ARM (film)

2024 film by Jithin Lal

ARM

Theatrical release poster

Directed by| Jithin Laal
Written by| Sujith Nambiar
Additional screenplay| Deepu Pradeep
Produced by| Listin Stephen
Zachariah Thomas
Starring|

* Tovino Thomas
* Surabhi Lakshmi

Narrated by| Mohanlal
Cinematography| Jomon T. John
Edited by| Shameer Muhammed
Music by| Dhibu Ninan Thomas

Production
companies

Magic Frames
UGM Entertainment

Distributed by| Magic Frames

Release date

* 12 September 2024 (2024-09-12)

Running time

| 150 minutes[1]
Country| India
Language| Malayalam
Budget| ₹30 crore[2]
Box office| est. ₹84 crore[3]

A.R.M (officially titled: Ajayante Randam Moshanam; transl. Ajayan's second theft) is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language action adventure film[1] directed by Jithin Laal (in his directorial debut), written by Sujith Nambiar, and produced by Magic Frames and UGM Entertainment. The film stars Tovino Thomas in triple roles, alongside Surabhi Lakshmi, Basil Joseph, Krithi Shetty, Aishwarya Rajesh, Shivajith, Harish Uthaman, Rohini, Jagadish, Aju Varghese, Sudheesh and Biju Kuttan in prominent roles.

The film was originally shot in 2D format and converted to 3D.[4] ARM was made on a budget of ₹30 crore. It was theatrically released on 12 September 2024 coinciding with the Onam festival.[5] The film received positive reviews from critics with praises to Tovino's (especially for Maniyan) and Surabhi's performance, direction, story, visual effects and music, and became commercial success also emerged as the 5th highest grossing Malayalam film of 2024 and became the highest grossing film in Tovino's career after 2018.

## Plot

[edit]

The movie begins with a grandmother telling a bed time story to her granddaughter the lore of Chyothivilaku. Chyothivilaku is a sacred light which was made from a melted mixture of an asteroid which once crashed in the land of Haripuram in the ancient times. The lamp was commanded to be made from the asteroid by the Edakkal King at the time, who takes it to his palace owing to it's supernatural powers. During the invasion of the thugs in the land, a scared King calls upon a warrior from Haripuram called Kelu Nayanar known popularly as Kunjikelu to help save his citizens and his nephew Mana Varma, the heir apparent. After his victory over the thugs, Kunjikelu requests the Chyothivilaku as a gift. The king agrees and Kunjikelu brings it home to Haripuram. Kunjikelu is romantically interested in Chothi, a woman from a lower caste. Kunjikelu promises Chothi on building a temple and so that the lamp is accessible to everyone without discrimination. Meanwhile smallpox spreads across Haripuram. An affected Chothi on the brink of death is saved by Kunjikelu. Chothi survives where Kunjikelu gets affected. During his bed rest he gets a secret letter from Mana Varma which breaks his heart. Kunjikelu learns that even though he wanted the temple to have no discrimination, no one from the lower caste is allowed into the temple. Seeing all the distress Kunjikelu dies. The grandmother ends the story by describing the lore on how their village came to be known as Chyothikavu. The grand daughter asks the grandmother on if Chothi was pregnant and she dismisses the thought and that Chothi had left to Pollachi after her recovery from the small pox.

Kunjikelu's descendant Maniyan was a crooked yet sharp thief who ends up stealing the Chyothivilaku but dies by the hands of the people.

In 1990s, M. V. Ajayan (Maniyan’s grandson) is an electrician who is secretly in love with Chathutti Nambiar’s daughter, Lakshmi. He is carrying the weight of his grandfather Maniyan's unfavourable image as a thief and the villagers mostly insult him for being from a thief's family. His first and only theft was a bunch of keys when he was young as a playful act but was returned after advice from his grandmother and mother. His friend K. P. Suresh stand up for him during the tough times. He finds himself in a difficult situation when a stranger, Sudev shows up unexpectedly on their land posing as a photographer with the intention of stealing the Chyothivilaku and sell it off to the British archives. Suresh, under the orders of Sudev, traps Ajayan and himself. Sudev reveals that the Chyothivilaku in the temple is fake and is banking on Ajayan’s skill to find the real Chyothivilaku before the temple festival. He searches all possible places near Chyothikaavu but fails miserably. But Lakshmi asks him to check places where a man such as Maniyan and only Maniyan could get into. he reaches a hillside and goes inside a cave near a waterfall, and finds cave paintings on the walls.

