Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) rises to a very rare, elite list of films
National, 17th April 2024: Ever since the art of cinema evolved into a business, one major division was between critical acclaim and commercial success. Over a history of more than 100 years, very few films internationally have achieved a balance and had success on both counts. International films like Gone with the Wind, Titanic, and The Godfather are some that have found their way into this rare list. Over the years, India has had very few films that have been critically acclaimed but at the same time have been blockbusters. Films like Mother India, Nayakan, Lagaan, and Malayalam’s own Chemmeen can be included in this category. All these films had excellence in all departments of film-making leading to critical acclaim and also set the cash registers ringing to become industry hits.
The new addition to this list is Blessy’s Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life). From the date of its release on March 28th Aadujeevitham has won over the audiences. Breaking lifetime records of all earlier Malayalam hits in just weeks of its run, it’s still scorching at the box office in spite of the recent Vishu releases and is set to become the all-time highest-grosser of Malayalam cinema. But what is heartening is the critical acclaim that Blessy’s magnum opus has received with industry stalwarts across the country calling it a ‘masterpiece’ and ‘latest benchmark for Indian cinema’. Mani Ratnam admired the team’s ability to pull off such a difficult film. Kamal Hassan said he never thought Prithviraj would push himself so far. From Prithviraj Sukumaran’s out-of-the-world performance, AR Rahman’s soul-stirring music, K.S Sunil’s magical cinematography, Resul Pookutty’s recreation of the sounds of animals and the desert, to the master Sreekar Prasad’s international edit pattern, there is no box that The Goat Life doesn’t tick. Not to mention the man who put it all together in an almost Attenboroughish 16-year effort, the master Blessy.
The movie is based on the novel ‘Aadujeevitham’, one of the most popular best sellers ever from the Malayalam literary world, which has been translated into 12 different languages, including those that are foreign. Penned by noted writer Benyamin it follows the real-life incident of an Indian migrant worker, Najeeb Muhammad, who goes to a foreign land to earn money. However, in a twist of fate, he finds himself living a slave-like existence, herding goats in the middle of the desert. In the end, Najeeb contrives a hazardous scheme to escape his desert prison. What his destiny has in store for him in that land is beyond any fiction. And how he emerges triumphant makes it the greatest survival adventure ever. Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) is about the most important thing that sustains life – Hope. The journey of the protagonist and of the film itself is one of a battle against all odds and ultimate triumph against all adversities, including one’s destiny. It’s about this very strong message that no matter the obstacles if one has faith and perseverance, victory is definite.
Produced by Visual Romance, The Goat Life also features Hollywood actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, Indian actors like Amala Paul and K.R. Gokul, along with renowned Arab actors such as Talib al Balushi and Rik Aby in pivotal roles. The film’s music direction and sound design are helmed by Academy Award winners A.R. Rahman and Resul Pookutty, respectively. The stunning visuals of the film have been shot by Sunil KS, and they have been edited by A. Sreekar Prasad. Being shot in multiple countries around the world, the film marks the biggest-ever venture in the Malayalam film industry, setting new benchmarks in production standards, storytelling, and acting prowess. With exemplary performances and a soul-stirring background score, the film makes for a larger-than-life theatrical experience.
About Visual Romance:
Visual Romance is a distinguished Indian film production house headquartered in Kerala, boasting a formidable national presence. In a short span of 7 years, the company has established itself as a creative powerhouse, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Visual Romance achieved a milestone in the world of cinema with the production of “100 Years of Chrysostom,” a documentary of unprecedented duration lasting 48 hours. Widely acclaimed and appreciated, this ground-breaking project secured a coveted place in the Guinness Book of World Records, marking Visual Romance’s dedication to cinematic excellence. Founded by the visionary filmmaker Mr. Blessy Ipe Thomas, Visual Romance embodies his passion for storytelling and commitment to cinematic artistry. Blessy’s craft has earned him significant recognition, including one National Film Award and an impressive count of six Kerala State Film Awards, establishing him as a luminary in Indian cinema. Under the adept leadership of Mr. Blessy Ipe Thomas, Visual Romance continues to shape the narrative of Indian cinema. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and a penchant for breaking records, Visual Romance is poised to contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of Indian filmmaking