Filmmaker Blessy has addressed and dismissed rumors suggesting that intimate scenes between the character Najeeb and a goat were filmed for his movie ‘Aadujeevitham’, based on the novel. In a recent interview with Manorama News, Blessy clarified that no such scenes were shot, and the content removed by the censor board was entirely different.
Blessy explained his approach to adapting the 43-page novel into a screenplay, emphasizing that he aimed to present his own interpretation of the story. He stated, “I have tried to convert the 43-page novel into a screenplay. If 43 pages are to be made into a visual story, it would require about 10 films to do it. That’s not what I am supposed to do. When you look at films across the globe that are adapted from literary works, they usually present a version of its summary. I have said from the beginning that this is my version.”
The director further elaborated that there are elements in the film that are depicted differently than in the novel. He particularly highlighted the spiritual connection Najeeb shares with the goats and the bond he has with his wife, home, and hometown.
Regarding the controversial scenes involving the goat, Blessy confirmed, “There were strong discussions about filming these sequences. But I have been clear about the fact that my Najeeb cannot do such a thing.” He also added, “I haven’t filmed such a scene or submitted it to the censor board, as some rumors claim.”
Additionally, Blessy revealed that the censor board requested the removal of a voice note mentioning a specific brand of cigarette, which was referred to as a ‘foreign cigarette’.
Meanwhile, Prithviraj Sukumaran, the lead actor in ‘Aadujeevitham’, sent a heartwarming message to the family of a late fan who had expressed a wish to watch the film but passed away in 2021.
Since its release, ‘Aadujeevitham’ has garnered significant attention and discussion. The film, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been the talk of the town, with its box office collection showing a slight dip on the fifth day but still maintaining a solid figure on its first Monday.