Years ago, Maniyan went into hiding. The townspeople brought a policemen to help catch him. Furious at the fact that Maniyan was nowhere to be seen, the policeman misbehaves with Maniyan's wife, Manikyam. Maniyan beats up the policeman and asks him if it was the thief or the police who came first. Maniyan, saddened by the state of his wife, plans to steal the Chyothivilakku to prove to the townspeople that Manikyam's dignity is greater than the idol the townspeople worship so dearly, and when he does, he goes into the cave which Ajayan went to years after, and announces his win over the townspeople. But Naanu, a goldsmith, tells him that this was not the real Chyothivilakku. It is revealed that the letter which Kunjikelu received informed him that the Chyothivilakku was a fake. Maniyan then plans to find the real one and sets off to the royal palace.

After getting through various traps and obstacles, Maniyan finds the lamp and brings both of them to Manikyam, and claims that he will bring the fake lamp to the temple, where it was kept and worshipped. On the way, he is trapped and the townspeople, enraged by the fact that he tried to steal the lamp, tries to kill him. They chase him up a mountain, and the villagers corner him at a cliff near the waterfall. he refuses to give up the lamp but they threaten him with his wife and daughter. He puts the fake idol back down and he lets himself go and falls into the waterfall, leading to his death.

In the present, Ajayan agrees to participate in a Kalaripayattu competition, but fails at the last minute under the orders of Sudev. Since he was unable to find the idol, he plans to run away. He goes to Chathutti Nambiar's home to collect Lakshmi and run away, but gets locked in a room and is trapped by Chathutti Nambiar. He manages to escape with the help of their caretaker but gets chased by the villagers into the same hillside where his grandfather also fell to his death. He also falls to the waterfall, but instead of dying, he survives and finds the lamp by using a key which his mother gave him days prior for searching the lamp, thinking it would prove useful.

After a brief confrontation with Sudev and his cronies, Ajayan beats them up and the original lamp is returned to Chyothikkavu. Ajayan goes to find Lakshmi and the movie ends with him riding along the car in which Lakshmi was ordered to be taken away by her father suggesting Ajayan's second theft was nothing but his true love.

## Cast

[edit]

* Tovino Thomas in triple role as
* Kunjikelu, a warrior; Ajayan's and Maniyan's ancestor.
* Maniyan; a thief; Ajayan's Grandfather
* M. V. Ajayan, an electrician; Maniyan's grandson and Kunjiikelu's desendent
* Roshan as Young Ajayan
* Surabhi Lakshmi  as Manikyam, Maniyan's wife
* Krithi Shetty as Lakshmi, Ajayan's Love Interest
* Anvi as Young Lakshmi
* Aishwarya Rajesh as Chothi, kelu's love interest (Cameo appearance)
* Basil Joseph as K.P. Suresh, Ajayan's childhood best friend
* Madhupal as King
* Harish Uthaman as Sudev
* Shivajith as Kavumbayi Sudhakaran
* Rohini as Maniyan's daughter and Ajayan's mother
* Jagadish as Kollan Naanu
* Aju Varghese as Sub Inspector Satheesh Kumar
* Sudheesh as Suresh's father
* Sanju Sivram as Constable Chandran
* Santhosh Keezhattoor as Paramu Nambiar, Kunjikelu's descendant and Lakshmi's Grandfather
* Parvathi T. as Lakshmi's grandmother
* Kabir Duhan Singh as Pulimutt Mammad
* Jithin Laal as Mana Varma

