Director Venkat Prabhu sets the tone of his latest Vijay-starrer, GOAT (The Greatest of All Time), right from the opening scene. A covert team, led by Gandhi (played by Vijay), embarks on a high-stakes recovery mission against the villainous Rajiv Menon (portrayed by Mohan). Gandhi, living up to the film’s titular hint, captivates the audience with his unique flair during an intense action sequence. However, just before delivering the final blow to Rajiv, Gandhi is halted by his friend due to unforeseen circumstances. This initial sequence serves as an overview of the entire plot, showcasing Venkat and his team’s flashes of greatness within a template film laden with impeccable fan service.
In GOAT, Gandhi and his Special Anti-Terrorism Squad—comprising Sunil (Prashanth), Ajay (Ajmal), Kalyan (Prabhu Deva), and their chief Nazeer (Jayaram)—are portrayed as seasoned agents as well as friends. Rather than milking their motivations in the name of patriotism, the film presents them as regular office-goers, engaging in typical workplace banter. This realistic portrayal extends into Gandhi’s personal life, revealing why his wife Anu (Sneha) is unimpressed when his work disrupts their private space. Given the genre, seasoned viewers will anticipate that this tranquility is merely the calm before the storm. When tragedy eventually strikes, propelling the storyline from 2008 to the present day, the film swiftly shifts gears, turning into a chaotic, exhilarating ride.
Sneha and Vijay shine in their respective roles in ‘The Greatest of All Time’. What notably stands out in GOAT is its powerhouse casting. Despite some roles resembling glorified cameos, the ensemble feels like the Indian cinema’s answer to ‘The Expendables’. This familiar casting helps the audience invest emotionally in the camaraderie and deep-seated friendship the team shares, with each veteran actor bringing their best to the table.
Although GOAT boasts an impressive ensemble, it’s Vijay who carries the film, juggling dual roles as Gandhi and his son Jeevan. Venkat Prabhu, understanding his directorial role well, ensures both characters get their moment in the spotlight. Both Gandhi and Jeevan are passionate about their missions, each facing significant losses. This narrative duality is where both the filmmaker and lead actor truly excel. As Gandhi, Vijay nails the part of a duty-bound man whose responsibilities morph into burdens, culminating in grief—epitomized in a scene where Gandhi faces a monumental loss. However, it’s Jeevan who arguably steals the show.
. Portraying a young adult, complete with charismatic antics, Vijay delivers a performance reminiscent of his earlier career successes. Without spoiling the plot, it’s clear that Vijay has excelled in a role where he’s previously faltered.
A notable aspect of GOAT is its creators’ responsiveness to feedback. Following criticism of the de-ageing VFX in the film’s promotional content, the team revisited the drawing board, presenting a much more credible younger version of Vijay. This decision, pivotal to the storyline, was a risky one that paid off immensely.
However, the film also attempts to mask a shallow, straightforward, and predictable plot with its star-studded cast, much like its use of technology to present a younger Vijay. Viewers familiar with Vijay’s previous works might find GOAT reminiscent of multiple past films, including the Vijayakanth-led ‘Rajadurai’, helmed by Vijay’s father S. A. Chandrasekhar. At its core, GOAT is a basic revenge narrative. Despite the high-gloss presentation, the simplicity of the storyline becomes apparent, eroding the grandeur with time. The action sequences lack excitement, the musical scores fall flat, and the antagonist, played by Mohan, is woefully underwritten. Additionally, the prominent female characters in the film remain stereotypical damsels in distress, a trope that feels outdated and uninspired.
Prabhu Deva, Vijay, and Prashanth in a still from ‘The Greatest of All Time’ retain some level of intrigue, but what truly keeps GOAT afloat is its commitment to fan service. The film brims with references to Vijay’s past hit films, iconic dance moves, mannerisms, and nods to his peers, along with political innuendos. It stands as a pop-culture treasure trove with exciting cameos and a heartfelt homage to a late legend.
In the end, GOAT might disappoint those seeking a globe-trotting espionage thriller or a genre-specific entertainer akin to Venkat Prabhu’s ‘Maanaadu’. However, for fans looking to celebrate one of Tamil cinema’s most beloved stars in his penultimate outing—transitioning from a GOAT to a Beast—the film is worth the price of admission. Despite its flaws, a lion remains a lion.
‘The Greatest of All Time’ is currently running in theatres.
Published – September 05, 2024, 06:39 pm IST
Tamil cinema / Indian cinema / reviews
