Thalapathy Vijay’s GOAT sees mixed start in overseas pre-sales: strong in UK, sluggish in USA

Thalapathy Vijay’s highly anticipated film, The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), directed by Venkat Prabhu, has experienced an uneven start in its advance bookings, reflecting the varying levels of excitement across international markets. Scheduled for a global release on September 5, 2024, the film marks another significant entry in the star’s illustrious career, which could soon see a transition into politics.

In the United States, the advance bookings have shown a slower uptake, generating around ₹2.95 lakh ($3,575) from 161 tickets across 42 locations. This tepid start in the U.S. contrasts sharply with the enthusiastic reception the film has received in the United Kingdom. In the UK, pre-sales have already surpassed ₹50 lakh, driven by strong demand among Tamil cinema fans and the broader South Asian diaspora​.

The disparity in these figures underscores the challenges faced by GOAT in appealing to different markets. The film’s promotional efforts, particularly its soundtrack composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, have not resonated as strongly in the U.S., where the buzz remains subdued. In contrast, the UK market, with its well-established Tamil film audience, has shown unprecedented enthusiasm, selling over 3,000 tickets within 24 hours of the advance booking window opening. This response suggests that GOAT is poised to perform exceptionally well in the UK, potentially setting new benchmarks for Tamil cinema in the region​.

The film’s journey to the big screen has been anything but smooth. Initially slated for release in June 2024, to coincide with Vijay’s 50th birthday, the film was delayed due to extensive post-production work, including VFX enhancements. These delays may have contributed to the muted response in some markets. However, with the release date now locked, the focus shifts to the upcoming promotional materials, including a highly anticipated trailer expected to drop in the third week of August. This trailer could play a crucial role in boosting the film’s prospects, particularly in markets like the U.S. where it currently lags behind expectations.

The Greatest of All Time features an ensemble cast, including Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Jayaram, Sneha, and Laila, among others. The narrative, which sees Vijay in a dual role, promises to deliver a high-octane experience that fans have come to expect from the star. The film is produced by AGS Entertainment, a studio known for its high production values and successful track record in Tamil cinema.

As the release date approaches, additional shows are expected to be added, and the overall sales figures could improve, particularly with the release of the trailer. However, the initial numbers have set the stage for an intriguing box office battle, with the film’s success likely hinging on its performance in key overseas markets like the UK and the U.S.