Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) has certainly made waves, and with Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas in triple roles, it’s no wonder! Directed by Jithin Laal and written by Sujith Nambiar, the film captured everyone’s attention right from the release of its intriguing posters and action-packed trailer. So, has ARM lived up to the hype? Let’s dive in!
Rating: 3 Stars
Language: Malayalam, Hindi
Genre: Drama Adventure
Director: Jithin Lal
Starring: Tovino Thomas, Krithi Shetty, Aishwarya Rajesh, Surabhi Lakshmi, Basil Joseph, Harish Uttaman, Madhupal, Rohini, Parvathi,Kabir Duhan Singh, Aju Varghese
Release Date: September 12, 2024
The Good First
The Triple Threat
ARM being actor Tovino Thomas’s 50th movie seems to be very fitting, seeing as to how the actor has carried the entire film on his back with his incredible acting not across one or two but three separate roles in three different timelines; 1900, 1950 and 1990. Ajayan, who is a simple man from the lower cast shunned by the village for the actions of his predecessor, Maniyan, the notorious thief of the village’s sacred idol and lastly, Kunjikelu, the majestic and legendary warrior. Tovino manages to play all these different roles perfectly, but there is something about him as Maniyan, that sort of negative vibe that draws the audience towards him the most.
A Fairytale
The magic, the mystery, the sort of visuals that seem to be like our imagination coming to live and, above all that dreamy picture-perfect happy ending that we all truly dream of. The stories constantly go back and forth between the three generations, who, on the one hand, have their own tales going on but on the other in the grand scheme of things, they are all inevitably tied together. The music and the background score throughout the film by Dhinu Ninan Thomas pulls everything together in a seemingly mesmerizing manner.
The Directorial Debut
Jithin Lal’s debut as a director with this movie is definitely one to leave a mark. The way he makes a choice of blending spiritual folklore while addressing the controversial cultural practices that are a norm in various regions of our country under the false pretense of religion is a bold move for one to make in their debut film. Through a risky pick for his debut, he has proven the worth of his reward in the form of the love that audiences have showered on him. The duo Jithin Lal and Travino Thomas have played crucial roles in making the movie an engaging watch for all.
Supporting Cast Shines
The supporting cast, featuring Krithi Shetty, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Surabhi Lakshmi, may have had limited screen time, but they still leave a lasting impression with their strong performances. Rohini, in the role of a heartfelt mother, stands out with her emotional depth, while Nistar Sait and Harish Utthaman do a commendable job in bringing their characters to life. Kabir Duhan Singh and the rest of the ensemble cast also contribute meaningfully, enriching the film’s narrative with their well-rounded portrayals and adding layers to the overall storytelling.
The Bad
Slow Pace
While Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) delivers an engaging narrative and impressive performances, one of its notable shortcomings is the pacing of the story. The film, which traverses multiple timelines and juggles three distinct characters played by Tovino Thomas, sometimes feels sluggish in its progression. Given the richness of the plot and the sheer amount of events happening simultaneously, the pacing could have benefited from being slightly faster to maintain a more consistent rhythm.
Unexplored Pace
The complexity of the themes, including caste discrimination, spiritual folklore, and generational legacy, offers a wealth of material that could have been explored more thoroughly if the pace allowed for a more detailed storytelling. Had the film maintained a quicker tempo, it could have covered more ground, providing further depth to the characters and enriching the overall narrative. Nevertheless, despite these issues, ARM still manages to hold the audience’s attention with its unique concept and powerful performances.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) is a visually stunning and captivating film that blends historical drama with spiritual folklore, delivering a unique cinematic experience. Tovino Thomas shines in his triple roles, carrying the film with remarkable versatility and depth, while the supporting cast contributes meaningfully to the story. Despite some pacing issues and missed opportunities to delve deeper into certain plot elements, the film’s enchanting narrative, impressive performances, and mesmerizing music make it a memorable watch. ARM is a bold and ambitious debut for Jithin Lal, and it successfully captures the audience’s imagination with its powerful storytelling and timeless themes.
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