“A.R.M” is a Malayalam film by Jithin Laal in his first directorial attempt. An action adventure with folklore, great performances, and eye-catching visuals, has captivated hearts. On the day of Onam, September 12, 2024, “A.R.M” has hit both the cultural as well as box office.
Cast and Crew
The film has an ensemble cast, headed by Tovino Thomas, who, in three triple roles of Ajayan, Maniyan, and Kunjikelu, performs with incredible ease. His performance, especially as Maniyan, has been critically acclaimed for its depth and authenticity. The cast includes:
Krithi Shetty: Making her Malayalam debut as Lakshmi, Ajayan’s love interest.
Basil Joseph: Ajayan’s loyal friend and partner in mischief, K.P. Suresh.
Aishwarya Rajesh: Portraying Chothi, Kunjikelu’s love interest, with poise and emotion.
Surabhi Lakshmi: In the pivotal role of Manikyam, Ajayan’s grandmother.
Mohanlal: Lending his legendary voice as the film’s narrator.
The movie comes alive under the production banners Magic Frames and UGM Entertainment, with cinematographer Jomon T. John and music composer Dhibu Ninan Thomas creating an enchanting musical landscape for it.
Plot Overview
The story interlaces three timelines in which the lore of Chyothivilaku, the mystical lamp made from an ancient asteroid’s leftovers, is unfolded. The story opens with a grandmother narrating the legend of Haripuram to her granddaughter, depicting a very vivid picture of the kingdom’s valor, tragedy, and resilience.
Three successive generations, in the persons of Ajayan, Maniyan, and Kunjikelu, come to fight against the lamp’s heritage in their respective ways. While Kunjikelu promised to get rid of casteism forever, Maniyan indulged in audacious thefts, and Ajayan started to look for his ancestry. This film is, thus, a roller-coaster ride of emotions, action, and adventure.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Jithin Laal masterfully weaves through multiple storylines as scripted by Sujith Nambiar and with additional screenplay from Deepu Pradeep. The multi-generational narrative has complexity in terms of retaining the engagement of the audience. This director was able to manage such complexity while bringing an era that is not just visually distinct but authentic, ensuring a seamless transition between timelines and a huge impact on screen.
Cinematography and Visual Effects
Jomon T. John’s cinematography captures the splendor of Kerala’s landscapes, from the regal palaces of Haripuram to the rustic beauty of Chyothikkavu village. The decision to convert the film into 3D enhances its visual appeal, immersing the audience in battle sequences, dramatic landscapes, and the supernatural aura of the Chyothivilaku.
The visual effects, a significant highlight of the film, elevate the movie’s fantastical elements, seamlessly blending them with its grounded narrative.
Music and Songs
The film’s music, composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas, plays a crucial role in amplifying its emotional beats and cultural essence. The soundtrack includes hits like:
“Kiliye”: Released on September 2, 2024, this song quickly became a fan favorite for its soulful melody.
“Angu Vaana Konilu”: A festive treat released on Onam, September 14, which beautifully encapsulates the joy and spirit of the festival.
Both songs, alongside the background score, contribute to the movie’s lasting impact, adding layers to its storytelling.
Box Office Success
With a budget of ₹30 crore, “A.R.M” has far surpassed all expectations to gross approximately ₹100–106 crore and thus turn out to be the 8th highest grossing Malayalam film in history. That is sufficient proof that it has been very well accepted both by the critics as well as audiences.
Critical Acclaim
The movie has been much applauded by critics for the wonderful narration, brilliant performances and technical brilliance. Tovino Thomas’s performance with three characters was acclaimed as a turning point in his career. Maniyan struck a chord with the audiences for wit, charm, and emotion depth.
Accolades to Subhabhri Lakshmi, who did well in Manikyam, which helped add weight to the family dynamics. Direction, screenplay, and music were appreciated to let go of for the success of this movie.
Release and Accessibility
“A.R.M” worldwide debuted on September 12, 2024, both in 2D and 3D formats. Now, the audience gets the choice of how they view the visual spectacle of the movie. It started streaming on Disney+ Hotstar from November 8, 2024.
Film Locations
The film was shot across various picturesque locations in Kerala, including:
Chyothikkavu Village: Representing the heart of the movie’s lore.
Haripuram Palace: A majestic backdrop for Kunjikelu’s era.
Nagercoil: Highlighting Chothi’s post-recovery journey.
These locations not only enrich the visual narrative but also emphasize Kerala’s cultural heritage.
Themes and Legacy
At its heart, “A.R.M” is a story about legacy, social justice, and the long-lasting power of hope. It’s societal norms put to question with praise for the indomitable spirit of people who dare to dream about a change in society. Success with the film marks a milepost in Malayalam cinema, as it will remain a benchmark for storytelling and innovation in technique.
Conclusion
“A.R.M” (Ajayante Randam Moshanam) is the film that is not less than an experience-a film merging mythology, history, and modernity into a cinematic product. This certainly has all the ingredients in a stellar performance and breathtaking visual to engage cinephiles and ordinary viewers alike.
This may receive more appreciation and accolades, but it sure has a lot to say as regards the ever-changing landscape that Indian cinema says in actual fact, regional cinema speaks of universal appeal.
