In the heart-wrenching tale of survival and resilience, Najeeb’s journey in the forthcoming Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer Malayalam film Aadujeevitham, whose English title is The Goat Life, unveils the harrowing realities of exploitation and captivity.
Who is Najeeb?
Najeeb, a labourer from Aarattupuzha village in Haripad, Alappuzha, found himself at a crossroads in 1993. With his wife eight months pregnant and dreams of a promising job in Saudi Arabia, Najeeb embarked on a journey that would shatter his aspirations and plunge him into a world of despair.
The tragic turn of events
Deceived upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, Najeeb’s hopes were dashed as he found himself stranded in a desolate village, surrounded by endless sand dunes and herds of goats. Subjected to relentless exploitation by his Arbab, Najeeb’s existence became a haunting tale of captivity and abuse.
Amid the barren landscape, Najeeb endured unimaginable hardships, deprived of basic necessities and forced to survive on meagre rations tainted by the stench of unwashed goats. His plight worsened under the cruel treatment of his Arbab, leaving him feeling more like a goat than a man.
The brave escape
After enduring two years of torment, Najeeb seized a fleeting opportunity for escape when his Arbab departed for a family event. Fleeing for his life, Najeeb embarked on a perilous journey through the desert, facing dehydration and exhaustion along the way.
Despite the immense challenges, Najeeb’s perseverance paid off when he encountered a compassionate Arab who aided his journey to safety. Though his ordeal didn’t end there, Najeeb’s eventual deportation back to Kerala marked the end of his agonising captivity in the desert.
A story of resilience
Thanks to Benyamin, the author of Goat Days (2008), Najeeb’s extraordinary saga came to light, shedding a spotlight on his remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Now, with Blessy and Prithviraj’s film adaptation on the horizon, Najeeb’s story is set to captivate audiences worldwide, offering a glimpse into the indomitable human spirit and the power of hope in the darkest of times.
Aadujeevitham stands as a monumental achievement in the Malayalam film industry, shot across multiple countries to deliver a cinematic experience of unparalleled grandeur. Although the film commenced production long ago, the onset of the pandemic halted its progress momentarily. However, this setback only served to elevate the film’s production standards, acting prowess of the cast, storytelling, and overall craftsmanship to greater heights.
Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Jimmy Jean-Louis, Amala Paul, Gokul, Talib al Balushi, and Rik Aby, Aadujeevitham promises a captivating narrative brought to life by seasoned performers. Adding to its allure, the film boasts music direction by Academy Award winner AR Rahman and sound design by another Academy Award winner, Resul Pookutty.
