The Goat Life is a lifetime movie experience, brilliant to the core. In the vast expanse of the desert, where time stretches like the endless horizon, Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers an extraordinary performance in Aadujeevitham “The Goat Life” (also known as “Aadujeevitham”). Every frame and scene in the movie, moves your emotions and keeps you glued to the film from the start to the end.
Directed by the acclaimed Blessy, this cinematic adaptation of writer Benyamin’s novel “The Goat Days” is a harrowing journey that transcends mere survival.
Najeeb (Prithviraj Sukumaran), a contented man living in Kerala with his wife Saini (Amala Paul), dreams of providing a better life for his family. Driven by hope, he ventures to Saudi Arabia with his friend Hakim, seeking employment. But fate takes a cruel turn, and Najeeb finds himself abandoned in the heart of the desert. His only companions: a herd of goats and the relentless sun.
Blessy masterfully captures Najeeb’s metamorphosis. From a robust man who once swam freely in Kerala’s backwaters, he becomes a skeletal figure, herding goats under the scorching sun. Prithviraj’s commitment to the role is commendable; he embodies Najeeb’s desperation, resilience, and longing for home. The stunning visuals mirror his physical decline, emphasizing every nuance of his suffering.
In the barren landscape, where silence reigns, Najeeb’s relationship with the goats unfolds. Blessy weaves poignant moments—the fleeting connection between Najeeb and a young goat, the bittersweet farewell to his caprine companions. Through these subtle details, we glimpse the emotional turmoil Najeeb endures.
The Goat Life Excels in Water Tight Narrative – Brilliant Performance by Prithviraj Sukumaran
Jimmy Jean-Louis portrays Ibrahim Khadiri, a fellow captive, whose arrival brings a glimmer of hope. Hakim (KR Gokul), another prisoner, adds depth to the narrative. Their interactions reveal the shared agony of captivity, the yearning for freedom, and the unbreakable bonds forged in adversity.
The Verdict
“The Goat Life” is not merely a film; it’s an experience. The desert’s vastness mirrors Najeeb’s isolation, and the goats become silent witnesses to his struggle. The haunting score by A. R. Rahman underscores the emotional weight of each scene. While the film’s length may test patience initially, it crescendos into a gripping second half that leaves you on the edge of your seat.