Blessy is the writer, director, and co-producer of the 2024 Malayalam-language survival drama film Aadujeevitham, also known as The Goat Life. The movie is a global co-production that includes American and Indian production companies. This version is based on the true story of Najeeb, a Malayali immigrant worker who was one of thousands of Indians forced into slavery in Saudi Arabia as goatherds on remote farms in the desert by the native Arabs. Aadujeevitham is a 2008 best-selling Malayalam novel by Benyamin. In addition to Talib Al Balushi, Rik Aby, Amala Paul, and Shobha Mohan in supporting roles, the film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jimmy Jean-Louis, and K. R. Gokul in main roles.
Since reading the book in 2008, Blessy had intended to adapt Aadujeevitham, and he has Prithviraj in the main role. He purchased the rights from Benyamin the next year and got to work on the screenplay. But because of financial limitations that hindered significant advancement, the movie entered a development limbo. After years of looking, Blessy eventually found a producer in 2015, which gave the project a boost. Blessy was joined by Jimmy Jean-Louis and Steven Adams as co-producers. The original music and score for the movie were written by A. R. Rahman.
The film was released worldwide on 28 March 2024 and grossed over ₹160 crore (US$19 million) till date.
Third-highest grossing Malayalam movie ever, The Goat Life is also the second-highest grossing Malayalam movie of 2024, the fourth-highest grossing South Indian movie of the year, and among the highest grossing Indian movies of 2024.
Najeeb Muhammed and Hakim, two Malayali immigrants, travel to Saudi Arabia on visas supplied by their friend Sreekumar in search of a better life. When they are left stranded at the airport and don’t know who their employer is, a local Arab approaches them, thinking he is their boss. After a protracted voyage, they part ways, with Najeeb being sent to work in a lonely goat herd in the desert.
After enduring difficult circumstances and seclusion, Najeeb realizes the danger of his own predicament when he observes the death of a fellow goatherd. He is reunited with Hakim after years of hardship, and it is through him that he meets Ibrahim Khadiri, a goatherd from Somalia who knows how to get out. They take advantage of a chance to escape into the desert during the wedding of the Khafeel family’s daughter.
As they search for food and guidance, their journey becomes dangerous, leading to Hakim’s passing and Najeeb’s near death. Khadiri eventually vanishes as well. Najeeb, left alone in the desert, ultimately finds his way to civilization with the aid of a passing Arab. He discovers a nearby Malayali eatery run by Kunjikka, who treats him and brings him back to health.
But Najeeb’s problems are far from being solved. Due to problems with his own documentation, he is facing imprisonment. While there, he encounters the Khafeel, who departs from him because he is not his authorized sponsor and cannot bring him back. In spite of this obstacle, Najeeb eventually makes it back home.
Ensemble
Sukumaran Prithviraj portraying Najeeb Mohammed
Jimmy Jean-Louis as Ibrahim Khadiri, Amala Paul as Sainu, Najeeb’s wife, and K. R. Gokul as Hakeem
Talib Al Balushi as Kafeel, Rik Aby as Jasser, and Shobha Mohan as Ummah, Najeeb’s mother
Kunjikka, played by Nasar Karutheni
Hindiwala, played by Robin Das
Karuvatta Sreekumar Akef Najem as the Rich Man in the Rolls-Royce, played by Baburaj Thiruvalla
Leave a Reply