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Venkat Prabhu, the director of the highly anticipated film 'GOAT' (Greatest of All Time), starring Thalapathy Vijay, has been making headlines with his witty and candid responses during the trailer launch event. The event was a whirlwind of humor and insightful anecdotes, revealing intriguing details about the film and its star. The film, set to release on September 5, has generated considerable buzz, with its pan-Indian appeal and star-studded cast, including Prashanth, Prabhudheva, Mohan, Sneha, Laila, Jayaram, and Meenakshi Chaudhary.
One of the most prominent topics of discussion was the film's title, 'GOAT', and its implications. Prabhu, in his characteristically humorous style, explained the reasoning behind the pan-Indian title, highlighting the need for a universal appeal and effective marketing strategies in the digital age. He addressed concerns about the use of the 'Marudhamalai maamaniye' song from 'Ghilli' in the trailer, emphasizing that it was purely a tribute to the film's iconic status in Tamil cinema, not a political statement. He also discussed the decision to use a portion of Vijay humming the Mission Impossible theme in the Telugu and Hindi trailers, attributing it to an understanding of popular culture and the varying levels of familiarity with the 'Ghilli' song in different regions.
The director delved into the technical aspects of the film, including the de-aging process, which had sparked a lot of conversation. He admitted that the initial attempt at de-aging Vijay was met with criticism, leading to a rework of the visual effects. He shared that Vijay's input was crucial throughout the process, and that the star was fully involved in every stage of the film's development, from the initial script to the final edits. Prabhu also shed light on Vijay's reaction to the film, highlighting his satisfaction and enthusiasm for the project. However, he refrained from divulging any specific details about Vijay's feedback, citing its personal nature.
The conversation naturally touched upon Vijay's impending foray into politics and its potential impact on the film. Prabhu emphatically stated that Vijay had been adamant about keeping 'GOAT' a purely commercial film, free from any political undertones. While acknowledging the presence of dialogues in the trailer that might allude to Vijay's political aspirations, Prabhu reassured viewers that these lines seamlessly integrate into the narrative and have no overt political agenda. He underlined their shared understanding that 'GOAT' is a cinematic endeavor, and their decision to avoid political discussions while working on the film.
The press conference also saw Prabhu addressing various other aspects of the film, from casting choices to the film's overarching themes. He discussed the decision to cast Mohan as the villain, emphasizing the interesting dynamic it brings to the character and the added intrigue it creates. He explained the absence of romantic songs for Prashanth and Mohan, attributing it to their characters and the fact that the film is ultimately a Vijay vehicle. He also addressed the name of the protagonist, 'Gandhi', and the character's indulgence in vices, stating that it was not intended as a comparison to Mahatma Gandhi, and that the name was inspired by a real-life friend.
Prabhu touched upon the late actor Vijayakanth's presence in the film, confirming his involvement and acknowledging the permission sought from his wife, Premalatha Vijayakanth. However, he refrained from revealing details about Vijayakanth's role in the film, keeping the mystery alive. He also discussed his CSK fanboyism and the parallels between Vijay and MS Dhoni, acknowledging the cinematic elements reflecting these two personalities but emphasizing his lack of firsthand experience with Dhoni. He concluded by acknowledging his role in catering to Vijay's audience and the nostalgic references in the film, stating that these elements are part of his effort to provide a thrilling cinematic experience.
In the final moments of the press conference, Prabhu addressed Vijay's decision to leave films for politics, expressing his wish to see the star on screen for many more years to come. He acknowledged Vijay's ambition and expressed his support for his political aspirations. He also cleared up any confusion about a dialogue shared by both Ajith and Vijay, stating that it was a Venkat Prabhu dialogue, not a direct reference to either actor. He concluded the event by confirming that 'GOAT' is a standalone film, not part of a cinematic universe, and that it is a film for everyone to enjoy, regardless of their preferences.
Source: GOAT director Venkat Prabhu: ‘I never discuss politics with Thalapathy Vijay’