 "The Goat Life movie review: Prithviraj Sukumaran's class act & jaw-dropping transformation make this adventurous survival drama a worth watch")
Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jimmy Jean-Louis, K.R. Gokul, Amala Paul, Talib, Rik Aby, Shoba Mohan
Director: Blessy
Right from Hollywood to Indian cinema, survival-thrillers like Cast Away, Into The Wild, Trapped, Manjummel Boys, Mili and others have made a lasting impact among the cinegoers. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s The Goat Life is an adaptation of the 2008 best-selling Malayalam novel Aadujeevitham by Benyamin, which is based on a true incident.
The director of the film, Blessy started the process of _The Goat Life_ in 2008 by casting Prithviraj but due to financial crisis and other reasons it faced severe delays. Nonetheless, it is ready to release globally today. But does it live up to the expectations of cinegoers? Let’s find out…
The film starts with Najeeb (Prithviraj) a Malayali immigrant labourer landing in the Gulf nation along with Hakim (KR Gokul). Both of them are searching for a person for the firm, which gave them the job of helpers. After waiting for some time, they see a cunning and aggressive local fellow, who they think is their boss. He takes Najeeb and Hakim deep inside the desert, where there is no connectivity and separates them by handing the latter to another person.
Najeeb struggles to understand the Arabic language by his Kafeel (boss) and soon realizes that he has been forced into slavery as a goatherd on a secluded farm. He receives treatment worse than an animal with minimal food. He tries to escape from the farm multiple times but fails. Giving up on the situation, he also attempts to end his life but even doesn’t succeed in that. Slowly and steadily he started accepting this miserable life and over a period of time, Najeeb becomes unrecognizable as a person.
In the flashback sequences, there is Najeeb along with wife Sainu (Amala Paul), who is pregnant. He decides to go to the Gulf to earn good money for his child and build a new home in his village.
One day, while roaming with goats and camels in the deserts, he sees Hakim, who has now become a slave on another farm. In their second meeting, Hakim tells Najeeb that he has an African friend named Khadiri (Jimmy Jean-Louis), who knows the desert in and out and is ready to help them to guide through the highway.
One day, taking advantage of the situation, Najeeb and Hakim run from their farm along with Khadiri and what’s waiting for them is an adventurous struggle to cross the desert battling sandstorms, scorching heat and snakes. Will they be able to reach the highway alive? Well, you have to watch The Goat Life on the big screen for that.
Filmmaker Blessy, who is known for great storytelling and technical nuances, aces in every cinematic aspect of the movie. However, the runtime of around 3 hours and the slow-paced narrative makes it feel long and unending.
AR Rahman’s score amplifies the emotional quotient and makes the audience more compassionate and empathetic towards the character of Najeeb.
Talking about the performances, Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers one of career best acts as Najeeb in The Goat Life. Right from his impeccable transformation to his innocent eyes, the actor steals the show in every frame. The sequence, where he removes all his clothes, takes a bath for the first time and shouts out loud, will make you feel for him. Amala Paul as Sainu is breezy and her chemistry with Prithviraj is simply amazing. Jimmy Jean-Louis, K.R. Gokul deserve brownie points for their act. Talib as Kafeel is menacing and will make you hate him with his villainous portrayal.
On the whole, The Goat Life is an adventurous survival drama, which needs to be seen on the big screen.
Rating: 3.5 (out of 5 stars)
The Goat Life is playing in cinemas
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