Kozhikode: Expectations are sky-high as the highly anticipated 'Aadujeevitham' (The Goat Life) is set to hit the screens on March 28. The movie has an ensemble cast, including Prithviraj Sukumaran (as Najeeb), Amala Paul (as Sainu), and Jimmy Jean-Louis (as Ibrahim Khadri). 

Directed by Blessy who is considered one of the top filmmakers in Malayalam, 'Aadujeevitham' is touted as one of the biggest-ever films made in Malayalam. Prithviraj had signed the project in 2008-2009, so technically the movie has been in production for the past 16 years, and that by itself is a record! And the wait is finally over, as cinephiles across the globe are gearing up to witness the cinematic marvel on the silver screen!

Let’s hear responses from various sections of the industry.

“This is a historic moment in Malayalam cinema history. Here is a movie that could bring us more laurels for our craft and finesse from across the globe. 'The Goat Life' has always been a pride project and now it is a reality. Best wishes to the entire crew. I can’t wait to see the glorious film in the theatre,” says Vijaykumar, president of FEUOK (Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala).

Vijay Kumar stated that the movie is being released in multiple languages across the globe and also even inside Kerala. “See, the idea is to take the movie to every single audience. Of course, it is a challenging task. But with 'Aadujeevitham', no stone is being left unturned. This feels surreal. It's epic,” Vijaykumar told Mathrubhumi Online.

According to Vinod, one of the owners of the marquee Crown theatre in Kozhikode, “The pre-release hype has been fantastic and the overall business is wonderful. We are a tad disappointed that we are getting to screen the Tamil version of the movie on our screens. But that’s a decision influenced by the distributors as well. But on the whole, 'The Goat Life' looks promising!”

The pre-release numbers have been remarkable so far. With a little exaggeration, it can be well said that a ticket for the movie might be the toughest thing to attain this Thursday! The Prithviraj-starrer is going to be screened in front of a packed audience in single screens and multiplexes across the globe. The movie is already part of history.

As per figures posted on the X handle of the ‘Friday Matinee', an online movie tracking site, the film has already raked in over Rs 2 crores in the form of pre-sales within the state. With over 900 shows slated on its opening day and a staggering number of 1.25 lakh tickets being sold already, the film is only expected to soar higher. The reaction so far has been unbelievable!

“I expect Prithviraj to win a national award with his performance in 'Aadujeevitham'. I am a huge fan of Benyamin’s novel on which the movie is based. I am sure Blessy and his team have put together a magnificent piece of art out there. Like all Malayalees across the globe, I am also eagerly waiting to witness the life of ‘Najeeb’ on the big screen,” prominent actor and producer Maniyanpilla Raju told Mathrubhumi Online. 

When asked to comment on the golden run of Malayalam cinema so far in 2024, the veteran actor said “Keralites have always welcomed good cinema. It is good to see people back in theatres on a consistent basis. Hope the trend goes on and as a film fraternity, we will always strive to deliver quality content to our audience!”

The craze for this long-awaited Malayalam movie is beyond what one can imagine. The excitement cuts across age groups. “Of course, we are going to watch the movie on the first day of its release. We won’t mind bunking our classes for it. This particular movie has been in the making ever since our childhood. We have grown up hearing about this magnum opus. Some of us have read the book as well. Along with the wait, our hero Prithviraj has grown in stature and is now one of the most sought-after actors in the country. Aadujeevitham will be the jewel in the crown for the Kerala actor,” says a bunch of excited students studying in a private college in the city.

The movie is based on a novel with the same title that came out in the year 2008. It was written by renowned Malayalam author Benyamin. Based on real-life events, Aadujeevitham narrates the story of Najeeb Muhammed, a Malayali migrant worker who is forced to live like a slave herding goats in the middle of the desert in Saudi Arabia. The pulsating story of survival is encapsulating and deeply moving.

Meanwhile, a special screening of the movie was organised by Prithviraj for members of the Telugu film industry. The movie received rave reviews with many of them calling it a classic!

The rest shall unfurl on the big screen on Thursday!