A.R.M – Ajayante Randam Moshanam Review: Final Verdict Falls Short of Expectations

When it comes to Malayalam cinema, expectations are always high. With a rich legacy of storytelling, nuanced performances, and a deep connection to culture, every new film seems to carry the weight of that tradition. Enter A.R.M – Ajayante Randam Moshanam, Tovino Thomas’ 50th milestone film, which promised to be an epic folklore fantasy spanning three distinct timelines. Directed by Jithin Lal, this ambitious project aimed to transport the audience to a world where heritage, betrayal, and family honor collide. But does A.R.M live up to its hype, or does it fall victim to overambition?

In this review, we’ll dissect the film’s storyline, performances, technical execution, and whether it truly delivers on its promise.

The Storyline: Three Timelines, One Legacy

At its core, A.R.M weaves together the stories of three generations of men Maniyan, Kunjikelu, and Ajay each played by Tovino Thomas. These characters, living in the 1900s, 1950s, and 1990s respectively, are connected by a shared mission: protecting their land’s most valuable treasure, the Sreeboodhi Lamp. Maniyan, the earliest of the three, is branded a thief for supposedly stealing the lamp from a temple in Haripuram. This accusation taints his family’s legacy for generations, impacting both Kunjikelu and Ajay’s lives.

The plot is further complicated by societal pressures, love interests, and the relentless pursuit of a villain, Sudhev (played by Harish Uttaman), who seeks the treasure for his own gain. Ajay, an electrician and the grandson of Maniyan, finds himself at the heart of this treasure hunt, battling his family’s cursed reputation and navigating a budding romance with Lekshmi (Krithi Shetty), the daughter of an influential local figure.

Though the setup sounds promising, the story often falls flat due to predictable twists and a lack of depth in its execution.

Tovino Thomas: A Performance That Shines Through the Mist

Tovino Thomas undoubtedly carries this film on his shoulders. His portrayal of three distinct characters Maniyan, Kunjikelu, and Ajay adds variety to his performance and showcases his impressive range as an actor. Whether he’s the battle-hardened warrior, the misunderstood thief, or the young man trying to escape his family’s dark past, Tovino brings sincerity and gravitas to each role. His commitment is evident, and his portrayal of these characters is one of the film’s few strengths.

However, even a stellar performance can’t completely save a film bogged down by a lackluster script and slow pacing.

Supporting Cast: Underutilized and Underwhelming

Unfortunately, the supporting cast in A.R.M doesn’t get enough time to shine. Krithi Shetty’s role as Lekshmi feels superficial, with her character functioning more as a plot device than a fully realized person. She doesn’t get the opportunity to showcase her acting chops, and her screen presence is minimal at best.

Aishwarya Rajesh and Surabhi Lakshmi, two incredibly talented actresses, are similarly underutilized. Aishwarya appears in a single scene, while Surabhi, playing Maniyan’s wife, has only a couple of moments to make an impact. Rohini, who plays Ajay’s mother, Sarojam, provides some emotional depth to the story but isn’t given enough material to create a lasting impression.

While actors like Harish Uttaman (Sudhev) and Basil Joseph deliver competent performances, they too suffer from the film’s focus on Tovino’s character arcs. Harish does a commendable job as the treasure-hunting villain, but his role feels underdeveloped, making his motivations unclear.

Direction and Technical Aspects: Style Over Substance?

Jithin Lal’s direction is a mixed bag. On one hand, he succeeds in creating a visually stunning world that captures the essence of Kerala across the different eras depicted in the film. Cinematographer Joman T. John deserves credit for bringing these distinct time periods to life with rich, evocative imagery. The scenic backdrops, historical set pieces, and elaborate costume design contribute to a lush visual experience.

However, the narrative’s pacing is where the film falters. Despite its ambitious concept, the screenplay lacks urgency, dragging at crucial moments. Several scenes feel stretched out, unnecessarily extending the film’s runtime and testing the audience’s patience. The romance subplot, in particular, feels tacked on and detracts from the central storyline.

The editing by Shameer Muhammed could have been more focused. The transitions between the three timelines, though seamless in concept, become disjointed due to the slow pacing. A tighter edit could have enhanced the overall viewing experience, trimming the unnecessary fat from an already overstuffed film.

Music and Sound Design: A Missed Opportunity

The background score by Dhibu Ninan Thomas is perhaps the most underwhelming aspect of the film. While it adds atmosphere in key moments, it lacks the punch needed for a film of this scale. The music should have elevated the emotional and action-packed scenes, but instead, it comes across as generic and forgettable.

In a film dealing with folklore, mythology, and adventure, a strong, memorable score could have been a game-changer. Unfortunately, the sound design here feels like a missed opportunity.

The Good, the Bad, and the Missed Opportunities

What Works:

Tovino Thomas’ stellar performance, especially as the warrior Kunjikelu, stands out. His versatility across three roles is impressive and is the highlight of the film.

Visually stunning cinematography brings the world of A.R.M to life, particularly the historical settings that capture the essence of North Kerala.

What Falls Short:

The film’s predictable story arc and weak screenplay fail to keep viewers engaged. The pacing issues and unnecessary romantic subplots drag down the narrative.

Underdeveloped characters prevent talented actors like Krithi Shetty and Aishwarya Rajesh from leaving a lasting impact.

Final Verdict: Potential Unrealized

In conclusion, A.R.M – Ajayante Randam Moshanam had all the ingredients for an epic folklore adventure a solid premise, a talented lead actor, and rich visuals. However, the film stumbles under the weight of its own ambition, with a meandering screenplay and underutilized supporting cast. While Tovino Thomas’ triple-role performance is commendable and visually the film is a treat, it lacks the narrative depth and urgency that would have made it a memorable cinematic experience.

If you’re a fan of Tovino Thomas, A.R.M is worth a watch for his performance alone. But for others, it may leave you wishing for more more depth, more engagement, and more fulfillment of its vast potential.

Rating: 2.5/5