Prithviraj Sukumaran’s recent film, ‘Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life),’ has been gaining traction at the box office. The movie is inspired by the remarkable life of Najeeb Muhammad, also known as Shukoor, who ventured to the Arabian Gulf states in the ’90s to provide for his family. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he found himself toiling as a slave and goatherd in the desert for a harrowing period of over three years.
During their recent meeting, Prithviraj Sukumaran delved into a heartfelt conversation with Najeeb, reflecting on the intricate journey of his life. Prithviraj expressed his initial dilemma upon being approached for the film in 2008 by Blessy, pondering how best to approach the character of Najeeb.
He grappled with whether to directly engage with Najeeb to understand his true essence or to interpret the character as depicted in Benyamin’s novel and envisioned by Blessy. Ultimately, Prithviraj and Blessy decided to portray the Najeeb that resonated within their minds, shaped by both the literary source and the director’s vision. This, Prithviraj explained, is the portrayal audiences would witness in the movie, emphasizing the distinction between the real Najeeb and the cinematic interpretation.
In a poignant revelation, Najeeb bared the depths of his anguish and despair while recounting his ordeal of being ensnared in the desert. He confessed to a sense of hopelessness, believing escape to be an impossibility and finding solace only in the thought of his family. With desperation gripping him, Najeeb resorted to prayers to every deity imaginable, feeling that death would be a preferable alternative to his agonizing existence. Yet, his thoughts invariably returned to the uncertainty surrounding his wife’s pregnancy, a singular beacon of concern amidst his desolation.
Produced by Visual Romance, ‘The Goat Life’ boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Hollywood luminary Jimmy Jean-Louis, Indian talents like Amala Paul and K.R. Gokul, alongside esteemed Arab actors such as Talib al Balushi and Rik Aby, each contributing significantly to the film’s narrative tapestry. Adding further prestige to the project are the contributions of Academy Award winners A.R. Rahman and Resul Pookutty, who lend their expertise to the film’s music direction and sound design, respectively, enhancing its emotive resonance and auditory experience.
