The Greatest of All Time (The GOAT), directed by Venkat Prabhu, marks Thalapathy Vijay’s latest cinematic endeavour. Released amid high expectations, the film features Vijay in a dual role, showcasing his range as an actor. However, while Vijay’s performance impresses, the movie falls short in several areas. Here’s a detailed review of The GOAT.
Rating: 2.5/5
Language: Tamil, Telugu
Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
Director: Venkat Prabhu
Starring: Vijay, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Sneha, Laila, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Ajmal Ameer, Mohan
Runtime: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
Available In: Theaters (Tamil and Telugu)
Story Overview
The film follows Gandhi (Vijay), a member of the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (SATS), who successfully completes a mission in Kenya to eliminate a terrorist leader, Menon (Mohan). Years later, Gandhi discovers his son Jeevan (also Vijay) dead during a mission in Bangkok. To his surprise, he later finds Jeevan alive in Russia. As father and son return home, a series of mysterious events involving SATS members unfold, leading Gandhi on a quest for the truth. The narrative revolves around questions of identity, loyalty, and deception.
Good Aspects
Thalapathy Vijay’s Performance:
Vijay’s portrayal of the dual characters, Gandhi and Jeevan, is the film’s standout feature. His ability to differentiate between the calm, composed Gandhi and the intense, villainous Jeevan showcases his versatility. The contrasting personas are well-executed, adding depth to the story. Vijay’s screen presence and charisma anchor the film, and his fans will undoubtedly enjoy his dynamic performance.
Action Sequences:
The action scenes are another highlight of the film. Well-choreographed and engaging, these sequences, especially the face-offs between the two Vijays, provide thrilling moments that keep the audience engaged. The climax, set during a live CSK cricket match, is particularly memorable for its unique setting, although it feels stretched.
Cinematography and Visual Effects:
Siddhartha Nuni’s cinematography is adequate, capturing the film’s varied settings well. The VFX team deserves recognition for convincingly de-ageing Vijay, which adds a visual flair to the narrative.
Supporting Cast:
While the supporting cast, including Prabhudeva, Jayaram, Prashanth, and Sneha, delivers decent performances, their roles are limited. Trisha and Sivakarthikeyan’s cameos are a pleasant addition, though they do little to influence the plot.
Bad Aspects
Predictable Plot and Pacing Issues:
Despite promises of an unpredictable screenplay, the story follows a familiar revenge drama template, making it easy for the audience to foresee plot twists. The first half of the film drags considerably, testing viewers’ patience. Although the second half picks up momentum with more intense scenes, the overall pacing remains inconsistent, affecting engagement.
Lack of Character Development:
The characters lack depth, particularly the antagonist Menon and Jeevan’s mother (played by Meenakshi Chaudhary). This makes them feel one-dimensional, reducing the film’s emotional impact. Meenakshi’s character is underutilized, appearing only in a few scenes and songs, which does not contribute significantly to the plot.
Over-the-Top Elements and Plot Holes:
Some action sequences are riddled with clichés, such as villains repeatedly missing their shots, which detracts from the film’s realism. Additionally, the film’s reliance on melodrama and over-the-top sequences, especially in the end credits, can feel excessive and detract from the overall experience.
Direction and Editing:
Venkat Prabhu’s direction is lacklustre, struggling to maintain a cohesive narrative. Venkat Raajen’s editing could have been tighter, particularly in the first half, where several scenes feel redundant and slow down the pace. The film’s lengthy runtime further hampers its appeal.
Music and Background Score:
Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music fails to leave a lasting impression. Although serviceable, the background score does not elevate the dramatic moments as effectively as needed.
Verdict
The Greatest of All Time (The GOAT) is a standard revenge action drama that heavily relies on Thalapathy Vijay’s dual performance. While his portrayal of Gandhi and Jeevan is commendable, and the action sequences provide some thrills, the film suffers from a predictable plot, pacing issues, and underdeveloped characters. These factors make it a challenging watch for those expecting a fresh and engaging narrative. The film may appeal to die-hard Vijay fans, but it lacks the novelty and excitement required to stand out for a broader audience.
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