Sathish Sundharesan

Aadujeevitham - Prithviraj’s GOAT ! After experiencing the emotionally immersive journey of Aadujeevitham, one will find themself lingering in their seat long after the end credits have rolled, contemplating the profound impact the film has left on them. Blessed with stunning visuals, evocative music and compelling performances, this movie grips the audience in a poignant embrace that lingers far beyond the theater. Adapting a novel for the screen is no easy feat, and when the story is based on real events, the challenge intensifies as surprise elements are scarce. Yet, Blessy's script and direction masterfully craft a gripping survival tale devoid of dull or clichéd moments. His dedication, evident in the 16 years spent bringing this project to fruition, shines through in the final product. Rahman's haunting background score and Sunil's captivating cinematography shoulder much of Blessy's vision, effectively capturing the characters' emotions and the unforgiving reality of the desert setting. In the role of Najeeb, Prithviraj delivers an astounding performance. His physical transformation, showcased fully in a powerful scene where he steals a moment for a much-needed bath before pursuing his only chance at freedom, is unparalleled. While Prithviraj takes some time initially to shed the trappings of conventional acting, his portrayal in the scenes after he reaches the desert is a revelation, conveying a spectrum of emotions from disbelief to fear, frustration, hopelessness, acceptance, yearning, confusion, surrender, belief, hope, and ultimately, joy. This movie stands out as a testament to one of the finest performances by an Indian actor of this generation, setting a daunting benchmark for future endeavors. You never know though, malayalam cinema continues to inspire, leaving audiences lo and behold for what the future performers might deliver !