In a revealing conversation with India Today, KR Gokul, the talented actor making waves in the Malayalam film industry, opened up about the extreme lengths he went to for his role in the much-lauded film Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life. Gokul’s commitment to realism saw him adopting a severe dietary regimen that pushed him to the brink of physical and mental exhaustion. This method of weight loss, which involved a water diet and significant calorie reduction, led to his collapse on just the third day of the diet.
Gokul’s portrayal of Hakeem in the film required him to undergo a drastic physical transformation, for which he chose to push his body to its limits. “I was starving myself and was on black coffee for 15 days,” Gokul shared, highlighting the intense pressure he placed on himself to authentically embody his character. The physical toll was accompanied by a significant impact on his mental health, a struggle that extended to his loved ones. “It was my family and friends who suffered the most. It really took a toll on my mental health,” he admitted.
In homage to another actor known for his physical transformations, Christian Bale, Gokul took to Instagram to post a photo mirroring Bale’s iconic pose from The Machinist. This gesture not only paid tribute to Bale’s dedication but also showcased Gokul’s own dramatic physical change, drawing parallels between their commitment to their craft.
On a lighter note, Gokul shared his experiences working alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran in Aadujeevitham. Despite being the youngest on set, Gokul felt a deep sense of camaraderie and support from the cast and crew, including Sukumaran, who treated him as an equal rather than a newcomer. “Raju ettan [Prithviraj] treated me as a co-actor and not as a newcomer,” Gokul recounted, emphasizing the positive and nurturing environment on set.
Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life has not only been a critical success but also a box office hit, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide. The film, based on Benyamin’s acclaimed novel, tells the gripping true story of a Keralite man’s life-altering journey in the Gulf region during the 1990s. With music by the legendary A.R. Rahman and sound design by Resul Pookutty, the film offers a compelling narrative enriched by its technical excellence.
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