Movie Name : The Greatest of All Time
Release Date : September 05, 2024
Cast : Vijay, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Sneha, Laila, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Ajmal Ameer, Mohan etc
Director :Venkat Prabhu
Music Director : Yuvan Shankar Raja
Andhrawatch.com Rating : 2.5/5
Story:
Gandhi, a fearless officer of the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (SATS), became renowned for his daring missions across countries like Kenya and Thailand. However, during a critical operation in Thailand, his life takes a devastating turn when his son is abducted and tragically murdered. Crushed by the loss, Gandhi decides to step away from his career in SATS, unable to bear the weight of his grief. Seeking solace, he relocates to Chennai, where he takes on a quieter role as an immigration officer, leaving behind his former life of danger and conflict.
Gandhi’s past catches up with him when a unique diplomatic mission draws him back into the field, this time in Moscow. While there, he stumbles upon a shocking revelation a man named Jeevan who bears an uncanny resemblance to his younger self. This eerie encounter leaves Gandhi both fascinated and disturbed, compelling him to investigate further. Unable to shake the mystery, he returns to India with Jeevan, determined to unravel the truth behind this bewildering connection.
The plot then unravels the secretive connection between Gandhi and Jeevan. What starts as a search for answers about their link soon transforms into a story of deceit and shocking discoveries. As Gandhi uncovers a brutal and uncomfortable truth, he is forced to confront a difficult choice. Now, he must determine the best way to navigate the situation, fully aware that his decision will have profound consequences for both their futures.
Review:
Thalapathy Vijay masterfully displays his range, shining in the dual roles of Gandhi and Jeevan. His depiction of Jeevan’s dark, villainous nature is particularly captivating, while his composed and dignified performance as Gandhi, highlighted by a suave salt-and-pepper appearance, adds a layer of gravitas to the role. Vijay’s seamless ability to juggle these two contrasting characters with precision stands out as the film’s most significant asset, elevating the overall experience.
The supporting cast, including Prabhudeva, Jayaram, Prashanth, Mohan, and Sneha, deliver competent performances in their respective roles. Though they fulfill their parts adequately, their presence doesn’t particularly enhance the overall impact of the film.
The confrontational scenes between the two Vijays are skillfully crafted and captivating. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, and the climax, unfolding during a live CSK cricket match, is sure to please fans, even though it has a longer runtime.
The plot follows a predictable path and relies on a familiar framework. Despite Venkat Prabhu’s promises of a surprising narrative, the story is fairly straightforward and may not captivate viewers who are familiar with similar movies. A more tightly woven script could have greatly improved the film’s effectiveness.
The first half of the film moves slowly and tests the audience’s patience. While the intensity picks up in the second half with gripping face-off scenes, the film’s length is still a drawback. Although Vijay’s performance helps sustain engagement, the narrative feels elongated and could use more concise pacing.
The film features several apparent plot inconsistencies, especially in the action scenes where the antagonists repeatedly fail to hit the protagonist. This recurring trope, where villains are unable to land a single hit, can be both common and exasperating in action movies.
Mohan’s portrayal of Menon lacks complexity, reducing the villain’s overall impact. Meenakshi Chaudhary’s character is underdeveloped, appearing in only a handful of scenes and musical numbers. While the cameos by Trisha and Sivakarthikeyan are a pleasant surprise, they don’t significantly affect the film’s narrative.
Moreover, some of the humor falls short, and the end credits sequence feels like a straightforward imitation, lacking originality.
Venkat Prabhu’s direction and screenplay are the film’s notable shortcomings. The narrative feels conventional, and the slow pacing, especially in the first half, diminishes viewer engagement. Although the VFX team effectively de-ages Vijay, other versions of the character come across as awkward. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music lacks impact, and numerous scenes, particularly early on, seem superfluous and could have been shortened. On the positive side, the production values are impressive.
In summary, “The Greatest of All Time (The GOAT)” is a typical revenge action drama that heavily depends on Vijay’s performance. His portrayal of the villainous Jeevan and the high-stakes face-off scenes stand out, but the film itself offers little in terms of fresh ideas or excitement. The sluggish pacing, lengthy runtime, uninspiring score, and several plot inconsistencies make it a difficult watch for anyone except the most devoted Vijay enthusiasts.