By “Akef Najem Apologizes for Aadujeevitham Role Amid Criticism; Talib Al Balushi Denies Ban Rumors”
Jordanian actor Akef Najem apologized publicly to Saudi society for his role in the film Aadujeevitham -The Goat Life after facing intense criticism for portraying a wealthy Arab character. He expressed regret, admitting that he didn’t thoroughly review the script before accepting the role and didn’t realize how the film might negatively impact Saudi Arabia’s image. In a social media post, Najem explained that he initially believed the movie would align with and uphold Saudi values. However, after watching the final product, he recognized that the film’s narrative conflicted with these values, sparking widespread controversy.
Akef Najem admitted that he only fully understood the film’s message after its release, which led him to issue an apology. He deeply regretted not being more diligent in evaluating the script, believing that more careful consideration might have prevented his involvement in the project.
Meanwhile, Omani actor Talib Al Balushi refuted rumors that Saudi Arabia had banned him due to his portrayal of a ruthless sponsor in the film. He dismissed these rumors as baseless and confirmed that neither the Saudi nor Omani governments had taken any action against him. Al Balushi is currently in Kerala to attend the Kerala State Film Award ceremony, where Aadujeevitham received recognition. He expressed his satisfaction with being part of the survival drama film.
