Aadujeevitham -The Goats Life

 

Aadujeevitham: A Review with Breathtaking Scenery and Mixed Emotions

The much-anticipated Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) finally graced my screen at Shantiniketan Mall, in Bangalore. Despite not reading the book, the hype surrounding the making-of videos, interviews, and even controversies had me curious.

The movie kicked off with a phenomenal soundscape by Resul Pookutty. The wind whistling through the sand was simply captivating. Sunil KS's cinematography deserves a standing ovation. He captured the beauty of the desert in a way that showcased nature's inherent music. And of course, A.R. Rahman's music never disappoints. It's a guaranteed mood-setter.

While I applaud KR Gokul-Hakim's acting, I found him more believable and raw compared to Prithviraj, the lead actor playing Najeeb. This might explain why I didn't feel particularly emotional throughout the film, except for specific scenes.

Hakim's hallucinations were particularly powerful. His expressions conveyed the true toll of being trapped in such a desolate environment. Prithviraj's performance, while decent compared to his usual work, felt a bit forced, especially during the scene where he undresses to change clothes. The effort he put into losing weight for the role was evident, but it felt unnecessary for a single scene.

Jimmy Jean-Louis playing the character Ibrahim Khadiri, who aids Najeeb and Hakim in their escape, resonated deeply. His role as a facilitator trying to help them find freedom was relatable. Amla Paul as Najeeb's wife, Sainu, delivered a brilliant and natural performance in every scene.

Akef Najem, portraying the kind Arab man who rescues Najeeb from the desert and takes him to the airport, was a delightful surprise. He was a perfect choice for the role, and the scene where he drops Najeeb off, with Najeeb expressing heartfelt gratitude, brought a tear to my eye. Robin Das, the Hindi worker who takes care of the goats before Najeeb, was another standout. His portrayal was believable and his acting spot-on.

However, the movie fell short in capturing the essence of "The Goat Life" – the core relationship between Najeeb and the goats. The story revolves around how Najeeb develops a bond with these animals and considers them family. Unfortunately, this crucial aspect wasn't explored deeply enough. This felt like a major oversight by Blessy, the screenwriter and director.

The escape sequence felt dragged out, and the ending, with Najeeb reaching the Malabar hotel, seemed rushed. Blessy could have tightened the pacing here and given the conclusion more weight.

While the film might resonate more with Keralites due to the story of a Malayalee man seeking work in the Gulf countries, a situation many can relate to, the overall experience left me wanting more.

With a score of 3 out of 5, Aadujeevitham boasts breathtaking visuals and strong performances by supporting actors. However, the lack of focus on the central theme and a rushed ending prevent it from reaching its full potential.

However, the hauntingly beautiful "Periyone" song by A.R. Rahman lingers in my mind even now. You can listen to it here and hear what the maestro himself has to say about it. 

~Dawn

A Tapestry of lives in Varanasi

 

A wave of gratitude washed over me today. A movie poster, a review by Danish Husain, and a surge of curiosity – it all led me down a path to a wonderful surprise! The opportunity to watch this film filled me with joy.

Set in the vibrant city of Varanasi, the movie captures the essence of life in India, a country I hold dear as my own. The story, masterfully crafted by Ritesh Sharma and his team, is a testament to the beautiful tapestry of Indian society. In this city, Hindus and Muslims coexist peacefully, their lives interwoven.

Enter Shahdab, a Muslim weaver, and Rani, a dancer. Though from different backgrounds, they lead fulfilling lives. But fate takes a turn, and their paths intertwine. The movie transcends their individual stories, offering a glimpse into a world where harmony prevails.

For those familiar with the works of Kabir, a 15th-century mystic poet who promoted religious tolerance, the film resonates deeply. It portrays an India where weavers, often Muslim, created exquisite sarees adorned by Hindu women. Religion becomes irrelevant in the face of shared humanity and artistic expression.

