New Delhi: Some films are not just made to rake in 500 or 600 crores at the box office, nor are they made solely for awards or praise. They exist because they uphold trust in good cinema, ensuring that magnificent films are still made. They affirm that the standard of acting remains high. It took 16 years to make 'Aadujeevitham' (The Goat Life), and upon watching it, you feel the pain of those 16 years. 


Story
Based on Benyamin's 2008 novel 'Aadujeevitham,' this film, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, is inspired by true events. When Blessy read this novel in 2008, he envisioned making a film based on it. However, after numerous challenges, the film has finally come to fruition. The story revolves around a man named Najeeb who goes to Saudi Arabia to work but gets trapped in a goat farm, where he's forced to tend to goats. The film depicts his journey to escape from there. 


How is the film
This film shakes you to the core. It portrays what can happen to someone stuck in another country and leaves you pondering whether leaving your homeland is worth it. The first half is engaging, bringing the issue to light, but whatever happens in the second half is too tough to watch. The struggles for a drop of water, living among animals like one of them — it's all unimaginable until you witness it. Although you may not understand the language of the foreigners, the director ensures you feel Najeeb's pain. The film makes you feel that pain profoundly, reinstating faith in great cinema. However, its only flaw is its length; it feels a bit stretched. 



Acting
If there's a pinnacle in acting, Prithviraj Sukumaran has surpassed it here. Initially portraying an average Malayali, his transformation into an animal-like being amidst the animals is remarkable. His clothes become so loose that he has to tie them with a rope to hold his pants. In the second half, when he runs through the desert, you feel his agony. Prithviraj has achieved what few actors can. Gokul Suresh's portrayal of Hakeem is also splendid, as is Ibrahim Kadeer's portrayal of Jimmy Jean Louis. Amala Paul's role as Najeeb's wife is outstanding. 


Direction
Blessy, the writer and director, is the soul of this film. The way he portrays Najeeb's pain is something only a brilliant director can achieve. The dedication he has shown in each frame is commendable. 


Music
A. R. Rahman's music adds a new dimension to the film. It perfectly complements the mood and propels the story forward in a subtle yet effective manner. 


Verdict
If you want to watch a good cinema, this is a must-watch. 


Also Read: Know The Real Life Story Of Najeeb - Played By Prithviraj Sukumaran In 'The Goat Life'