Movie Review: Goat
In an international assignment, MS Gandhi ( Vijay) special agent in the anti- terrorist squad and his colleagues Sunil Thyagarajan ( Prashanth), Ajay ( Ajmal) and Kalyan ( Prabhu Deva),save a shipment of uranium from a dreaded terrorist gang led by Omar and Menon (veteran actor Mohan) and blow up a train in the process. This incident, has serious implications for them, espcially Gandhi, in the future.
Gandhi has a particularly tough time at home, since his pregnant for the second time, wife, (Sneha) suspects him of an affair, not knowing the real nature of his job. To assauge her feelings, he takes her and his little son, Jeevan, to Thailand on his next mission, as a holiday outing for them.
However, the decision proves a costly one for him, as a tragedy befalls the family that changes the course of their lives.
Cut to the present day, where now, an older Gandhi, who has separated from his wife, now works as an immigration officer, away from the dangers of the ATS assisgnments. However, as luck would have, he is sent on a training assignment to Russia by his ex boss Nazeer, ( Jayaram), where his past life catches up with him in a most unexpected way. What happens next?
Director Venkat Prabhu sets out to give an all out entertainer with his Star hero and to that end, goes all out to sprinkle the screenplay with nostalgic musical tracks, references to earlier films with dialogues, one liners and scenes at regular intervals.
The first half, which consists of family scenes and the bonhomie between the 4 friends keeps things lively. Sneha shines with a sincere performance while Laila in a brief appearance appears to be in a guest role of sorts.
Prashanth and Prabhu Deva are well chosen as the friends, and add to the 90's renuion vibe on screen.
The much awaited highlight of the film, aka the dual role of Vijay in a de-aged younger avatar brings with it several angles, in the form of ample twists, thrills and suspense, that are rivetting, bound together with a strong emotional core which heightens the drama keeps things interesting as the story unfolds.
Vijay has delivered an impressive performance in the younger and older avatars. The songs are well filmed and make for pleasant viewing.
However, the negative shades accorded to the younger Vijay get a tad difficult to watch, as we see a younger version of the star, on a killing spree, even killing a girlfriend, trying to blow up thousands, all along, spouting venomous lines that are hard to swallow. Though both are Vijay, its confusing at times who to root for.
The movie seems to oscillate between a gripping thriller, interspersed with light -hearted entertainment via song and dance, and bonhomie between the friends, which sort of takes away from the thrilling suspense and action that is the core of the film. When Premgi comes in at crucial points, bringing his inherent humor, or when the agents carry out dangerous chases and missions with a smile and witty one liners, it dilutes the buikt up tension of the scenes.
Mohan as the chief villain of such a long drawn out plot of destruction, doesnt seem to fit the bill, (with his soft demeanour and non menacing body language) and adds to the confusion of how seriously to take the unfolding suspense and drama. No clarity id established as to what he actually does.
However, in the second half, the last half hour of the film is filled with ample twists, and highs that make up for the lags, right upto a gripping pre-climax fight and an intriguing climax. The bloopers at the end credits will be a delight for fans.
Watch out for special appearances of two major stars. Vijay excels especially in the senior avatar and brings his style and swag to the screen with a dash of maturity, which adds to the onscreen allure of the star that he is.
Rating 3/5
