The Goat Life – Review 

Directed by:Blessy
Screenplay by:Blessy
Based on:Aadujeevitham (novel)
by Benyamin
Produced by:Blessy,Jimmy Jean-Louis,Steven Adams
Starring:Prithviraj Sukumaran,Amala Paul
Cinematography:Sunil K. S.
Edited by A. Sreekar Prasad
Music by A. R. Rahman
Production
companies:Visual Romance Image Makers,Jet Media Production,Alta Global Media
Release date: March 28, 2024
Language:Malayalam

The Goat Life is a Malayalam-language survival drama film written, directed, and co-produced by Blessy. The film is an international co-production involving companies in India and the United States. It is an adaptation of the 2008 best-selling Malayalam novel Aadujeevitham by Benyamin, which is based on a true incident. The film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran as Najeeb, a Malayali immigrant labourer who finds himself forced into slavery as a goatherd on a secluded farm in Saudi Arabia.

After 16 years of efforts, Blessy has finally brought his dream project, Aadu Jeevitham,The Goat Life, to the theatres. Blessy overcomes all the challenges of turning a popular novel into a film with a cohesive story. The brilliant and horrifying visuals of Jordan,from the cameraman Sunil K.S and electrifying AR Rahman joined with Blessy, it was created as one of the best survival thrillers in Indian cinema, although it cannot be said to be the best in Blessy’s career.

The story of the film is captivating and visually stunning, although it may be a little dragged out at times. The running time is almost 3 hours, and the slow-paced narration tests your patience. The film’s narrative occasionally incorporates old-school cliches and odd editing, but movie’s overall brilliance overshadows these flaws, making it a remarkable and long-lasting effort.
This film puts you on the very edge of your seat. This film is built on tension; it’s this tension that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. I love the physical look of the film; this helps us build a picture of the sort of environment our characters are living in.

Prithviraj takes things to the extreme in his embodiment of his character, Najeeb. It is hard to take seeing him in his near-starvation body mass, which elevates the tension of this piece even further. The storyline leaves a little to be desired. While it creates its mood excellently, it does tend to plod along a little too much.
Prithviraj had to get this part right, as in 99% of the film, he is the focus. He gets it right, and then some. This makes for a great watch. Prithviraj truly showcases the brilliant acting ability that he possesses.
Jimmy Jean Luis, the Haitian actor, delivered a clapworthy performance. Amala Paul played a limited role and did nicely.

Bottomline

A technically superior survival drama with a stunning performance by Prithviraj Sukumaran.