Renowned filmmaker Blessy’s much-anticipated film, ‘Aadujeevitham,’ faces a significant setback as it encounters a ban in Gulf countries, while a limited release is scheduled in the UAE. Despite the hurdles, anticipation runs high for the survival drama starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, depicting the extraordinary tale of Najeeb’s resilience in the harsh desert landscape of Saudi Arabia.
The film, based on Benyamin’s acclaimed novel, narrates the gripping story of Najeeb’s survival after being stranded in the desert while herding goats. Despite being translated into various languages, including English, the novel has faced censorship challenges in Gulf countries, mirroring the journey of the protagonist as he navigates through adversity.
The delay in the film’s release across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, underscores the complexities of censorship and regulatory approval processes. However, the filmmakers remain optimistic about securing a censor certificate and aim for an April release in these regions.
The significance of ‘Aadujeevitham’ extends beyond its cinematic appeal, as it symbolizes Sukumaran and Blessy’s decade-long endeavor to bring Najeeb’s story to the screen. The delays and challenges encountered during the film’s production add to the anticipation among cinephiles, reflecting the resilience and determination mirrored in Najeeb’s journey.
Despite the hurdles, advanced ticket sales in the UAE reflect the eagerness among audiences to witness the cinematic adaptation of Benyamin’s novel. Pre-bookings across various locations in the UAE signal a promising start for the film’s release, with City Centre Sharjah set to host multiple screenings on the opening day.
In Kerala, where the novel’s popularity is unparalleled, pre-sales for ‘Aadujeevitham’ have surpassed expectations, surpassing Rs. 1.25 crore. The overwhelming response underscores the cultural significance of Najeeb’s story and the anticipation surrounding Sukumaran’s portrayal of the resilient protagonist.
The film ‘Aadujeevitham’ encountered bans in Gulf countries, likely due to censorship concerns surrounding its content. These restrictions may have arisen from sensitivities or regulations that deemed certain aspects of the film unsuitable for public viewing in those regions. As a result, the anticipated release of the movie in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries was postponed, with the filmmakers awaiting the acquisition of a censor certificate to facilitate its screening.
In Kerala, there is heightened anticipation surrounding the film ‘Aadujeevitham’ due to its significant cultural and literary impact, as well as the anticipation among audiences for the adaptation of the celebrated Malayalam novel of the same name. The novel, authored by Benyamin, garnered widespread acclaim for its poignant narrative, which revolves around the real-life survival story of Najeeb Muhammad in the harsh desert conditions of Saudi Arabia.
The novel’s popularity, combined with the anticipation surrounding the film adaptation, has generated immense excitement and fervor among cinephiles in Kerala, leading to robust pre-sales and a buzz at the box office.
The limited screening of ‘Aadujeevitham’ in the UAE is primarily attributed to the film’s ban in Gulf countries and the ensuing censorship complications, which have led to delays in obtaining a censor certificate for wider distribution. Despite these challenges, the UAE has granted permission for the film to be screened in select theaters, albeit in a limited capacity. This decision likely stems from the UAE’s relatively more lenient censorship regulations compared to other Gulf nations, allowing for a restricted release of the film to cater to audiences in the region while navigating regulatory hurdles.
The ban on Benyamin’s novel in certain Gulf countries due to alleged religious sensitivities highlights the challenges faced by artistic expression in navigating cultural and regulatory landscapes. Despite the controversy, Benyamin remains steadfast in his belief that the narrative transcends cultural boundaries, offering a poignant reflection on human struggle and resilience.
In conclusion, ‘Aadujeevitham‘ represents more than just a cinematic adaptation; it embodies the triumph of the human spirit amidst adversity. Despite facing censorship challenges and delays, the film’s release serves as a testament to the resilience of storytelling and the enduring appeal of narratives that resonate across cultures and borders.