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ARM (film)

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ARM
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJithin Laal
Written bySujith Nambiar
Additional screenplayDeepu Pradeep
Produced byListin Stephen
Zachariah Thomas
Starring
Narrated byMohanlal
CinematographyJomon T. John
Edited byShameer Muhammed
Music byDhibu Ninan Thomas
Production
companies
Magic Frames
UGM Entertainment
Distributed byMagic Frames
Release date
  • 12 September 2024 (2024-09-12)
Running time
142 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam
Budget₹30 crore[2]
Box officeest. ₹100–106 crore[3][4]

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, Rohini, Shivajith, Harish Uthaman, Kabir Duhan Singh, Jagadish, Aju Varghese, Sudheesh and Biju Kuttan in prominent roles.

The film was originally shot in 2D format and converted to 3D.[5] ARM was theatrically released on 12 September 2024 coinciding with the Onam festival.[6] The film received positive reviews from critics and audience with praises to performances of the cast with major appreciation for Tovino's (especially Maniyan) and Surabhi's performance, direction, story, visual effects and music. Made on a budget of ₹30 crore, the film became a commercial success grossing ₹100–106 crore at the box office becoming the 8th highest grossing Malayalam film while completing 100 day run in Kerala.

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 its 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 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 while Kunjikelu gets affected. During his bed rest, he receives 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 Chyothikkavu. The grand daughter asks the grandmother on if Chothi was pregnant and she dismisses the thought and that Chothi had left to Nagercoil after her recovery from the smallpox.

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 stands 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 Chyothikkavu 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 Nanjappa Chowta, a policeman, to help catch him. Furious at the fact that Maniyan was nowhere to be seen, Nanjappa misbehaves with Maniyan's wife, Manikyam. Maniyan beats up Nanjappa 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 lamp 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 blacksmith and a descendant of Thekkumpadan Kollan, 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 one. 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, try 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 lamp 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 lamp, he plans to run away. He goes to Chathutti Nambiar's house to meet 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. They have showed in past Maniyan and Naanu were discussing about the plan after hiding the lamp, at that moment Naanu informed he is immortal hence Maniyan is also immortal. Ajayan also falls to the waterfall, but instead of dying as said by Naanu, 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 up Sudev 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.

A final scene shows Maniyan overlooking Chyothikaavu as a pillar of light erupts from it, suggesting that Maniyan survived after all, and that he might have been the one who saved Ajayan as well.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

On 1 January 2020, coinciding with New Year's, Tovino Thomas officially announced through his social media pages that he would collaborate with Jithin Laal for an upcoming film, Ajayante Randam Moshanam. Tovino will be seen in triple role for the first time as Maniyan, Ajayan and Kunjikelu; characters from three different timelines; 1900, 1950, and 1990. The film is the debut of Jithin Lal who has been part of Malayalam cinema for the past few years assisting in several films. The project would be funded by UGM Entertainment and written by Sujith Nambiar. Touted to be a periodic film, Ajayante Randam Moshanam will be shot in Kerala.[7]

According to Jithin Laal, ARM took him six years to make taking inspirations from fantasy fiction, folktales, and children's stories. He mentioned some of the earlier Malayalam films in similar genre such as My Dear Kuttichathan, Sakshal Shreeman Chathunni, and Ananthabadram which explores fictional world. Sujith Nambiar wrote the script with additional writing by Deepu Pradeep as they developed it during the covid pandemic.[8] Tovino revealed that, "ARM was a story that got us excited way back in 2017 and faced delays in taking off in the way they were meant to." He learned Kalarippayatt and horseback riding to portraying his roles. [6]

The technical team consists of cinematographer Jomon T John, music director Dhibu Ninan Thomas, and editor Shameer Muhammed.[9] Mohanlal gave the voice role of cosmic creator. [10]

Casting

[edit]

In August 2022 Krithi Shetty was reported to play the leading lady in the film who is making her Malayalam cinema debut.[11][12] Aishwarya Rajesh and Surabhi Lakshmi have been cast as the other female leads.[13] Rohini, Harish Uthaman, Pramod Shetty, Basil Joseph and Hareesh Peradi were cast to play important roles.[14]

Filming

[edit]

It began filming on 11 October 2022[15] with a planned schedule of 125 days.[16] The makers revealed that around 45 days would be allotted for shooting fight sequences that are mostly Kalari-oriented.[17] The second schedule of the film commenced in Cheruvathur in Kasaragod with Krithi Shetty joining the set.[18] Filming was wrapped up on 11 March 2023, lasting 118 days.[19] Majority of the film's shooting took place in Kasaragod, Kerala.[20] The film was originally shot in 2D format which was converted to 3D. The film was made on a budget of ₹30 crore.[5][21]

Music

[edit]
Main article: ARM (soundtrack)

The songs and background score for the film were composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas. The first single "Kiliye" was released on 2 September 2024.[22] The second single "Angu Vaana Konilu" was released on the occasion of Onam, 14 September.[23][24] The album was released through Think Music on 26 September.[25][26]

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

ARM was released in theatres worldwide on 12 September 2024 in both 3D and 2D formats.[27]

Home media

[edit]

The film began streaming on Disney+ Hotstar from 8 November 2024.[28]

