The Goat Life: A Real-Life Nightmare in the Saudi Desert
"The Goat Life," also known as "Aadujeevitham," is a cinematic adaptation of Benyamin's bestselling novel, brought to life by director Blessy. The film tells the chilling story of a man trapped on a goat farm deep in the Saudi desert, who ultimately risks everything to escape. What makes the story even more unsettling is that it's based on the real-life experiences of Najeeb Muhammad, an Indian laborer who journeyed to Saudi Arabia in 1991, only to find himself ensnared in a two-year nightmare.
While the film remains true to the core events of Najeeb's life, director Blessy has introduced some creative elements to enhance the drama. Despite its nearly three-hour runtime, "The Goat Life" grips viewers from start to finish, leaving an indelible impact through its powerful storytelling, haunting background score, stunning cinematography, and the nuanced performances of its cast.
Najeeb’s Journey: From Hope to Horror
Najeeb Muhammad hailed from the village of Arattupuzha in Kerala, India. In search of a better future, he sold his land to cover the costs of his documentation, paying approximately Rs. 55,000 to an agent with the hope that his life would take a positive turn. However, instead of finding prosperity, Najeeb's life descended into a nightmare that would last two grueling years.
Upon arriving at Riyadh airport, Najeeb was met by a man who took him to a remote desert farm. While it's uncertain whether a person named Hakeem accompanied Najeeb in real life, Benyamin’s novel suggests that such a character existed and attempted to escape with Najeeb. However, Benyamin has been unable to confirm Hakeem's whereabouts, leaving his fate shrouded in mystery. Many believe that Hakeem’s demise, as portrayed in the film, symbolizes the tragic end faced by many who ventured to the Middle East seeking a better life.
The Loss of Identity and the Will to Live
Isolated in the desert, Najeeb endured unspeakable conditions. His treatment was so dehumanizing that he began to lose his sense of self, identifying more with the goats he tended than with his fellow humans. Unable to communicate in Arabic and with no one to speak his native language, Najeeb eventually stopped speaking altogether—a heartbreaking detail faithfully depicted in the film.
In the film, when Najeeb encounters Hakeem, he struggles to articulate his thoughts, speaking in gibberish—a reflection of his shattered psyche. During an interview, lead actor Prithviraj recounted how Najeeb spoke of being repeatedly rammed by the goats and how he survived on stale bread, softening it in goat milk to make it edible. Despairing, Najeeb prayed for death, hoping an insect bite would end his misery. But when his Kafeel (sponsor) left to attend a wedding, Najeeb seized the chance to flee.
Fact vs. Fiction: The Real and Imagined Elements
According to Benyamin, Hakeem was indeed with Najeeb during the escape, but the extent of this character's real-life basis remains unclear. Similarly, the character of Ibrahim Khadiri, the Somali who aids Najeeb and Hakeem in the film, seems to be a fictional creation. In the novel, this man appears briefly, guiding the duo to safety before vanishing without a word. In the film, he is depicted as a fugitive, which explains why he doesn’t accompany Najeeb to the city.
Life After Escape: Najeeb’s Silent Struggle
After returning to India, Najeeb kept his horrific experience to himself, only revealing the details when Benyamin’s novel was published. Even Najeeb’s children were unaware of the full extent of his suffering until they read the book. Remarkably, despite the harsh conditions, Najeeb never fell ill during his time in the desert, leading him to believe that a higher power wanted him to survive and share his story.
Today, Najeeb Muhammad’s tale of survival continues to inspire many, though the scars of his past still haunt him. His story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
