‘GOAT’ X review: Fans applaud Vijay’s performance, but plot draws criticism

Thalapathy Vijay’s ‘GOAT’ has opened in cinemas amid fan frenzy. People queued outside theatres to watch the first show of the film, which began at 4 am.

Those who have already watched the film are raving about it on social media. An X user wrote, “#GOAT: Overall good flick!! Book tickets, take your family, and enjoy!! I liked it better than Leo (sic).” Leo was Thalapathy Vijay’s 2023 release, which was also well received by the audience.

Another member of the audience, after watching the first half of the film, wrote on X, “#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. #GOAT (sic).”

One social media user also mentioned that GOAT is receiving positive responses from the USA as well. “Thalapathy Vijay starring #TheGOAT getting positive reviews from USA premiere itself!!!!!!!,” an X post read. A fan of actor Vijay also called the film, “Mental Mass Madness on screen (sic).”

An X user added, “#GOAT Review: MUST WATCH WITH FAMILY!! Exceeded all expectations. Commercial cinema at its best! Engaging first half, peak second half, banger climax. Interesting cameos, de-aging work very good. Overall, a Thalapathy Vijay show. Rating – 4.99/5 #TheGreatestOfAllTime (sic).” Another Vijay fan echoed a similar sentiment, writing, “Thalapathy Vijay’s performance in the first half was a solid 4.5/5, and the second half was a perfect 5/5. The climax is an absolute winner! (sic).”

However, while viewers praised Vijay’s performance, they complained about the film’s ‘sluggish’ screenplay. One post on X read, “First half is a snoozefest. Vijay’s star power can’t save the sluggish plot. Needs a major turnaround in the second half. #Vijay #TheGreatestOfAllTime #GOAT #TheGOAT (sic).”

Another user criticised the de-ageing of Thalapathy Vijay as a “crime” and expressed disappointment with the film’s music. An X post read, “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errors, such as 1) Teenage Vijay de-aging – which was a crime😏. 2) Songs – complete letdown. 3) Climax parallels – felt outdated and unnecessarily dragging (sic).”

Directed by Venkat Prabhu, ‘GOAT’ is an action drama that revolves around Gandhi, a celebrated member of the Special Anti-Terrorism Squad (SATS). He returns to action for a mission with his former colleagues after a past mistake comes back to haunt them. Prashanth, Prabhudheva, Mohan, Ajmal Ameer, Jayaram, Sneha, Laila, Menakshi Chaudhary and Premgi Amaren also star in the film.