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".[29] Christy Rosy Sibi of The Week gave 4/5 stars and wrote, "Tovino should take on more menacing, villain roles".[30] 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".[31] 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".[32] 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".[33] 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".[34]

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".[35] 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 Lal use fantasy as a genre to delve into this topic. If only Ajayante Randam Moshanam was as captivating as its concept.[36]

S. R. Praveen of The Hindu wrote, "Despite the underwhelming writing, Jithin Lal gives us a hint of his craft with a visually impressive drama. And yes, the film belongs to Tovino".[37] 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".[38] 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".[39]

Piracy issues

[edit]

On 17 September 2024, the director of the film Jithin Lal, shared a video of a man watching the pirated version of the film in train through his Facebook page criticising the piracy.[40] Following this on 19 September 2024, Kerala Police registered a case regarding the incident.[41][42]

Future

[edit]

In an interview, the director Jithin Lal revealed that the makers are planning to expand the universe of ARM and the script writer Sujith Nambiar developed a concept of nine spin-off films.[43]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "A.R.M". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on 10 September 2024. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Budget of ARM movie". Reporter TV. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  3. ^ "ARM OTT: കാത്തിരിപ്പിനൊടുവില്‍ എആർഎം ഒടിടിയിലേക്ക്". malayalam.indianexpress.com (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 12 November 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  4. ^ "ARM On OTT: Know Release Date, Streaming Platform, Plot, Cast, Box Office Collection And More About Tovino Thomas's Malayalam Movie". Jagran. 2 November 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ a b "Tovino Thomas' 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' to hit cinemas for Onam 2024". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  7. ^ "Tovino Thomas to appear in triple role with 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam'". Onmanorama. Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  8. ^ Shrijith, Sajin (10 November 2023). "Ajayante Randam Moshanam, a six-year endeavour". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 23 April 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  9. ^ Express, Team Cinema (3 August 2024). "Tovino Thomas starrer 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM)' confirms Onam release". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 13 August 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  10. ^ "Mohanlal and Chiyaan Vikram lend their voices to Tovino Thomas' Ajayante Randam Moshanam for THESE characters". PINKVILLA. 11 September 2024. Archived from the original on 23 September 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  11. ^ "Tovino and Krithi's Next Ajayante Randam Moshanam Goes on Floors". News18. Archived from the original on 22 November 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  12. ^ "Is Krithi Shetty on board for Tovino Thomas starrer 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam'? Here's what the director has to say - Exclusive!". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  13. ^ "Tovino plays three roles in his next movie 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam'". www.onmanorama.com. Archived from the original on 14 October 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  14. ^ "Tovino Thomas to Essay Triple Role in Ajayante Randam Moshanam: Report". News18. 13 October 2022. Archived from the original on 31 October 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  15. ^ ANI; ThePrint (11 October 2022). "Tovino Thomas to play triple role in 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam'". ThePrint. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  16. ^ 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.
  17. ^ Service, Express News (7 October 2022). "Tovino's next Ajayante Randam Moshanam rolls". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  18. ^ Service, Express News (30 November 2022). "Krithi Shetty joins the sets of pan-Indian film 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam'". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  19. ^ 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.
  20. ^ "'ARM' director feels lucky to witness Tovino's transformation; expresses gratitude". English.Mathrubhumi. 6 March 2023. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  21. ^ Ansari, Sophia (12 September 2024). "ARM Movie Review: थ्रिलर फिल्म की गहराई से समीक्षा". Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  22. ^ "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.
  23. ^ Features, C. E. (14 September 2024). "Angu Vaana Konilu song from Tovino Thomas-starrer ARM is out". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  24. ^ Panikker, Rohit (14 September 2024). "Watch: Angu Vaana Konilu Video Song From Tovino's ARM Is Out!". Times Now. Archived from the original on 30 September 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  25. ^ Santhosh, Vivek (26 September 2024). "Jukebox of Tovino Thomas-starrer Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) out". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  26. ^ "Tovino Thomas drops the jukebox of 'ARM'". The Times of India. 26 September 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  27. ^ "Tovino Thomas' 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' to release for Onam". The Hindu. 13 August 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 25 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  28. ^ "'ARM' OTT release: When and where to watch the Tovino Thomas starrer". Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 November 2024. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  29. ^ "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.
  30. ^ ""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.
  31. ^ "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.
  32. ^ "ARM Movie Review: Tovino Thomas shines in triple avatar with a visually stunning flick submerged in adventure". Pinkvilla. 12 September 2024.
  33. ^ "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.
  34. ^ "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.
  35. ^ "ARM Review: Tovino Thomas's film features interesting plot but lacks high moments". India Today. 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 13 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  36. ^ "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.
  37. ^ "'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.
  38. ^ "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.
  39. ^ "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.
  40. ^ "Director of Ajayante Randam Moshanam shares video of man watching pirated version of film in train". Mathrubhumi News. 12 September 2024.
  41. ^ "ARM movie piracy: Cyber police register case on director Jithin Laal's complaint". Onmanorama. 19 September 2024. Archived from the original on 19 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  42. ^ "Police to probe piracy of Tovino's new movie Ajayante Randam Moshanam". The New Indian Express. 19 September 2024. Archived from the original on 19 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  43. ^ "'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' makers set to expand universe with exciting spin-offs". The Times Of India. 30 September 2024. Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
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