The Goat Life

From the shores of Kerala, India, The Goat Life (or Aadujeevitham in Malayalam) is a breathtaking survival story (that transcends language and geography) about an Indian man who is forced to work as a goat herder in a Saudi desert against his will. Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran underwent an arduous transformation for this role, and his performance is amplified by stunning visuals and a haunting score. Director Blessy's tale is an exploration of hope and resilience that lingers long after the credits roll. I would highly recommend Aadujeevitham to witness Prithviraj's skilful acting and how immersive the world is.

The film is worth watching, but there are many superior survival movies that offer a more rewarding experience for the same three-hour investment. "Society of the Snow" stands as a recent benchmark in the genre, and unfortunately, this film falls short of that.

The narrative suffers from a lack of a compelling theme, with certain segments dragging on unnecessarily. The romantic subplot is particularly weak; it's not only poorly crafted but also fails to contribute meaningfully to the overall story, despite occupying a substantial portion of the first act.

The pivotal elements of the film commence too late, by which time the audience may have already lost interest due to the earlier lackluster content. However, the desert sequences stand out, showcasing commendable performances by the trio of actors portraying the survivors.

The conclusion of the movie is jarringly abrupt, leaving viewers without any insight into the lives of the enigmatic character who joined the trek or the Malayali individual who offered aid.

In summary, the romantic elements are excessively drawn out, the desert scenes are satisfactory, and the ending feels rushed, as if the production was constrained by budget limitations and had to hastily wrap up, akin to the final moments of writing an exam.

The movie is a tributary interpretation to the novel. The way the story sculpting from the start was awesome. Prithiraj Sukumaran gave his life's work with this one. Also the visuals and cinematography was top notch..! Kudos to the entire team of The Goat Life...!! AR Rahman's music is another plus point. The placement of the songs are really going along with the plot.

Although Cast's performance in the movie was one step ahead than other positive aspects. Even amala paul, her screentime is very low but she also gave her best for the movie. There are certain moments in the film which are hard to watch. Overall the movie worth a Watch...!!

Blessy's latest cinematic venture, "The Goat Life", adapted from the 2008 best-selling Malayalam novel "Aadujeevitham" by Benyamin, is a tale of human suffering and resilience. It narrates the story of Najeeb, an impoverished laborer from Kerala, ensnared in the brutal world of human trafficking in Saudi Arabia. Despite the compelling premise, the film fails to deliver on its promise.

The narrative lacks the depth and complexity that could have transformed it into a truly captivating cinematic experience. The characters are underdeveloped, their motivations and actions often appearing contrived and unnatural. The goat, which should have been the central character, is relegated to the periphery, denying the audience the opportunity to form a connection with it.

The film's visual appeal is undeniable. The cinematography beautifully captures the stark contrast between the verdant landscapes of Kerala and the barren deserts of Saudi Arabia. However, these stunning visuals do not contribute to the narrative in a meaningful way, serving more as a distraction than an enhancement.

The film's pacing is another area where it falters. The story unfolds at a languid pace, which can be tedious for the audience. More judicious editing could have kept the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maintaining audience interest.

The performances by the cast are satisfactory, but they do not stand out. The actors do their best with the material they are given, but their performances are not enough to elevate the film.

In conclusion, "The Goat Life" is a film that does not live up to its hype. It has its moments, but they are few and far between. The film is not a complete waste of time, but it is not a must-watch either. It is merely passable, nothing extraordinary, and certainly overhyped. This film serves as a reminder that not all that glitters is gold.

"Aadujeevitham," which translates to "The Goat Life," is a Malayalam film based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Benyamin. It follows Najeeb, a young man from Kerala who is lured by the promise of a better life abroad. However, his dreams turn into a nightmare when he ends up trapped in forced labor at a remote goat farm in the Middle East. The film, directed by Blessy, is a passion project that took nearly 16 years to complete. Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role, "Aadujeevitham" is a powerful story of resilience, longing for home, and the fight for survival in desperate circumstances. It is based on true events and is considered a thought-provoking social commentary. The film is an outstanding portrayal of the dark incidents that happened in the life of a person from Kerala and is well-crafted to show 100% reality and truth. Some people may find it uncomfortable to accept this reality, but their discomfort will not change the truth. It is an Oscar-worthy movie. For those who are struggling to accept it, keep crying. My rating: 10/10. Outstanding film.