’s role is underutilized. While cameos by Trisha and Sivakarthikeyan are pleasant, they do not impact the film significantly. The humor falls flat in places, and the end credits sequence feels derivative of a failed Hollywood film.
Final Verdict
The Greatest of All Time is a mixed bag. Vijay’s dual roles and the engaging face-off scenes stand out, but the film’s predictable plot, slow pacing, and various flaws make it a tough watch. While Vijay fans may still find it enjoyable, the film lacks the excitement and originality needed to be truly memorable. Despite solid technical elements like VFX and production values, the overall experience doesn’t quite meet expectations.