‘Aadujeevitham’ Review: Prithviraj gives career-defining performance in Blessy’s film

What would be your state of mind when you are in a place where you don’t understand the language or the landscape, or even the work you’ve been forced to do? Director Blessy’s ‘Aadujeevitham’ is about a Malayali immigrant labourer who is forced into slavery in Saudi Arabia. The uncertainty, inevitability and longing for home and familiarity are what runs in your mind.

Najeeb Mohammad (Prithviraj Sukumaran) and Hakeem (KR Gokul) land in Saudi Arabia with their passports and visas in hand. As they wait for their employer, Khafeel (Talib Al Balushi) takes their passports and splits them into different farms in secluded areas. They are forced into slavery for years. After three years, Najeeb and Hakeem reunite and an African slave, Ibrahim Khan (Jimmy Jean-Louis), helps them escape. Will they make it alive?

‘Aadujeevitham’ is based on the novel of the same name, written by Benyamin. Director Blessy adapted the novel and made it into a film. The film traces the journey of Najeeb, who left his small-town life with the aim of making money by taking up a job in Saudi Arabia. His pregnant wife Sainu (Amala Paul) has a plan charted out for their future. Sadly, none of it pans out as they imagine.

While ‘Aadujeevitham’ captures the barren landscape and the uncertainty well, it takes a one-dimensional route. We get glimpses of Najeeb’s past, but most of the film is about how his life is on the secluded farm. We are shown Prithviraj’s perspective, but we do not know the sufferings of the family. Had it been incorporated into the script, it could have added another layer to the story.

‘Aadujeevitham’ takes a predictable route and, for Tamil cinema viewers, it also reminds us of Dhanush and Bharat Bala’s ‘Maryaan’, which deals with a similar subject. The film might appeal to those who love slow-burners.

Here’s the trailer:

Prithviraj Sukumaran is the soul of ‘Aadujeevitham’. The film, which has less dialogue, depends solely on his expressions, and he doesn’t disappoint. The longing you see in his eyes, the bodily changes, a glimmer of hope and holding on to memories and smell – you get to experience everything along with him. In other words, Prithviraj takes you through his journey. When he takes bath after years, you are moved seeing Prithviraj’s expression.

KR Gokul, as young Hakeem, has delivered a memorable performance as well. Jimmy Jean-Louis’ role is like a divine intervention and is up to one’s interpretation. Amala Paul and Shobha Mohan play cameo roles in this film.

If Prithviraj is one of the main pillars of ‘Aadujeevitham’, AR Rahman is the other pillar that holds fort. His background score and songs evoke emotions. Editor Sreekar Prasad’s work is exceptional and the way he juxtaposes Najeeb’s life in Kerala and Saudi Arabia worked well.

‘Aadujeevitham’ is an immersive film that banks on Prithviraj’s performance and its technical brilliance.

3 out of 5 stars for ‘Aadujeevitham’.