Aadujeevitham Movie Review: A Journey Of Hope, Resilience And Survival

Image Source: The Hindu

As I settled into my sofa I couldn't help but feel a little excited and nervous to watch the most anticipated movie "Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life". This film based on true events has been making waves since its release and I was eagerly waiting to watch if it really lived up to the hype. It has been adapted from Benyamin's bestselling Malayalam novel, which delves into the life of Najeeb, a Keralite who gets stuck in the Middle Eastern desert and slips into being a slave.

Let's dive deep into the journey of Aadujeevitham and Director Blessy whose passion project finally made it into theatres overcoming challenges including COVID-19. I will share how this remarkable novel transformed beautifully into a cinematic experience one in which people are utterly mesmerized. Join me as I am about to share my thoughts on this tale of persistence and the gripping story that surely created a big impact on the box office.

The movie is a best-selling novel of Benyamin which was published in 2008. It became the best-ever read book in the Malayalam literature world. The movie tells about the man Najeeb Mohammad and his journey in the stranded deserts of the Middle East. The movie clearly depicts his goat-like existence in the entire narrative. This project was a dream come true moment for both Blessy and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran who had dreamt of it for nearly 16 years. Even though there were many constraints and challenges the film finally came to light only because of Blessy's unwavering commitment and his passion towards cinema.

The amazing thing is the physical transformation of Prithviraj for this character. The dedication and commitment are literally praiseworthy. At the start, he had to weigh 98 kilograms for the initial scenes, and then later on he had to lose 31 kilograms straight for the bony state of Najeeb. He did achieve this by intense fasting, sometimes up to 72 hours for a stretch. This transformation is really dangerous and is a witness to the dedication to the craft. Once during filming he even blacked out in the sets.

The portrayal of Najeeb by Prithviraj is so detailed and overwhelming. The immense happiness of going abroad to carve a secure future for his family and later becoming the man who almost craves human affection is portrayed immensely. The isolation and the real possibility of not being able to keep track of time are depicted very intelligently. The depth in which he depicts is what makes the character so alive and desperate. 

The character Hakeem played by debutant K.R. Gokul becomes the true soul who gives Najeeb the desire to get away from this stranded desert. Even though Amala Paul has less screen time her presence is one of the main reasons Najeeb stays sane in those insane moments. The electric chemistry between Sainu( Amala Paul) and Najeeb just adds another cap to this masterpiece.

The film also highlights some of the pressing issues like exploitation and human trafficking faced by migrants in the Middle East. The director Blessy has created an awareness by touching upon this subject. He has sensitively portrayed these issues and has made the audience empathize with them.

The visual representation of the landscapes of the deserts is truly captivating as it highlights the journey of Najeeb trapped in the lurch. The picturesque views, dust, and hues surely are a marvellous feat achieved by the cinematographer Sunil K. Another thing to be talked is about the songs and the sound designs by two legends A.R. Rahman and Resul Pookutty. The song Periyone and Omane clearly shows his mental state effectively. Music in this film adds to the struggle and desperation of a man to survive this horrific tale of his own.

In the end Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life is a must-watch movie for all the movie lovers out there. It clearly is a witness to the tale of faith and a thrilling reminder that even in adversities one surely can find strength, hope, and purpose to move further in life. So, what are you waiting for go and watch it on Netflix.