Director Venkat Prabhu crafts a delightful blend of humor, action, and nostalgia in GOAT, offering a fresh and exhilarating experience for Thalapathy Vijay fans. The film pits Vijay against himself, as both a young and older version of his character face off in an intense, action-filled rivalry. It’s a tale of double trouble, double action, and double the entertainment.
The movie kicks off in 2008 Kenya, where a special anti-terrorist squad (SATS) led by Gandhi (Vijay) successfully retrieves stolen uranium from a group of terrorists. Gandhi’s team, including Kalyan (Prabhu Deva), Sunil (Prashanth), and Shaam (Ajay), return victorious but receive backlash from their chief, Nazeer (Jayaram), for the chaos they caused. Their tight-knit camaraderie and penchant for partying land Gandhi in hot water with his wife, Anu (Sneha), who becomes suspicious of his behavior.
In an effort to reconcile with Anu and their son Jeevan, Gandhi plans a family trip to Thailand. However, tragedy strikes when they are attacked, leaving Anu hospitalized and Jeevan kidnapped and killed. Years later, Gandhi, now separated from Anu and stuck in a desk job, is pulled back into action when a new terror threat emerges in the form of Sanjay. The film then follows Gandhi’s quest for justice, redemption, and perhaps a reunion with his estranged family.
Venkat Prabhu deserves credit for weaving a story that traverses the globe while blending family sentiment, action, and drama. He provides Thalapathy Vijay with a script that feels fresh and different from his recent roles, making it a welcome change. Vijay’s dual roles as Gandhi and Sanjay add an extra layer of intrigue, as both characters are distinct, yet compelling in their own ways.
The first half of GOAT is a rollercoaster of action and drama, culminating in a powerful interval block. The second half picks up with a high-stakes showdown between Gandhi and Sanjay, keeping the pace fast and engaging. Venkat Prabhu also packs the film with tributes to iconic moments in Tamil cinema, particularly from Vijay’s filmography, adding a nostalgic touch for die-hard fans.
While the film does have its slower moments, the superb performances by Vijay and the ensemble cast more than make up for it. Vijay’s signature charisma, humor, and action prowess shine through, and Venkat Prabhu capitalizes on these traits to the fullest.
Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music adds another layer of energy to the film, with standout tracks including a foot-tapping remix of an Ilaiyaraaja classic and the soulful “Chinna Chinna Kangal,” created using AI. The background score complements the film’s intense action sequences and emotional moments beautifully.
In the end, GOAT is a Venkat Prabhu spectacle, filled with action, humor, and heart. It’s a wholesome entertainer that delivers everything Vijay’s fans could ask for, while still offering enough freshness to keep general audiences engaged.
Rating: 4/5
