Indian Cinema has produced a couple of survival thriller films like Trapped, Pihu, Malayankunju, Helen, Mili, which includes only a single character. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s latest survival thriller Aadujeevitham aka The Goat Life is the latest addition in the list which includes a single character fighting for his survival.
The film tells the story of an Indian migrant worker who gets falsely trapped in a desert and forced to work as a slave and is asked to herd goats in the middle of the desert. He spends 3 years there and finds it difficult to survive in the desert as he flees away with hope and faith that one day he will return back to his home.
Prithviraj Sukumaran deserves a salute for accepting such a role and doing full justice to it. His transformation, dedication and passion is visible on-screen. Prithviraj Sukumaran is an emerging legend, and this character will make his filmography much stronger. Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) performance of his career in The Goat Life. The way he has gone under the skin of character is just unbelievable. No other actor would have been able to pull off this role like Prithviraj has did. I can write a whole article, praising Prithviraj’s performance in The Goat Life. This is already the best performance of the year for me. KR Gokul who plays the role of Hakeem has also undergone a fabulous transformation. John Jean-Louis has also done a wonderful job. Amala Paul adds beauty to this film with her beautiful screen presence. The rest of the cast is also amazing.
The Goat Life is directed by Blessy who has delivered a couple of Classic films like Thanmathra and Kazhcha. The Goat Life is not a classic but it’s one of the most challenging films and Blessy has pulled it off with such ease. This is the film which he and Prithviraj Sukumaran, both will be super proud of. Some films cannot be defined by their commercial success, but are recognized with its unmatchable art, and The Goat Life is that film.
This film is not meant for the masses who like to watch out and out commercial films. This film will have its separate audience who crave for such kind of cinema. The film is almost 3 hours long and tests your patience, and this where it won’t be accepted by all.
The Goat Life would have been a tight and gripping film, if it would have been a 2 hour long film. The story did not have a great scope, as it mainly revolved only around a single character. The subject showcasing was limited, as you cannot explore many things. There are some repetitive scenes and long sequences which make the film lengthy, but if you like such kind of cinema the length shouldn’t be an issue for you.
There are 3 to 4 songs in the film, which spoil the fun and unnecessarily increase the duration. AR Rahman is a magician, but his magic doesn’t work here. Though the songs are situational, they seem like forcefully added.
The framework and detailing should serve as a lesson to many filmmakers. Blessy has beautifully presented some of the scenes which showcase his powerful storytelling. The camerawork is excellent and the visuals are breathtaking.
The climax could have been shown in a more effective and powerful way. It felt like the makers were in a hurry and tried to finish things abruptly. The climax doesn’t create the same impact, which the film creates in the middle time. If it wouldn’t have been for long runtime and climax, The Goat Life would have been a Classic.
The Goat Life doesn’t provide much thrills unlike other survival films mentioned above. The film is shot in the most realistic way and might give some people the feel of a documentary. There are less thrills, but the detailing is too much, which is enough to keep you invested.
When there are films made on such subjects, the emotional factor plays a very important role. If you cannot feel for the character, then you won’t be able to connect with the film. In Aadujeevitham, you are always on the edge of your seats rooting and praying for Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character. You will feel pity for him in many of the scenes and that is what matters the most.
Malayalam Film Industry is currently the best film industry in Indian Cinema in terms of quality. Aadujeevitham is another great film by Malayalam Cinema which deserves all the love and attention. Films like these come very rarely and whenever they come it becomes our duty as a cinema lover to support them.
Overall The Goat Life is a must watch and should be experienced at least once. When a man can spend 3 years in the desert, can’t we spend 3 hours of our lives watching his painful journey? Rather than complaining about the long duration, Aadujeevitham should be watched as a tribute to Najeeb Muhammed (the real life warrior and survivor) who taught us the definition of hope and inspired us.
Rating – 3.5/5*
