The film review of ‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam’ (ARM) highlights that Tovino Thomas delivers a commendable performance in this visually striking drama, although the writing falls short of expectations.
Director Jithin Laal offers a glimpse into his artistic approach, while Tovino Thomas skillfully embodies the film's three characters across various timelines, infusing them with unique gestures and characteristics.
At the heart of debutant Jithin Laal’s film, Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM), lies the theme of lineage. The characters in the narrative grapple with their heritage; some embrace it with pride, while others seek to distance themselves from the negative connotations tied to their ancestry. For Ajayan (Tovino Thomas), this relationship with lineage is complex. His great-grandfather Kunjikelu was a celebrated warrior, yet his grandfather Maniyan was labeled a thief in their community, a stigma that threatens to overshadow Ajayan as well, particularly in a society that openly displays its caste biases.
Screenwriter Sujith Nambiar weaves elements of fantasy into this grounded story, infusing it with folktale nuances. Central to the fantasy is an ornate lamp crafted from precious metals derived from a meteorite, believed to possess magical properties that can bestow prosperity upon its owner. This lamp is intricately connected to Ajayan’s two ancestors (all portrayed by Tovino) and significantly influences his destiny in the present.
With a rich backdrop steeped in folklore, Laal has a robust foundation for world-building, which he skillfully utilizes. He navigates through the history of Ajayan's valiant forebears before arriving in the present, where Ajayan leads a modest life as an electrician, secretly communicating with his girlfriend Lekshmi (Krithi Shetty) via ham radio from home. These early segments are effective, as they hint at the emergence of a captivating narrative that promises substantial rewards as the story unfolds.
Ajayante Randam Moshanam (Malayalam)
Director: Jithin Laal
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Krithi Shetty, Aishwarya Rajesh, Surabhi Lakshmi, Basil Joseph, Rohini, Harish Uthaman, Madhupal
Runtime: 143 minutes
Storyline: A lamp made out of precious metal from a meteor crash links the lives of three generations of heroes
A particularly well-crafted moment in this segment occurs when the police enter Ajayan’s residence while he is instructing children on Constitutional Rights. The disappointment reflected in his mother’s expression evokes a memory from the past that sheds light on the present circumstances. For a significant portion, the film successfully balances elements of reality and fantasy, which adds a credible dimension to even the more surreal scenarios. However, midway through, the narrative begins to lose momentum as the writer opts for familiar tropes rather than expanding on the initial premise. Although there is an effort to introduce an intriguing subtext regarding monarchy and democracy, the explicit articulation of this theme by the characters diminishes its impact.
Jomon T. John’s impressive visuals effectively enhance the visual effects, resulting in several breathtaking sequences, particularly notable given the film's modest budget, which is a mere fraction of that allocated to some “pan-India” productions. While some imagery leaves the audience yearning for more, the film does not lack in remarkable set pieces that are sure to captivate viewers within its genre.
Tovino Thomas anchors the film, infusing distinct mannerisms and characteristics into the three roles he portrays across different timelines. His performance, especially as Maniyan, significantly elevates the film beyond a simple costume drama. Although Krithi Shetty's role is limited, Surabhi Lakshmi makes a memorable impact as Maniyan’s wife, Manikyam, despite her brief appearance. Most other characters, with the possible exception of Basil Joseph’s friend, appear somewhat underdeveloped.
In spite of the lackluster writing, Jithin Laal showcases glimpses of his talent through a visually striking drama. Ultimately, the film is undeniably Tovino's.
Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM)
🎬 Movie: Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM)
📅 Year: 2024
🔊 League: Tamil
🔅 IMDB: 8.4
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