Venkat Prabhu’s latest spy thriller, GOAT, showcases Vijay in a dual role as the star approaches the end of his film career. The film’s plot, centered around the Special Anti-Terrorism Squad, relies heavily on nostalgia and references to Vijay’s earlier works but falters with a weak narrative. While some action and comic scenes shine, the overall storytelling lacks novelty. Cameos and twists in the final act redeem the film somewhat, but the overuse of AI de-aging technology and Yuvan Shankar Raja’s subpar music weigh it down.

Plot

GOAT revolves around a spy thriller setup, with Vijay in a dual role leading the Special Anti-Terrorism Squad. The storyline mixes espionage and action as the characters fight against a looming terror threat. However, the plot leans heavily on nostalgia, incorporating references to Vijay’s earlier films and fan-favorite moments rather than offering a fresh narrative arc.

Cast

• Vijay: The central figure, taking on dual roles.
• Jayaram: Plays a significant supporting role.
• Priyanka Mohan: The female lead.
• Easwari Rao, Meenakshi Chaudhary, and VTV Ganesh: Provide additional supporting performances.

Director

The movie is directed by Venkat Prabhu, known for blending mass entertainment with unique storytelling. This film marks his collaboration with Vijay and carries a sense of nostalgia for the actor’s fans.

Story

While Vijay’s charm and screen presence remain the strongest pillars of GOAT, the story struggles with depth. The wafer-thin plot and over-reliance on past glories make it seem like a tribute film for fans, rather than a gripping spy thriller. While it packs moments of action and humor, it lacks freshness in terms of narrative structure.

Reviews

• Strengths: Vijay’s performance is undeniably the highlight of the film. His ability to bring charisma to both roles in the film is well-acknowledged.
• Weaknesses: The plot is described as predictable and overly reliant on nostalgia, which may appeal to die-hard Vijay fans but leaves others wanting more.
• Direction and Technical Aspects: Venkat Prabhu’s direction shines in certain areas like action sequences and cameos but fails to elevate the weak storyline. The overuse of AI de-aging technology and a somewhat lackluster soundtrack from Yuvan Shankar Raja are notable criticisms.