The Goat Life Controversy: Jordanian Star 'Regrets' Being Part Of Film, Apologises To Arab Community

The Goat Life Controversy: Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer Aadujeevitham or The Goat Life became a hit upon its release earlier this year. However, ever since its OTT premiere, a section of social media users have called the film and director Blessy out for the way it has portrayed the Arab community. Now, Jordanian actor Akef Najem, who plays a pivotal role in The Goat Life, has apologised to the people of Saudi Arabia for his involvement in the film.

Akef Najem regrets doing Blessy's The Goat Life

Akef Najem said that he was not aware of the complete storyline of The Goat Life and only read his parts in the script. The Jordanian actor further apologised to his "sisterly" neighbour Saudi Arabia and its citizens about how The Goat Life portrays them, which has also been a subject of discussion and criticism on social media.

He said that it was later pointed out to him that while his character does a humanitarian act in the movie and saves the dying protagonist Najeeb (played by Prithviraj Sukumaran), other sections of the film allegedly portray Saudis in a negative light. "I apologise to the brotherly Saudi people with whom we have always been connected by ties of brotherhood, kinship and lineage, leadership and people.. and you will remain Family, relatives and loved ones to my heart and the hearts of all Jordanians," a part of Akef's post read.

The Goat Life is based on a true story

The Goat Life or Aadujeevitham tells the story of an Indian young man and his suffering with the sponsor who made him a prisoner tending sheep and camels in the desert.

According to the makers, the film follows the true story of a young man called Najeeb, who in the early ’90s migrated from the lush green shores of Kerala in search of fortunes in a land abroad. The Malayalam movie is based on the 2008 bestselling novel Aadujeevitham by Benyamin.

Director Blessy's clarification about his film and an actor barred in Saudi Arabia

Director Blessy had earlier issued a statement that he had no intention of hurting any community through his film and that certain people were trying to create "social unrest". 

One of the movie's actors, Talib al Balushi has been barred from Saudi Arabia for featuring in the film.