The Goat Life - Stretched but effective

 

Movie: AaduJeevitham: The Goat Life
Rating: 3/5
Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Amala Paul, Jimmy Jean-Louis, KR Gokul and others
Director: Blessy
Produced By: Blessy, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Steven Adams

Release Date: 28th March 2024

Story:

Najeeb, portrayed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, arrives in Saudi Arabia with his companion Hakeem, played by KR Gokul, for employment. However, they are perplexed at the airport as they need help communicating in Hindi or English. While waiting for their sponsor, Khafeel, portrayed by Talib Al Balushi, realizes that Najeeb and Hakeem are vulnerable to deception. Exploiting this opportunity, Khafeel decides to take them under his wing. Consequently, Najeeb is assigned the role of a goatherd in a remote desert farm, and he becomes separated from Hakeem. The Goat Life revolves around Najeeb's actions and decisions in this new environment.

Performances:

Prithviraj Sukumaran gave an unforgettable performance that captivated the audience. His portrayal of Najeeb's character is both poignant and powerful, highlighting the depth of his talent. The various transformations Prithviraj underwent for The Goat Life are genuinely remarkable. Jimmy Jean-Louis, KR Gokul, and Talib were perfect. Amala Paul was able to make her presence felt, though her character has a short scope. 

What Worked For The Film:

Director Blessy was very honest in his attempt to make this film. He extracted natural performances from the lead, and the technical output was also good. Blessy handled the important emotional moments very well and depicted the pain and hardships that Najeeb had to endure in his life's darkest journey. Most of the movie unfolds in the desert area, showcasing the team's extraordinary dedication that deserves recognition. The desert scenery and accompanying music propel the storyline. The sandstorm scene, appearing at a pivotal moment, is skillfully executed. The latter half of the film is marginally superior to the first half. 

What Did Not Work For The Film:

The protagonist's struggles are depicted in a thorough and authentic manner, potentially causing the audience to lose interest. Prithviraj's character's language barrier delays his realization of being deceived. These intricate details are presented in detail, resulting in a longer runtime. It would have added depth to the movie if the suffering of the protagonist's family members was also highlighted. The second half has a bit of an overstretched feel as the lead character goes through many painful situations. 

The Goat Life Review And Verdict:

The Goat Life is a sincere attempt to depict a real-life survival story. While the intriguing plot, technical excellence, and some heartfelt moments work for the film, the slow pacing and the repetitive feel of the lead character's struggle hinder the appeal. Prithviraj Sukumaran's portrayal of Najeeb is exceptional, and others have supported him.