Release Date for The GOAT OTT Confirmed: Celebration Kicks Off for Offline Fans!
By Pavethran Batmanathen
Thalapathy Vijay’s latest film, The Greatest of All Time (The GOAT), is set to hit the streaming platform sooner than anticipated. Audiences can start streaming the film on Netflix starting October 3, which is just under a month after its theatrical release.
The GOAT premiered in cinemas on September 5 to enthusiastic crowds. Its streaming debut aligns with a growing trend in the Tamil film industry, where many new films that secure a streaming deal prior to their release typically become available on OTT platforms after approximately four weeks of exclusive theatrical runs. However, this trend has sparked debates among producers and industry stakeholders in Northern India.
For example, The GOAT faced a boycott from all major national multiplex chains due to its reduced theatrical window. According to established guidelines, new Hindi films aiming for widespread releases in these chains must refrain from appearing on streaming platforms for a minimum of eight weeks. A similar situation occurred with Vijay’s previous release, Leo, which also faced a boycott for the same reasons.
Despite its limited release in North India, Vijay’s fan base among Hindi-speaking audiences has been steadily increasing, as indicated by its box office earnings from single-screen theaters in those areas.
However, the box office performance of The GOAT was not as strong as expected. The film reportedly grossed over Rs 450 crore, narrowly exceeding its production budget of Rs 400 crore. Notably, Vijay received an impressive Rs 200 crore for his role in the film.
This project marked Vijay’s first collaboration with director Venkat Prabhu, and it came with high expectations. However, the film received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences. Outside of Tamil Nadu, where Vijay enjoys substantial popularity, the movie’s overall performance fell short of expectations.
The GOAT centers around the challenges faced by a seasoned spy agent who confronts a younger, sharper, and more ruthless clone of himself. The film boasts a robust supporting cast, featuring talents such as Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan, Jayaram, Sneha, and Laila.