Academy Award Winner AR Rahman has compared actor Prithviraj Sukumaran’s ‘The Goat Life’ to the globally emblematic film ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, stating that it will leave a deep unfading impact upon the audiences. He was at the official website launch of ‘The Goat’s Life’ along with the entire crew.
Ever since the announcement of ‘The Goat Life’ was made, the expectations had no limits to get beyond the pinnacle of usual paradigms. The iconic filmmaker Blessy crafting this tale, authored by novelist Benyamin, and Prithviraj Sukumaran letting his blood and flesh bleed to give life to the protagonist’s character, had left the cinephiles in utmost astonishment. In particular, the team’s visual compilation of showcasing its excruciating journey during the pandemic phase, has drawn more attention to this film along with the scintillating visual promos. With the film’s audio launch scheduled on March 10th followed by worldwide theatrical release on March 28th, the team had its official website launched.
The Goat Life is all set to release in theatres near you on 28th March 2024, in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
The film is based on award winning book “Goat Days” by Benyamin, originally penned in Malayalam as ‘Aadujeevitham’ and translated into English by Joseph Koyipally, stands as a profound narrative echoing the struggles of migrant laborers, particularly from India, striving for a better life in foreign lands. Published in 2012 by Penguin Books, the novel not only won the Kerala Literary Academy Award in 2009 but also gained international recognition by being shortlisted for prestigious literary awards like the Man Asian Literary Award and the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature in 2014.
The story revolves around Najeeb Muhammed, an ambitious Indian immigrant whose aspirations for economic prosperity lead him to the Middle East. However, his dreams shatter upon arrival in Riyadh, where he and his friend Hakeem are coerced into a life of captivity in a desolate desert goat shed by a local tyrant named Arbab. Isolated from human contact, Najeeb forms an unexpected bond with the goats, enduring unimaginable hardships in the harsh desert terrain.
Divided into four parts—Prison, Desert, Escape, and Refuge—the novel chronicles Najeeb’s harrowing journey. In the Prison segment, Najeeb finds solace in a prison cell, ironically experiencing a semblance of freedom amidst the captive environment. The Desert section depicts the depths of Najeeb’s suffering under Arbab’s oppression, where he is stripped of his humanity and reduced to mere survival instincts. Despite numerous failed attempts, Najeeb eventually escapes the desert, only to find temporary respite under the care of a fellow Malayali named Kunjikka.
The final part, Refuge, unveils the stark realities of immigration detention, where Najeeb discovers a newfound freedom amidst fellow detainees’ shared tales of anguish and despair. Through Najeeb’s ordeal, the novel sheds light on the plight of millions of migrants worldwide, grappling with exploitation and hardship in pursuit of a better life for their families. It delves into the intricate dynamics of voluntary migration, offering profound insights into its societal and global ramifications.
Benyamin’s poignant narrative not only encapsulates Najeeb’s personal anguish but also serves as a powerful testament to the collective struggles of marginalized migrant communities. It underscores the urgent need for societal awareness and empathy towards migrant laborers, whose stories often remain unheard amidst the clamor of global migration debates. Moreover, the novel’s exploration of migration and diasporic themes provides invaluable fodder for academic discourse and further studies in the field.
“Goat Days” stands as a compelling literary work that transcends borders, offering a poignant portrayal of human resilience in the face of adversity. Through Najeeb’s journey, Benyamin invites readers to confront the harsh realities of migration, prompting reflection and dialogue on the universal quest for dignity and belonging in an ever-changing world.
