The Goat Life Review

Based on Benyamin's acclaimed novel, Aadujeevitham, The Goat Life depicts the harrowing journey of a man who leaves his verdant homeland in the early 1990s to seek work in a desolate desert country. What unfolds is a true story, stranger than fiction, of his struggles and survival against all odds, armed only with hope and faith.

Story:

Najeeb (Prithviraj Sukumaran), leading a contented life with his wife Sainu (Amala Paul) and mother Ummah (Sobha Mohan), embarks on a journey to Dubai in search of better opportunities. However, upon arrival, his life takes a drastic turn for the worse. How this unexpected twist of fate connects him to Ibrahim Khadiri (Jimmy Jean-Lois), Hakeem (KR. Gokul), Kafeel (Talin Al Bahushi), Jasser (Rik Aby), Kunjikka (Nasser Karutheni), and others forms the crux of the story.

Analysis:

Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers a stunning and captivating performance as Najeeb, breathing life into the character with remarkable authenticity. His physical transformation, including significant weight loss and growing a long beard and hair, adds to the realism. He masterfully portrays the pain and agony of a man facing immense challenges in a foreign land, unfamiliar with the language and customs. While Amala Paul's screen time as Najeeb's wife Sainu is limited, she effectively highlights the romantic aspect of the story, particularly in the song sequences. The scenes between her and Prithviraj showcase the couple's bond with natural warmth. Supporting actors, including Jimmy Jean-Louis, Sobha Mohan, KR. Gokul, Rik Aby, Nazir Karutheni, and Talib Ali Balushi, deliver impactful performances that contribute to the film's overall intensity. Sunil KS's cinematography is a highlight, capturing the scenic beauty of Kerala and the harsh desert landscapes of Dubai with equal skill. AR Rahman's music beautifully complements the film, with his songs adding emotional depth and his background score seamlessly drawing viewers into the narrative.

The BGM, a blend of Arabic, Indian, and Islamic musical styles, effectively captures the essence of life in both the Gulf and India. Director Blessy's dedication to adapting Benyamin's acclaimed novel "Aadujeevitham" is evident in every frame. His efforts showcase the challenges of translating a 43-chapter novel into a three-hour film. The first half effectively portrays the protagonist's struggles and the drastic transformation of his life. The second half focuses on his interaction with goats as he seeks a way to escape his predicament. However, despite the abundance of emotional scenes, the rushed climax may leave viewers feeling disconnected after the intense three-hour journey. Sreekar Prasad's editing aligns with the story, but certain scenes drag the narrative, making the film feel tedious at times. Nonetheless, the production values are commendable, highlighting the quality of the content.

Verdict:

Aadujeevitham-The Goat Life is a gripping survival thriller elevated by Prithviraj Sukumaran's stellar performance and strong technical values. However, the film's slow pace and repetitive scenes may test the patience of some viewers. While the dialogues are well-written, the lack of subtitles for Arabic conversations could leave some audiences confused.