Tamil cinema is no stranger to record-breaking box office performances, but when it comes to establishing dominance and redefining cinematic milestones, few can rival the sheer star power of Thalapathy Vijay. His latest release, The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), directed by Venkat Prabhu, has once again showcased his immense popularity and the loyalty of his fanbase. On its opening day, the film raked in an impressive ₹43 crore domestically, earning the title of the biggest Tamil opener of 2024. While GOAT didn’t surpass the opening day collections of Vijay’s previous release, Leo (₹63 crore), it still managed to etch itself in Tamil cinema history with its extraordinary performance.
Vijay’s GOAT, also known as The Greatest of All Time, opened to packed theatres, high anticipation, and incredible excitement. The film not only marked Vijay’s third consecutive blockbuster but also further solidified his status as a titan of Indian cinema, particularly in the Tamil film industry. In this extended blog, we will explore the various aspects of GOAT’s Day 1 performance, break down the numbers, analyze its impact on Tamil cinema, and look at the broader implications for Vijay’s career as he nears a potential transition to politics.
GOAT’s First-Day Box Office Performance: A Phenomenal Opening
Thalapathy Vijay’s GOAT opened across more than 4,000 screens worldwide, immediately racking up remarkable box office figures. According to reports, the film earned ₹43 crore in India alone on its first day, with an additional ₹110 crore globally. This figure puts GOAT in an elite group of films, making it the second Vijay film after Leo to cross ₹100 crore worldwide on its opening day.
The domestic collections of ₹43 crore are particularly notable because ₹38.3 crore came from the Tamil version of the film. The film was also released in Telugu and Hindi, where it earned ₹3 crore and ₹1.7 crore, respectively. Though the film saw less traction in non-Tamil regions compared to Vijay’s previous releases, its Tamil Nadu performance was exceptional, contributing a massive ₹32-35 crore to the overall tally.
In Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and a core market for Vijay’s films, GOAT saw an almost unparalleled 99% occupancy across 1003 shows. The fervor in Bengaluru was also notable, where the film had 1140 shows, although the occupancy was a more modest 60%. The film also performed exceptionally well in Kerala (₹6 crore) and Karnataka (₹9 crore), reinforcing Vijay’s Pan-South Indian appeal.
Breaking Down GOAT’s Opening Day Numbers: What Worked?
The ₹43 crore figure is significant not just because it cements GOAT as the biggest Tamil opener of the year, but also because it continues the trend of Vijay’s films consistently setting benchmarks. For context, Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2 opened at ₹25.6 crore, and while it was a major release, it didn’t generate the same level of buzz or box office earnings. Vijay’s star power, massive fan following, and the pre-release hype played a critical role in propelling GOAT to new heights.
But what exactly worked for GOAT on Day 1? Several factors contributed to its stellar performance:
- Pre-release Buzz: The anticipation around GOAT had been building for months. As Vijay’s penultimate film before his anticipated entry into politics, the curiosity and excitement around the movie were at an all-time high. Social media platforms were flooded with speculations, trailers, and fan interactions, driving immense interest in the film.
- Fan Loyalty: Thalapathy Vijay commands an almost unmatched level of fan loyalty in Tamil cinema. His fans not only eagerly await his films but also actively promote and support his ventures, ensuring packed theatres and impressive first-day numbers. This is particularly evident in regions like Tamil Nadu, where Vijay’s films regularly see 90%+ occupancy rates on their opening days.
- Release Strategy: The film benefited from a strategic release, with shows starting as early as 9 am and running till 2 am. The Tamil Nadu government allowed the special 9 am shows for just one day, which contributed to the film’s record-breaking opening. Though these privileges were not extended into the weekend, the packed schedule on Day 1 gave GOAT a significant boost.
- Mass Appeal: Directed by Venkat Prabhu, GOAT taps into themes of action, drama, and emotion, all of which resonate deeply with Tamil audiences. While the film didn’t rely on a cinematic universe or grand musical score like Leo, its solid storyline and engaging narrative pulled in large crowds.
Comparisons with Leo: A Tale of Two Blockbusters
While GOAT has been a box office sensation, it inevitably faces comparisons with Vijay’s previous film, Leo. Released earlier in 2023, Leo opened with a staggering ₹63 crore on its first day, benefiting from several factors that GOAT didn’t have in its favor.
