'Aadujeevitham is not Shukur's life story, it's my novel'

Director Blessy and Prithviraj's movie "Aadujeevitham" continues to draw audiences to theaters. In response to discussions surrounding the film's protagonist Najeeb, the writer Benyamin has addressed the matter in a Facebook post.

Benyamin clarifies in the note that the hero of the novel is Najeeb, not Shukur. Najeeb is a character inspired by various Shukurs, with many experiences amalgamated into his portrayal. Benyamin emphasizes that Shukur constitutes less than 30% of Najeeb's character. He states that "Aadujeevitham" is not Shukur's life story but his own creation, clearly indicated by the novel's cover. Benyamin asserts his responsibility for every action taken by Najeeb in the novel, with explanations provided for each. He urges readers to refrain from seeing the novel as a biography and invites any doubts about it to be addressed directly to him.

Benyamin's Facebook post (roughly translated)

What has been said for the past twenty years is being said once again in light of the film's release. The protagonist of my story is Najeeb, not Shukur. Najeeb is a character inspired by numerous Shukurs, with various people's experiences woven into his narrative. Shukur's influence amounts to less than 30%. 'Aadujeevitham' is not Shukur's life story; it is my novel. This fact is clearly stated on its cover. It is not my concern if someone mistakenly perceives it as a biographical tale—a misunderstanding arising from ignorance of the nature of a novel. I take full responsibility for every action attributed to Najeeb in the story, with explanations readily available. I have reiterated this in countless forums, so let's refrain from associating Shukur with this narrative. Let's avoid the folly of questioning whether events actually occurred. If you have any doubts about the novel, feel free to ask me.