The Goat Life (natively known as Aadujeevitham) is a 2024 Malayalam-language survival drama film written, directed, and co-produced by Blessy.

It is an adaptation of the 2008 best-selling Malayalam novel Aadujeevitham by Benyamin, which is based on the real-life story of Najeeb, a Malayali immigrant laborer in the Persian Gulf.

[4] The film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran alongside Jimmy Jean-Louis and K. R. Gokul, Talib Al Balushi, Rik Aby, Amala Paul and Shobha Mohan.

The film was released worldwide on 28 March 2024 to received positive reviews from critics, who praised Prithviraj's performance, technical aspects and the editing and grossed over ₹158 crore (US$18 million).

[3] In Saudi Arabia, Najeeb Muhammed and Hakim, two Malayali immigrants, arrive seeking a better life with visas arranged by their acquaintance Sreekumar.

Enduring harsh conditions and isolation, Najeeb witnesses the demise of a fellow goatherd, realising the peril of his own situation.

After years of suffering, he is reunited with Hakim, who introduces him to Ibrahim Khadiri, a Somalian goatherd with knowledge of escape routes.

Their journey turns perilous as they struggle to find sustenance and direction, resulting in Hakim's death and Najeeb's near demise.

Alone in the desert, Najeeb eventually reaches civilisation with the help of a passing Arab, and finds a local Malayali restaurant owned by Kunjikka, who nurses him back to health.

He faces imprisonment due to his own documentation issues and he meets the Khafeel, who leaves him as he is not his official sponsor and cannot take him back.

[17] Parallel to the new announcement, also in November 2015, Blessy told to The Hindu that he was occupied with the research work of another film, which would be disclosed later, which would go on before The Goat Life.

[18] In May 2016, Blessy confirmed that he was busy with the pre-production work of the Hindi remake of his Malayalam film Thanmathra (2005) and The Goat Life would happen only after that.

[23] On the challenges on adapting the novel, Blessy said, in the novel, Najeeb recollects his experience through soliloquy, which is easily conveyed through literary work, but it is difficult to depict on screen.

[24] Suriya was initially considered and cast for the role of Najeeb and Blessy discussed with him, but he opted out due to busy schedules and prior commitments.

[36] The first schedule began in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, where flashback scenes of Najeeb's life before he arrived in Saudi Arabia was shot.

However, Omani actor Talib al Balushi and his translator were quarantined, causing him to miss the shoot after Oman evacuated its citizens.

[43] After Jordan initiated lockdown, Kerala chief minister directed NORKA to provide assistance through Indian embassy.

Blessy expressed dissatisfaction, clarifying that the trailer was intended for agents for screening at film festivals and business purposes, not for public release.

[70] On 10 January 2024, the first look of the film was revealed by Prabhas through his social media handles, which featured Prithviraj in a bearded and gloomy appearance as Najeeb Muhammed.

[71][72] Blessy and Benyamin attended the seventh edition of the Kerala Literature Festival held on 13 January, to share their insights on the adaptation from novel to film.

[80][81][82] The trailer was overwhelmingly well received, with media outlets such as Film Companion describing the visuals as "spellbinding",[83] and The Indian Express-based critic compared Prithviraj's performance to that of Leonardo DiCaprio's in The Revenant (2015).

[96] The Goat Life received positive reviews from critics, who praised Prithviraj's performance, technical aspects and the editing.

[98][99] Arjun Menon of Rediff.com rated 4/5 stars and noted, "Aadujeevitham marks a new direction for Malayalam cinema, where ambition meets resources and the right people, all in favour of stories that deserve to be told on the biggest stage of them all.

"[100] Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave 4/5 stars and wrote "While Blessy meticulously selected only the necessary moments for the film adaptation of The Goat Life, his script fell short throughout in building sufficient tension.

"[101] Janani K of India Today gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Aadujeevitham is an immersive film that banks on Prithviraj’s performance and its technical brilliance.

"[103] Latha Sreenivasan of The Hindustan Times wrote,"The Prithviraj Sukumaran film must be watched on the big screen for a wholesome experience; no other actor could have done the role ".

[104] Nirmal Jovial of The Week wrote, "Blessy devoted 16 years to sculpting this visual masterpiece, meticulously tailored for the theatrical experience.

[105] Arjun Menon of the Film Companion wrote, "Aadujeevitham is a brisk, relentless exercise in storytelling that is anchored by Prithviraj Sukumaean's career best performance and Blessy's inspired vision.

"[107] Nishad Thaivalappil of Network18 Group wrote, " The acting, cinematography, story, and screenplay, everything makes it a cinematic experience you should not miss out on.

"[108] Reaction to the film in Saudi Arabia was overwhelmingly negative, with critics accusing it of damaging the country's image and calling for a boycott of Netflix for streaming the movie.