5 minutes agoAuthor: Ashish Tiwari
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Prithviraj Sukumaran will soon be seen in the film 'The Goat Life'. This film is based on the famous Malayalam novel 'Adujivitham'. The film is based on the real life of Jeevan Najeeb, which will depict his unrealistic journey full of troubles in search of a better life. Recently, in an exclusive interview given to Dainik Bhaskar, Prithviraj shared some stories related to the film. He also gave interesting answers to interesting questions in the rapid fire round. Here are some highlights of the conversation:
'The Goat Life' is based on a true incident
The trailer of 'The Goat Life' is getting great response. Expressing his happiness on this matter, Prithviraj said – I feel very happy seeing such reactions of people. To be honest, this film is a very important part of my life. I had agreed to 'The Goat Life' in the year 2008-2009. Now see, it is releasing in the year 2024. These 16 years are too much for anyone's life. Talking about Malayalam industry, there have been a lot of changes in our Malayalam industry over the years.
It definitely took time from the idea of the film to its release, but believe me, no compromise was made in making the film. We were always clear that this film will not be shot through VFX, but will actually be shot in desert-like places. Therefore, most of the shooting of 'The Goat Life' has been done in Kerala, Jordan, Algeria. Whatever you will see in the film is real. Whatever films I do after this film, I feel that 'The Goat Life' will always be very special for me.
Director Blessy has achieved a different position in the Malayalam industry.
Talking about director Blessy, Prithviraj said- I have worked in many films from 2008 till now. I have also directed 2-3 films. When Blessy decided to make this film in 2008, he was the highest paid director in the Malayalam film industry. He is still standing at that position even today. All the actors of Malayalam industry want to work with Blessy. Imagine Blessy gave 16 years to this film. Blessy's commitment and investment for this film is amazing. I am nothing in front of Blasey. Whenever people talk about me regarding 'The Goat Life', I always remind them that the credit should not go to me but to the filmmaker Blessy.
There are less dialogues, more silence in the film
Director Blassey has an excellent grasp of emotions. On this Prithviraj said – Blessy has made great films in his career. The audience wants to watch films as soon as they hear Blessy's name, no matter which actor is in that film. People respect Blessy a lot in the Malayalam film industry.
Emotions have a big role in this film. Most of the scenes in the film are of close-ups. Emotions can be shown well only through an actor's face. You will be surprised to know that there are very few dialogues and a lot of silence in this film. Whether you talk about the desert, the wind or the animals – everything has been shot very well. AR Rahman sir's music has done wonders in such visuals.
The script of 'The Goat Life' is unforgettable – Prithviraj
How do you mold yourself into the character? On this Prithviraj said- I know how to switch on and switch off from my role. I have done at least 120 films so far in my career. So now it has become easier for me to switch on/switch off.
You won't believe, ever since I heard the script of 'The Goat Life', it has happened many times that during the shooting of a film, I would suddenly remember the story of 'The Goat Life', and I would be stunned. Imagine how powerful the script will be. I feel that even though I have completed shooting for the film, a part of Najeeb, the character I am playing in the film, will always remain with me. I have worked very hard for this character.
Want to make the audience feel Najeeb's emotions – Prithviraj
Prithviraj further said- People think that I must have met Najeeb before playing his role. but it's not like that. I met Najeeb for the first time when I finished the last shot of 'The Goat Life'. We had called him on the last day of the shoot on the set of the film. Through this film, we cannot show every single incident of the book, but we want to make people feel what Najeeb felt at that time.
I learned a lot in my real life through this film – Prithviraj
In 'The Goat Life', Prithviraj Sukumaran is being compared with big stars like Prabhas, Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio. On this matter the actor says- I do not see myself in the league of such big actors. I am still learning. I still have a lot to learn. I learned a lot in my real life from the character 'Najeeb' played in this film.
We want to show global cinema through this film. The story of the film is based on faith, never giving up and keeping trying. I think faith is something that everyone believes in. No matter which country you are from or which language you speak.
'The Goat Life' film is expected to get an award
Blasey has been a National Award winner. It is being said that he and Prithviraj Sukumaran will also get awards for this film. Not only national but also international awards like Academy are being expected. The story of the film is really very good globally. In such a situation, what does Prithviraj think about the award? Responding to this, Prithviraj said- I would feel very good if my hard work reaches the hearts of people and I get an award. But to be honest, awards are secondary for me.
I want as many people as possible in the world to see this film. People should know how Najib really felt. People should know how many problems Najib had to face on his journey. How Najib faced those difficult situations boldly. I will be most happy when millions of people watch this film and say that this film has touched their hearts.
Rapid fire round was also played with Prithviraj Sukumaran
A fun segment from Prithviraj Sukumaran was also played. He gave funny answers to some interesting questions during the rapid fire round. Prithviraj called Mohanlal a brother, Yash a pioneer, Allu Arjun a brilliant actor, Prabhas a superstar, Shahrukh Khan the biggest superstar, Salman Khan a big star. He told that for the people of my generation, Shahrukh sir, Salman sir and Aamir sir represent Hindi cinema. Prithviraj Sukumaran considers his father as his inspiration.
The last question asked to Prithviraj was that if a book was written on him, what would be the title of that book? On this Prithviraj said- Courage.