After years of anticipation and overcoming numerous challenges, “Aadu Jeevitham” (The Goat Life), directed by Blessy, is finally set to make its mark on the big screen on April 10, 2024. This survival drama, an adaptation of Benyamin’s acclaimed 2008 Malayalam novel of the same name, brings to life the harrowing true story of a Malayali immigrant laborer, Najeeb, portrayed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. Najeeb’s dream of a better life leads him to Saudi Arabia, only to find himself ensnared in the desolate life of a goatherd in slavery.
The journey to bring “Aadu Jeevitham” from page to screen has been anything but straightforward. Director Blessy, captivated by the novel since its release, embarked on this ambitious project in 2008, casting Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role. Despite the initial excitement, the film found itself in development hell due to budgetary constraints and the daunting task of finding a producer willing to back such an ambitious project. It wasn’t until 2015 that the project found its footing, thanks to the support of producers including Jimmy Jean-Louis and Steven Adams, alongside Blessy himself, with the legendary A.R. Rahman signing on to compose the film’s score and songs.
The film’s production spanned over four years, with principal photography conducted in the stark landscapes of Wadi Rum, Jordan, and the Sahara in Algeria, as well as in Kerala, India. The crew faced an unforeseen challenge when they were stranded in the Jordan desert for 70 days from March to May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their eventual repatriation to India was facilitated by the Indian government’s Vande Bharat Mission. Notably, “Aadu Jeevitham” was shot in 3D, adding a layer of immersion to this compelling narrative.
“Aadu Jeevitham” promises to be a cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional filmmaking, offering audiences a visceral glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit. As the release date approaches, the film industry and audiences alike await with bated breath to witness this epic survival drama unfold on the silver screen.
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