Life transforms into a master alchemist when it presents insurmountable challenges to ordinary individuals, who then evolve into extraordinary warriors, etching their names in human history. Najeeb, the protagonist of "Aadujeevitham," has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for countless souls far beyond Kerala. Directed by Blessy, this film has been 16 years in the making, with actor Prithviraj Sukumaran steadfastly associated with the project from its inception.

The highly anticipated film "The Goat Life" ("Aadujeevitham"), starring Prithviraj Sukumaran is based on the autobiographical book by Benyamin, the film recounts the extraordinary journey of Najeeb, whose real-life story is both harrowing and inspiring.

Najeeb's tale is one of unimaginable suffering and resilience. Trapped in a desolate desert for two years with no human contact except his cruel employer, Najeeb faced relentless torment. Deprived of basic necessities, he had no spare clothes and single-handedly tended to a herd of 700 goats. Over time, he began to lose faith in his own humanity, identifying more with the goats than with himself.




Like many uneducated individuals from Kerala, Najeeb fell victim to deceitful promises of overseas employment. His journey to the deserts in 1992 was marked by brutal physical abuse and deprivation. For two long years, he was provided with a single set of clothing and was unable to bathe. His daily sustenance consisted solely of dry Kuboos, moistened with goat milk that often carried a foul odor due to unsanitary conditions. Despite these dire circumstances, Najeeb's will to survive remained unbroken.

After years of misery, Najeeb had a chance to break free, but the path to freedom was fraught with difficulty. The film captures these moments, revealing the emotional scars and pain he endured. Particularly poignant are the scenes depicting Najeeb's separation from his wife, who was eight months pregnant when he left, not knowing if he had a son or daughter for the next couple of years. The crew promises an emotional roller-coaster experience, leaving audiences with a powerful message: "Hope is a good thing."

To embody Najeeb's role, Prithviraj underwent extreme physical transformation. Reflecting on his journey, he said, "The idea was that I looked like somebody who does not have access to enough food and was starving most of the time. The only way I could do that was through fasting. At times, I fasted for up to 72 hours, drinking only water and black coffee. I lost 31 kgs and went through this process twice as the film's shoot was halted in between due to the pandemic."

"Aadujeevitham" offers an unforgettable cinematic experience, combining intense storytelling with exceptional performances.

Source / Image Credit : The News Minute, The New Indian Express