Mollywood star Tovino Thomas marks a significant milestone in his career with his 50th film, “A.R.M” (Ajayante Randam Moshanam).
Released in both Malayalam and Telugu, the movie generated significant anticipation. Let’s dive into how well the film delivers on its promises.
Story Overview:
‘ARM’ revolves around Ajay (Tovino Thomas), an electrician from Chiyothikavu, Kerala, who is in love with Laxmi (Krithi Shetty).
Ajay’s life takes a dark turn when he is blackmailed by Sudhev (Harish Uttaman), a local schemer, into finding a hidden treasure.
The plot thickens as Ajay discovers the secrets behind the treasure, the involvement of his grandfather Maniyan (Tovino Thomas), and the true motives of Sudhev.
What unfolds is a journey filled with twists and revelations that will decide the fate of Ajay’s love and his family’s legacy.
PLUS POINTS:
Tovino Thomas’s Versatile Performance
Tovino Thomas once again proves his acting prowess by playing three distinct characters in the movie, with his portrayal of Maniyan, the intelligent thief, being a standout. His ability to bring depth and charisma to each role keeps the audience engaged, even as the plot wavers.
Strong Supporting Cast
Surabhi Laxmi, though limited in screen time, delivers a solid performance as Maniyan’s wife. Rohini Molleti and Basil Joseph also provide notable contributions, with Joseph’s comic timing bringing lighter moments to the film.
Visuals and Music
A few visuals by cinematographer Jomon T. John are captivating, adding flair to the film’s period setting. Meanwhile, Dhibu Ninan Thomas’s music score enhances several key scenes, adding emotional depth where needed.
MINUS POINTS:
Predictable Storyline
Despite having an intriguing premise, ‘ARM’ suffers from predictability. The plot lacks the twists and engaging elements needed to keep the audience fully invested. A more refined and gripping screenplay could have elevated the film significantly.
Underdeveloped Characters
Krithi Shetty’s character feels underutilized, with her role serving as filler rather than contributing meaningfully to the story. Her scenes could have been better integrated to add more emotional weight to the narrative.
Missed Opportunities in Storytelling
The film misses opportunities to explore some of the more intriguing aspects, such as Maniyan’s deeper motivations behind the treasure hunt. This could have added layers of complexity to the story, making it more engaging.
Technical Shortcomings
While the cinematography and music are commendable, the editing by Shameer Muhammed feels uneven. The film’s pacing could have been improved by trimming down some scenes, especially in the second half. Additionally, the Telugu dubbing, while decent, could have been more polished, particularly with translating on-screen text.
Verdict:
‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam’ (A.R.M) is a period action-adventure film that showcases Tovino Thomas’s acting skills in three different roles. While the film has its moments, its predictable storyline and lackluster screenplay prevent it from reaching its full potential. Fans of Tovino and the period adventure genre may find some enjoyment in it, but the overall execution leaves much to be desired.
A.R.M Movie Review: Tovino Thomas Shines, But Predictable Plot Limits Its Impact
Movie Name: A.R.M (Ajayante Randam Moshanam)
Starring: Tovino Thomas, Basil Joseph, Krithi Shetty, Aishwarya Rajesh, Surabhi Laxmi, Rohini Molleti, and others
Director: Jithin Laal
Producers: Listin Stephen and Zachariah Thomas
Music Director: Dhibu Ninan Thomas
Cinematographer: Jomon T. John
Editor: Shameer Muhammed
Release Date: September 12, 2024
