There are films that entertain, and then there are films that get your adrenaline pumping while leaving you both exhilarated and exhausted. GOAT (2024), directed by Venkat Prabhu and starring Thalapathy Vijay, falls firmly into the latter category. From the very beginning, the movie sets out to deliver a cocktail of action, emotion, and nostalgia—much like a perfectly timed punch to the gut, yet somehow leaving you wanting more.
GOAT follows Gandhi (played by Vijay), a key member of an elite Anti-Terrorism Squad. When a past mission goes horribly wrong, leading to the death of his former colleague Menon’s family, the surviving Menon vows revenge on Gandhi and his squad. In a wild twist, Menon uses his own son (also played by Vijay, thanks to some impressive de-aging effects) to settle the score, resulting in an epic showdown that spans continents, families, and generations.
Highs and Lows in the Plot:
The first half of GOAT plays out like a well-oiled action machine. It’s packed with crowd-pleasing moments that see Gandhi and his team tackle missions in exotic locations, blending slick combat choreography with just the right amount of emotional weight. Vijay, in dual roles as both father and son, absolutely shines. In the father role, he brings a gravitas and intensity that grabs your attention, while as the son, his more playful side adds a much-needed contrast​.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The film does hit a few speed bumps in the second half. While the action and pacing remain top-notch, the screenplay starts to drag, leaving viewers wondering whether all the drama is really worth it. Several fans on social media pointed out that the second half lacks the tightness of the first, with a few twists feeling more predictable than surprising​. Yet, even when the script falters, Vijay’s star power more than makes up for it. His effortless transition between heroism and vulnerability keeps you glued to the screen.
Emotions, Nostalgia, and a Few Bumps Along the Way:
One of the most talked-about elements of GOAT is the emotional tribute to Captain Vijayakanth, a legendary figure in Tamil cinema. Using AI-generated visuals, Vijayakanth makes an appearance that hits all the right notes for fans of classic Tamil films. It’s a masterstroke, blending nostalgia with the film’s central themes of family and sacrifice​.
But not everything hits as intended. The much-discussed de-aging of Vijay for his son’s character has been met with mixed reactions. While some find it fascinating and fun, others feel it crosses into uncanny valley territory, calling it unnecessary and distracting. Add to that a few outdated plot parallels during the climax, and it’s clear GOAT isn’t without its flaws​.
Action, Music, and Cinematic Highlights:
If there’s one area where GOAT excels without question, it’s the action sequences. Venkat Prabhu knows how to deliver on spectacle, and GOAT is packed with heart-pounding set pieces that leave you at the edge of your seat. Whether it’s Gandhi’s tactical team taking down enemies in Kenya or the personal battle between father and son, the fight choreography is slick, brutal, and satisfying.
Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music amps up the tension throughout the film, perfectly syncing with each explosive action scene. However, certain songs in the soundtrack haven’t resonated well with fans, leading to complaints about their placement and overall impact. Despite this, the climactic sequence—featuring a nail-biting parallel between a high-stakes cricket match and a brutal action showdown—is nothing short of cinematic magic​.
My Final Verdict:
GOAT is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be: a mass entertainer designed to thrill. While the plot may not be the tightest and some moments feel predictable, Vijay’s star power and Venkat Prabhu’s direction keep the audience hooked. For die-hard Thalapathy Vijay fans, GOAT is a satisfying tribute to his career, packed with action, emotion, and enough twists to keep you engaged until the end.
Yes, the movie has its flaws—a sluggish second half, unnecessary de-aging effects, and a few missed opportunities with the music—but none of this overshadows the film’s entertainment value. If you’re looking for a wild ride full of high-energy action and emotional drama, GOAT is the movie to watch. And let’s be real: when it’s Thalapathy Vijay on screen, even the flaws are worth celebrating.