Leo was part of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Lokiverse, a highly successful cinematic universe that includes characters and narratives from several Tamil blockbusters. This gave Leo a narrative advantage, as fans were eager to see how it would connect with previous films. Furthermore, Leo featured a multi-genre approach that appealed to a broader audience, along with a high-energy soundtrack that was widely promoted.
In contrast, GOAT is a more traditional action-drama that leans heavily on Vijay’s star power and the film’s storyline. While it doesn’t have the cinematic universe pull that Leo had, GOAT still managed to capture the imagination of Vijay’s core fanbase. The comparison between the two films underscores the variety in Vijay’s recent choices and highlights his versatility as an actor capable of drawing audiences in both mass-market blockbusters and more grounded narratives.
Mixed Reviews: Does It Matter for the Box Office?
While the box office figures speak for themselves, the reviews for GOAT have been mixed. Many critics and fans praised Vijay’s performance, particularly in his dual roles as M.S. Gandhi and Jeevan. The film also received accolades for its high production value and action-packed sequences, which are a hallmark of Venkat Prabhu’s direction.
However, there were criticisms as well, particularly regarding the pacing of the film’s second half. Many reviewers felt that the second half was lagging and predictable, which somewhat diluted the impact of the strong opening. On social media, fans expressed their disappointment with certain elements of the plot, especially the underdeveloped antagonist and the lack of depth in character development.
Despite these critiques, the film’s commercial success proves that Vijay’s star power can transcend mixed reviews. For a massive star like Vijay, whose films are often treated as cultural events, box office performance is often immune to negative feedback, particularly in the early days of release.
The Plot of GOAT: Intrigue and Action
GOAT tells the story of M.S. Gandhi, a morally upright man who takes on an antagonistic system, and his doppelganger, Jeevan, a more morally ambiguous character. Vijay’s portrayal of these dual roles is one of the highlights of the film. The narrative is inspired by real-life events, including the 2004 Moscow Metro bombing, which adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
The supporting cast includes well-known names like Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Mohan, Sneha, and Ajmal Ameer, all of whom deliver strong performances. The plot delves into themes of justice, morality, and vengeance, and while it may not be as groundbreaking as some of Vijay’s previous films, it is still engaging enough to hold the audience’s attention.
The film’s high production value is evident in its action sequences, cinematography by Siddhartha Nuni, and slick editing by Venkat Raajen. The music by Yuvan Shankar Raja, while not as prominent as in Leo, provides the right tonal backdrop for the film’s dramatic moments.
Global Performance: Vijay’s Worldwide Appeal
While GOAT dominated the domestic box office, its performance on the global stage was equally impressive. On its first day, the film earned an estimated ₹110 crore worldwide, making it the second Vijay film to cross the ₹100 crore mark globally after Leo.
Vijay’s popularity extends far beyond India, with significant fanbases in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East. The global earnings for GOAT are a testament to his international appeal, especially among the Tamil diaspora. With overseas collections continuing to pour in, GOAT is expected to become one of the top-grossing Tamil films of all time in the coming weeks.
What’s Next for Vijay: Politics or More Cinema?
GOAT holds particular significance for fans because it is Vijay’s penultimate film before his anticipated entry into politics. For years, rumors have swirled about Vijay’s political aspirations, and the actor himself has dropped hints about his future plans. After the release of Thalapathy 69, Vijay is expected to shift his focus toward his political career, potentially following in the footsteps of Tamil cinema legends like M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and J. Jayalalithaa, who successfully transitioned from film to politics.
As Vijay’s fanbase gears up for this potential career shift, there is a palpable sense of excitement and nostalgia surrounding GOAT. If this indeed turns out to be one of his final films, it will mark the end of an era for Tamil cinema.
Conclusion: The GOAT Legacy
Thalapathy Vijay’s GOAT has not only delivered an impressive box office performance but also cemented his legacy as one of Tamil cinema’s greatest stars. While the film may not have surpassed Leo in terms of opening day collections, it has still managed to set new benchmarks and prove that Vijay’s star power remains as strong as ever. As fans eagerly await his next cinematic outing—and possibly his foray into politics—GOAT will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the defining films of Vijay’s illustrious career.
