Plot Overview:

The story follows three timelines connected by the mystical Chiyyothi Vilakku (Chiyyothi Lamp).

In the first timeline, Kunjikelu (Tovino), a Kalaripayattu warrior, is sent by the King to drive out invaders from the market. After succeeding, he asks for the Chiyyothi Vilakku as his reward, hoping to place it in a public space for everyone to access, but the upper caste claims it for themselves.

In the second timeline, Maniyan (Tovino), a skilled thief from a lower caste, terrorizes the elites of Haripuram. After his wife, Manikyam (Surabhi Lakshmi), is humiliated at the temple, Maniyan tries to steal the Chiyyothi Vilakku for her. However, his plan goes wrong, and he is captured and killed by the villagers.

The third timeline follows Ajayan (Tovino), Maniyan’s grandson, who works as an electrician and tries to distance himself from his family’s criminal past. He falls in love with Lakshmi (Krithi Shetty) from a wealthy family and plans to elope with her. However, he becomes tied to the fate of the Chiyyothi Vilakku, forcing him to face his family's legacy. The question remains: will he repeat the past or break free?

Performance:

Tovino Thomas truly shines, shouldering the weight of this multi-layered film with ease. His portrayal of Maniyan, a bold and cunning thief, is the standout, adding a mass-appeal element to the narrative. The character’s grit and charisma make him the most memorable of the three roles. Kunjikelu’s role as a heroic warrior is solid but somewhat underexplored, while Ajayan’s redemption arc ties the film together, giving Tovino space to deliver a performance driven by subtle emotional shifts.

Krithi Shetty, despite a promising debut, has limited scope as Lakshmi, a rich man’s daughter, though her presence complements the film’s romance subplot without being overbearing. Aishwarya Lakshmi and Surabhi Lakshmi, along with Basil Joseph, add to the film’s ensemble, with the latter standing out in his role as Tovino’s loyal friend. However, Harish Uthaman, as the antagonist, feels underutilized and doesn’t provide enough menace to elevate the stakes.

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Technical Merits:

ARM boasts impressive visuals thanks to Jomon T John’s cinematography, capturing each era with a distinct visual flair. From sweeping action sequences to intimate character moments, the camera work elevates the film’s scale. Dhibu Ninan Thomas’ music fits well within the narrative.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

One of A.R.M’s key strengths is its ambitious storytelling, weaving together three narratives across different time periods while exploring social themes like caste discrimination. The film's action sequences, particularly in the second half, are well-choreographed and keep the audience engaged. However, the pacing drags in parts, particularly in the scenes between Krithi Shetty and Tovino, which could have been tighter. Additionally, the lack of a formidable villain undercuts the tension, making certain plot points feel less urgent.

Analysis:

A.R.M is a unique blend of adventure, fantasy, and social commentary. The story touches on caste oppression in subtle yet effective ways, grounding the film in a historical reality while delivering cinematic spectacle. However, the narrative occasionally falters in balancing the three timelines, leading to moments of confusion and a slow pace in the first half. Despite these flaws, the film manages to deliver a satisfying conclusion, thanks to its action-packed second half and Tovino’s captivating performance.

Verdict:

Though not without its drawbacks, Ajayante Randam Moshanam is a visually rich and narratively ambitious film that cements Tovino Thomas’ position as a versatile star. While it could have benefitted from a tighter script and a stronger antagonist, the film’s exploration of casteism and its folk-tale-like storytelling make it an engaging watch, particularly for fans of historical dramas with a touch of magical realism.