Prithviraj Sukumaran's 'Aadujeevitham' hits ₹150cr global box office milestone
The Malayalam survival drama, Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and directed by Blessy, has surpassed the ₹150cr mark in global collections on its 25th day (Sunday), reportedly. Released on March 28, the achievement makes it the third highest-earning Malayalam movie of all time. The news was shared by Sukumaran on Instagram, where he expressed gratitude for the continuous support and love from fans. Meanwhile, Sukumaran was recently seen in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.
Why does this story matter?
Based on Najeeb's true journey, Aadujeevitham has been praised for its powerful performances, visually striking cinematography, and heartwrenching storytelling. The film has not only captivated audiences globally but also left a significant imprint on Kerala's cinema history. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film outperformed Baahubali 2's lifetime collection in Kerala by amassing over ₹72.50cr, solidifying its position as one of the top-grossing Malayalam films.
'Aadujeevitham's box office performance outshines competitors
As of Saturday, Aadujeevitham's net collection in India stands at ₹79.87cr. On its 24th day (Saturday), it earned a domestic net of ₹79 lakh with an impressive 33.44% Malayalam occupancy rates. In comparison, its box office competitors Aavesham and Varshangalkku Shesham have grossed ₹73cr and ₹54cr globally respectively, with domestic net collections significantly lower than Aadujeevitham's. To note, Aadujeevitham was pitted against Crew—starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon—which earned ₹73.3cr in India.
Sukumaran's performance in 'Aadujeevitham' received high praise
Aadujeevitham, which also stars Amala Paul, is an official adaptation of a popular Malayalam novel by Benyamin. The plot is inspired by the real-life experiences of a Keralite who endured slavery in Saudi Arabia's deserts. Sukumaran's portrayal of the protagonist, Najeeb, has received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. A critic wrote, "You don't see Prithviraj the superstar in Aadujeevitham...he lives the character and is superb as Najeeb."
True storyline: Here's what happened with Najeeb
In 1993, Najeeb—a laborer from Aarattupuzha village in Haripad, Alappuzha—embarked on a journey to Saudi Arabia with dreams of landing a job at a supermarket. His wife and Najeeb yearned for a better future. However, instead of the promised job in Jeddah, he was tasked with tending to 700 goats in a remote Saudi village. Surrounded by endless dunes and exploited by his Arbab (Persian for master), Najeeb endured two years of harsh conditions before finding his path to freedom.
