Thalapathy Vijay's "The GOAT" is setting box office records, roaring to success in Tamil Nadu and international markets. The action drama, directed by Venkat Prabhu and featuring Vijay in a dual role, has crossed a remarkable Rs. 280 crores globally in just four days. Today's numbers in Tamil Nadu are expected to eclipse even "Indian 2's" opening day collection of Rs. 12 crores, pushing the film's worldwide gross beyond Rs. 300 crores.
However, a stark contrast emerges in the Telugu market, where "The GOAT" has been performing underwhelmingly. Director Venkat Prabhu, in a recent Twitter Space session, attributed this to scenes featuring the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricket team, suggesting they might not have resonated with Telugu and Hindi audiences.
Prabhu's statement has sparked mixed reactions online. While some agree that the CSK references could have impacted the film's appeal outside Tamil Nadu, others remain unconvinced.
"The GOAT," a lavishly produced AGS Entertainment film, features a star-studded cast, including Meenakshi Chaudhary, Sneha Prabhudeva, Jayaram, Prashanth, and Mohan, with Trisha making a special appearance. Yuvan Shankar Raja's music adds to the film's appeal.
While "The GOAT's" international triumph is undeniable, the film's struggles in Telugu raise questions about the impact of regional references on pan-India appeal.