## Production

[edit]

On 1 January 2020, coinciding the occasion of New Year's, Tovino Thomas officially announced through his social media pages that he would collaborate with Jithin Laal for an upcoming film, titled Ajayante Randam Moshanam. The project would be funded by UGM Entertainment, written by Sujith Nambiar and female leading by Krithi Shetty in his Malayalam debut film.[6]

It began filming on 11 October 2022 with a planned schedule of 125 days. Filming was wrapped up on 11 March 2023, lasting 118 days.[7] The film was originally shot in 2D format which was converted to 3D. The film was made on a budget of ₹30 crore.[4][8]

## Music

[edit]

The songs and background score for the film were composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas. The first single "Kiliye" was released on 2 September 2024.[9]

Track listingNo.| Title| Lyrics| Singer(s)| Length

|
|
|
|

1.| "Kiliye"| Manu Manjith| K. S. Harisankar
Anila Rajeev| 4:31
2.| "Angu Vaana Konilu"| Manu Manjith| Vaikom Vijayalakshmi| 4:18
Total length:| 8:49

## Release

[edit]

### Theatrical

[edit]

ARM was released in theatres worldwide on 12 September 2024 in both 3D and 2D formats.[10]

## Reception

[edit]

### Critical response

[edit]

Rohit Panikker of Times Now gave 4/5 stars and wrote, "Ajayante Randam Moshanam is a visual spectacle supported by some masterful story-telling. If not anything, the film is worth it for its performances from all quarters, but most of all, as a story-telling vehicle that has taken Tovino Thomas the performer up a few notches. The film is an excellent theatre-watching experience that you can hope for from a festival release".[11] Christy Rosy Sibi of The Week gave 4/5 stars and wrote, "Tovino should take on more menacing, villain roles".[12] Anna Mathews of The Times of India gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "Ajayante Randam Moshanam could be like another one of those impressive films that have come out of the Malayalam industry - which is currently ailing from several issues driven by the Hema Committee report \- but does it have that emotional hook to pull in audiences is a question that we will have to wait and watch out for".[13] Goutham S of Pinkvilla gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "Ajayante Randam Moshanam aka ARM is surely not a commercial cinema that is filled with crazy elements or fanfare. However, the film provides a tale of action and adventure which is mixed with myth and folklore".[14] Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "Dhibu Ninan Thomas’s background score stands out, especially in the mass-appeal moments, though his songs are not all equally memorable. Gokuldas’s production design, Praveen Varma’s costume design and Ronex Xavier’s makeup also deserve recognition for their contributions".[15] Vignesh Madhu of Cinema Express gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "It is precisely why ARM is that much-needed breath of fresh air from Malayalam's overpopulated realistic dramas and generic thrillers".[16]

Janani K of India Today gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "ARM intriguingly blends folklore and action. However, the screenplay has some shortcomings that prevent it from fully conveying the intended message".[17] Kirubhakar Purushothaman of News18 gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "In Ranjith’s film, the coveted object is gold; in ARM, it’s the lamp. Both symbolize what is denied to the oppressed. It’s interesting how both Ranjith and Jithin Laal use fantasy as a genre to delve into this topic. If only Ajayante Randam Moshanam was as captivating as its concept.[18]

S. R. Praveen of The Hindu wrote, "Despite the underwhelming writing, Jithin Laal gives us a hint of his craft with a visually impressive drama. And yes, the film belongs to Tovino".[19] Swathi P Ajith of Onmanorama wrote, "The film benefits from a well-balanced blend of genres, incorporating magic, supernatural elements, folktales, history, and romance, all mixed together in perfect harmony. The film is a must-watch for those seeking a dynamic performance and is perfectly suited for the big screen experience".[20] Latha Srinivasan of Hindustan Times wrote, "Technically, the cinematography by Jomon T John stands out but the songs by Dhibu Ninan Thomas don’t. Thomas’ BGM however did work well in the film. Tovino Thomas shines in ARM but the execution is, unfortunately, flawed".[21]