The storytelling is captivating, leaving room for both interpretation and emotional connection. It carries a powerful message – a message of love over hate, a message that transcends borders. This is a film the world needs to see.

A heartfelt thank you to Ritesh Sharma and his team for presenting a story that is both authentic and inspiring. Here's to their continued success and to the movie's impact on audiences worldwide.

~Dawn

#TheBrittleThread #Jhinibinichadariya #varanasi #secularliving #moviereview #RiteshSharma

We are all different. Don’t judge, understand instead!!!

This year, right from its inception, has unfolded with a profound sense of intrigue. My surroundings are bustling with noteworthy events – tech companies initiating layoffs, a palpable reluctance among individuals to return to the office leading to protests, the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, and the heart-wrenching atrocities, particularly the senseless killing of innocent children. These occurrences compel me to reflect on the state of humanity. It seems as though despite the passage of time, our species has not evolved much from the days when small nations engaged in destructive wars, questioning what fundamental changes have truly taken place.

We appear to be creatures losing touch with our dignity and humanity with each passing day. It's disheartening to note that animals, often overlooked, exhibit a kindness that we, as a society, seem to disregard. In the face of these challenges, I strongly feel that this year should be a turning point where we assertively declare 'STOP' to what needs to be halted. We must find the courage to say 'No' when we sense that enough is enough.

As we navigate through life, gaining new perspectives, we realize that our existence revolves around the people in our circle – family, friends, colleagues, and teammates. It's imperative that we express love and support to one another, sharing happiness, peace, and a compassionate ear. My personal journey in people management has reinforced the significance of personalization in business, emphasizing the need for a personal touch within the team.

I recall a valuable lesson from my childhood – my father's advice to hold onto good people rather than wealth, as money is transient, but genuine individuals endure. Embracing this wisdom, I am gratified to witness its fruition in my life.

Love for our neighbors, people, and teams forms the foundation for a harmonious existence. By embodying the qualities of empathy and understanding, we can create positive change. In my role, I find fulfillment in allowing others to lead, as true leadership lies in empowering those around us. It's a gratifying journey of learning and growth.

Let us be the advocates for the voiceless, elevating our concerns to a global understanding. If we, as humans, do not stand up for what is right, then who will? The key to overall well-being lies in spreading happiness, and as we move forward, let's make a sincere promise to be authentic and cultivate love among ourselves.

"Compassion required only one thing...To step outside ourselves long enough to embrace another."

~ Dawn

Happy New Year 2024

And here we are, stepping into the realm of 2024!

I don't subscribe to the tradition of crafting New Year's resolutions. If there's something I need to tackle, it's best addressed in the moment, irrespective of the year. Our goals shouldn't be contingent on a calendar flip.

Life is brimming with dreams and ambitions, requiring meticulous planning and strategic steps to navigate the path toward both minor milestones and grand objectives.

Personally, my life's aspiration centers on fostering a serene existence for myself and others. While injustices persist around us, I believe in striving for a life that is fair and reasonable for all—a basic human right.

We find ourselves on this Earth without any say or expectation. It's only natural to yearn for a tranquil and fundamental existence that brings joy to all.

Though it might seem like a utopian notion, achieving this is plausible if we eliminate one thing: the pursuit of power. 

The relentless race for power often leaves those without it vulnerable. From the microcosm of poverty to the macrocosm of nations like Palestine, the consequences are deeply poignant.

My sole wish for the coming year is simple: peace. May tranquility grace everyone's lives, allowing individuals to toil for their sustenance while coexisting peacefully.

I harbor no specific resolutions for the new year, but I aim to strike a harmonious balance between work and life, easing the stress that often blurs the distinction between the two.

In the months ahead, I aspire to enrich my life with more travel, music, and continuous learning—whether it's mastering an instrument, understanding a process, or acquiring a new skill.

I hope each of you carries expectations for yourselves and for the year unfolding.

Wishing you a joyous, healthy, and serene New Year in 2024!

~ Dawn