Thalapathy Vijay’s film *GOAT* (Greatest of All Time) has opened to a range of reactions from audiences and critics alike, following its debut. Directed by Venkat Prabhu, the film has attracted considerable attention, particularly due to Vijay's star power and the high expectations surrounding its release. The film's storyline revolves around Gandhi, a decorated member of the Special Anti-Terrorism Squad (SATS), who is compelled to return to action due to unresolved issues stemming from a past mistake. Despite the buzz and fanfare, *GOAT* has sparked a mixture of praise and criticism.
The positive reviews highlight Vijay's performance as a standout aspect of the film. Social media users have expressed their admiration for his portrayal, praising his ability to deliver both engaging and emotionally charged moments. One enthusiastic viewer wrote, "#GOAT: Overall good flick!! Book tickets, take your family, and enjoy!! I liked it better than Leo," referring to Vijay’s previous hit, *Leo*. Another user praised the film’s first half, stating, "#TheGreatestOfAllTime - First Half - VP ‘Delivered’. A clean & perfectly packaged film so far with enough fun, heroism & a predictable yet good twist. Vijay is a treat to watch. Fun, emotion & heroism, he just nailed it. Stage is perfectly set for the second half."
The film has also garnered positive feedback from international audiences. A fan noted, "Thalapathy Vijay starring #TheGOAT getting positive reviews from USA premiere itself!!!!!!!" Another post emphasized, "#GOAT Review: MUST WATCH WITH FAMILY!! Exceeded all expectations. Commercial cinema at its best! Engaging first half, peak second half, banger climax. Interesting cameos, and de-aging work very good. Overall, a Thalapathy Vijay show. Rating - 4.99/5 #TheGreatestOfAllTime."
However, not all reactions have been favorable. Critics have pointed out issues with the film’s screenplay and musical score. Some viewers found the film's pacing slow, with one comment describing the first half as a "snoozefest," and lamenting that "Vijay's star power can't save the sluggish plot. Needs a major turnaround in the second half." Another critique focused on the de-aging effects and the film’s music, with a user commenting, "Although #GOAT was good, it could’ve easily been VP’s finest work to date if he had corrected a few fatal errors, such as 1) Teenage Vijay de-aging - which was a crime. 2) Songs - complete letdown. 3) Climax parallels - felt outdated and unnecessarily dragging."
Directed by Venkat Prabhu, *GOAT* features a robust ensemble cast including Prashanth, Prabhudheva, Mohan, Ajmal Ameer, Jayaram, Sneha, Laila, Menakshi Chaudhary, and Premgi Amaren. The film is described as an action drama that delves into themes of redemption and justice. It focuses on Gandhi's journey as he is thrust back into high-stakes operations with his former colleagues, battling both personal and professional challenges.
The mixed reception of *GOAT* reflects a spectrum of audience expectations and experiences. While Vijay's performance has been universally lauded, the film's other elements have elicited varied responses. This blend of critical and audience feedback highlights the complexity of *GOAT* as a cinematic experience, underscoring the high standards set for Vijay’s films and the diverse tastes of moviegoers.
