Plot
“The GOAT” follows Gandhi, a middle-aged man caught between his past and present and Jeevan, a ruthless young man with a dark streak. As their worlds collide, secrets unravel and unexpected twists keep the audience guessing.
Rating:3/5
Performance
Thalapathy Vijay owns this film delivering a memorable performance in both of his roles. As Gandhi he captures the essence of a man grappling with complex emotions and as Jeevan he brings out a fierce dark charisma that lights up the screen. His portrayal of the younger character in particular stands out as one of his career’s most unique and compelling performances. Supporting actors like Yogi Babu add a touch of humor, while Mic Mohan makes a notable impression.
Music
Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score has its moments especially in a few high-energy sequences where it enhances the mood. However, the songs are a mixed bag with some feeling out of place. The film could have benefited from tighter song placement and perhaps even the removal of a few to maintain a smoother narrative flow.
Technical Aspects
The cinematography and VFX in “GOAT” are commendable. The de-aging effect used to portray the younger version of Vijay is done remarkably well, adding a layer of freshness to the film. The action sequences are shot with finesse and the overall production design reflects a well-thought-out vision. However, the editing could have been sharper especially in the second half, where the film feels overly lengthy at points.
Positives
- Thalapathy Vijay’s Dual Performances: Vijay shines in both his avatars making a solid impact with his versatility.
- Engaging First Half: The initial setup is fun and gripping with a good balance of comedy, drama and action.
- Cameos and References: For fans the cameos and references add a layer of excitement, creating memorable theatrical moments.
- Visual Effects and Cinematography: The film scores high on its technical merits particularly in visual effects and camera work.
What Didn’t Work
- Music and Song Placement: The songs though few feel poorly timed and disrupt the flow of the story.
- Pacing in the Second Half: The latter half of the film drags with repetitive scenes, losing the tightness of the first half.
- Screenplay Choices: While some twists work, others come off as too “crowd-pleasing” especially those involving references to Dhoni and CSK. For non-fans these elements might seem overdone.
Verdict
“GOAT” is a fun watch that leans heavily on Thalapathy Vijay’s star power and its numerous cameos and references. It offers enough entertainment for the masses, particularly fans of Vijay who will enjoy his dual roles and the theatrical moments crafted around them. However, with a bit more care in editing and music placement, this film could have elevated itself to a whole new level. As it stands, “GOAT” is a decent commercial entertainer that can be enjoyed for its highs despite its few flaws.