Ever since its premiere, audiences have been praising The Goat Life. At the film’s debut, Najeeb Muhammad, the movie’s real-life inspiration, also saw the Blessy director. According to a source, he expressed during the film’s premiere that watching it on screen was a very emotional experience and wished it all the best.
After watching the film, Najeeb said: “I spent most of the scenes in tears, and at times, it was too painful to watch. I’ve received numerous messages from people saying they’ve booked their tickets and are eager to see the film… My infant grandson passed away last week. Despite the family emergency, they encouraged me to attend. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have considered it. My only wish is for the film’s success and for everyone to see it.”
He praised Prithviraj’s performance in the film and said, “Prithviraj has done a tremendous role. He has acted well. In most scenes I was crying and in some, I couldn’t bear to watch.”
The genuine narrative of Najeeb, a Keralan man who moved to the Gulf in the early 1990s in quest of employment, is told in Aadujeevitham. Then, he finds himself in the middle of the desert, working as a slave to herd goats while receiving little food and no water. The movie chronicles his adventure as he tries his hardest to get away and return home. It is an adaptation of the novel Goat Days by Benyamin. Aadujeevitham has been in development since 2009.
The film collected ₹7.45 crore nett in India on day 1. An excerpt from the review of the film read, “Prithviraj Sukumaran has delivered an extraordinary performance as Najeeb. He has gotten into the skin of the character – literally – to play Najeeb and his commitment must be applauded. Right from losing weight to his shaggy beard, black teeth and dirty nails, the Malayalam star has shown that he has given it all for this role.”
