Renowned author Benyamin’s acclaimed novel ‘Aadujeevitham/The Goat Life’ is set to undergo a visual transformation as it hits the big screen in an eponymous film directed by Blessy. Starring the talented Prithviraj Sukumaran, the eagerly awaited ‘Aadujeevitham’ is scheduled for release in April, creating a buzz in literary and cinematic circles. Recently, the film’s makers unveiled a behind-the-scenes (BTS) video, offering a glimpse into the making of this much-anticipated adaptation.
The BTS footage takes viewers to the picturesque Wadi Rum desert in Jordan, where Benyamin and the film crew witnessed the evolution of his literary work into a cinematic spectacle. The award-winning author shared reflections on the genesis of his best-selling novel, recalling the motivations that inspired him a decade or more ago.
“I find myself in the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan. Reflecting on the filming process, memories flood back to the roots of ‘Aadujeevitham,’ a novel conceived 10-15 years ago. This work was not born overnight after encountering Najeeb. Long before that meeting, the concept of Aadujeevitham had taken shape in my mind. It delves into the essence of life with only one human and God, exploring the profound connection between them. How does one navigate through the solitude, facing loneliness, isolation, and challenges? These questions lingered in my mind for years, driving my desire to craft a narrative about an isolated individual,” Benyamin expressed.
Having spent numerous years in the Gulf, the author harbored a longstanding aspiration to weave a tale centered around that region. Fatefully, this vision aligned with a chance encounter with Najeeb, a man of few words who chose to keep his life experiences guarded. Benyamin and Najeeb’s growing friendship eventually led to candid discussions about Najeeb’s struggles, tragedies, and moments of isolation.
“As someone with a Gulf experience, I always envisioned telling a story rooted in that context. When these two threads of thought intertwined, I randomly crossed paths with Najeeb. His reticence gave way to a deeper connection, and over time, he opened up about his real-life ordeals and the solitude he endured. It took nearly 1.5 years of our friendship for him to share his life story. Once he did, I realized that this was the novel I had always yearned to write—a piece of art to share with the Malayali audience. This revelation prompted me to commence the writing of Aadujeevitham,” Benyamin added.
As the film’s release date approaches, the convergence of literature and cinema promises to deliver a compelling narrative that captivates audiences with the powerful exploration of human resilience and connection in the face of adversity.