### Piracy issues

[edit]

On 17 September 2024, the director of the film Jithin Laal, shared a video of a man watching the pirated version of the film in train through his Facebook page criticising the piracy.[22] Following this on 19 September 2024, Kerala Police registered a case regarding the incident.[23][24]

## Future

[edit]

In an interview, the director Jithin Laal revealed that the makers are planning to expand the universe of ARM and the script writer Sujith Nambiar developed concept of nine spin-off films.[25]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "A.R.M". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on 2024-09-10. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
2. ^ "Budget of ARM movie". Reporter TV. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
3. ^ "ARM and Kishkindha Kaandam Box Office Collections 3rd Weekend: Tovino Thomas' fantasy-actioner inches closer to Rs 85 crore; Asif Ali's film continues showing BLOCKBUSTER hold". Pinkvilla.
4. ^ a b Nambiar, Athulya (4 September 2024). "Tovino Thomas on 3D release of ARM: 'Cannot expect same output from...'". Mid-Day. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
5. ^ "Tovino Thomas' 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' to hit cinemas for Onam 2024". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2024-09-14. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
6. ^ "Tovino Thomas to appear in triple role with 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam'". Onmanorama. Archived from the original on 2024-09-12. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
7. ^ ETimes.in (12 March 2023). "Tovino Thomas starrer 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' wraps up the shoot". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
8. ^ Ansari, Sophia (2024-09-12). "ARM Movie Review: थ्रिलर फिल्म की गहराई से समीक्षा". Archived from the original on 2024-09-12. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
9. ^ "Watch: First Single Kiliye From Tovino Thomas' ARM Out!". Times Now. 3 September 2024. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
10. ^ "Tovino Thomas' 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' to release for Onam". The Hindu. 2024-08-13. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 2024-08-25. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
11. ^ "Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) Review: This Tovino Thomas Film Is An Amazing Theatrical Experience". Times Now. 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 13 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
12. ^ ""A.R.M" review: Tovino Thomas, yet again, set to face the consequences of "a force from the sky"". The Week. 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
13. ^ "Ajayante Randam Moshanam Movie Review: Tovino's charismatic Maniyan lifts up the film". The Times of India. 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
14. ^ "ARM Movie Review: Tovino Thomas shines in triple avatar with a visually stunning flick submerged in adventure". Pinkvilla. 12 September 2024.
15. ^ "ARM review: A landmark film in Tovino Thomas' career". The Indian Express. 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
16. ^ "Ajayante Randam Moshanam Movie Review: Tovino and Jithin Laal sparkle in a fascinating fantasy adventure". Cinema Express. 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 13 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
17. ^ "ARM Review: Tovino Thomas's film features interesting plot but lacks high moments". India Today. 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 2024-09-13. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
18. ^ "ARM - Ajayante Randam Moshanam Review: Tovino Thomas Shines, But Script Fizzles in This Fantasy Epic". News18. 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
19. ^ "'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' (ARM) movie review: Tovino Thomas carries this visually-impressive drama, despite the underwhelming writing". The Hindu. 13 September 2024. Archived from the original on 13 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
20. ^ "Tovino Thomas dazzles in triple role in 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' Movie Review". Onmanorama. 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
21. ^ "Ajayante Randam Moshanam Movie Review: Tovino Thomas shines in triple role but execution is flawed". Hindustan Times. 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
22. ^ "Director of Ajayante Randam Moshanam shares video of man watching pirated version of film in train". Mathrubhumi News. 12 September 2024.
23. ^ "ARM movie piracy: Cyber police register case on director Jithin Laal's complaint". Onmanorama. 19 September 2024.
24. ^ "Police to probe piracy of Tovino's new movie Ajayante Randam Moshanam". The New Indian Express. 19 September 2024.
25. ^ "'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' makers set to expand universe with exciting spin-offs". The Times Of India. 30 September 2024.

## External links

[edit]

* ARM at IMDb

*[est.]: estimation
*[transl.]: translation
*[No.]: Number