Tamil writer Jeyamohan, who previously made critical remarks about Malayalam movies and Malayalis, has now admired director Blessy’s Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life). He considers it a true Malayalam film and believes it captures the essence of the glorious era of Malayalam cinema. Jeyamohan further asserts that only Malayalam filmmakers possess the artistic prowess to create a movie of such creative expression, setting them apart from others in the Indian film industry.
Jeyamohan criticized the decline in artistic sensibilities in Bengali movies in his review of Aadujeevitham. He claimed that the Bengali tradition has been ruined by Hindi dominance. This is not the first time such statements have been made about the deterioration of Bengali cinema. Anurag Kashyap, a Bollywood filmmaker, previously criticized contemporary Bengali cinema by stating that the industry, once led by renowned figures like Ritwick Ghatak and Satyajit Ray, now churns out low-quality films. Jeyamohan emphasized that Aadujeevitham showcases the boundless inner potential of individuals, illustrating how the main character triumphs over challenges through sheer determination. The film captures profound human experiences shaped by camaraderie and perseverance, echoing themes similar to those of previous Malayalam cinematic gems.
Jeyamohan’s commendation of Blessy for avoiding excessive melodrama or sentimentality in the movie was also acknowledged by director Mani Ratnam. According to Jeyamohan, Aadujeevitham is a genuine Malayalam film that effectively portrays the unique personality of Malayalees as great explorers and survivors. He further stated that the movie captures the essence of their state of mind. It is worth noting that Jeyamohan’s appreciation for the adventurous spirit and artistic bravery of Malayalis comes after his criticism of the recent Malayalam blockbuster Manjummel Boys, which he claimed glorifies the negative aspects of Malayali men.
