‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam’ (ARM) Movie Review: Tovino Thomas’ Maniyan Is the Show-Stealer of Jithin Laal’s Larger-Than-Life Fantasy Entertainer (LatestLY Exclusive)

Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) Movie Review: Jithin Laal's Ajayante Randam Moshanam – ARM in its abbreviated form – is the kind of film I enjoyed watching on the big screen, but it leaves me wondering if I’d ever want to revisit it, whether in a cinema hall or at home. The larger-than-life cinematic appeal, the fantasy elements intertwined with folklore, Tovino Thomas’ triple role, and the 3D conversion all contribute to making it an entertaining theatrical experience. However, the film falters with its patience-testing runtime and certain elements of the screenplay that fail to fully engage. ‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam’ Movie Review: Tovino Thomas and Krithi Shetty’s Film Receives Positive Response From Critics.

Ajayante Randam Moshanam is set across three timelines, all revolving around a powerful lamp called Chiyothi Vilakku, made from a meteorite that fell to Earth and endowed with mysterious healing powers. In the 19th century, a mighty warrior named Kunji Kelu (Tovino Thomas) brought the lamp to his village, which was later named Chiyoti Kaavu, after claiming it as a reward from a king for a favour done. His descendant in the 1950s, a legendary thief named Maniyan (Tovino Thomas), attempted to steal the lamp from the temple where it was enshrined but was caught by the villagers. It is said that he drowned while trying to escape.

Watch the Trailer of ‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam’:

In the '80s, Maniyan's grandson Ajayan (Tovino Thomas) bears the shame of his grandfather’s legacy, frequently being suspected of thefts in the village despite his innocence. He is in love with an upper-caste girl, Lakshmi (Krithi Shetty), but their union seems impossible due to her haughty aristocratic father (Nisthar Sait). Ajayan’s life takes a turn when he uncovers the secret behind the lamp that the villagers revere (but which he and his mother are denied access to), setting him on a quest that reconnects him with his family’s history.

'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' Movie Review - Tovino's Interesting Triple Act

For Tovino Thomas, Ajayante Randam Moshanam presents an intriguing opportunity to portray three distinct characters – a fearless warrior, a cunning thief, and a romantic electrician – each with its own unique style. While Kunji Kelu and Ajayan are roles that comfortably suit the actor, it is Maniyan who stands out as a captivating experiment for Tovino, pushing him out of his comfort zone. Not only does he excel in this role, but every scene featuring Maniyan is where ARM feels most compelling, as the track helps the film embrace its ambitious approach and dives deeper into its fantasy elements most snugly.

This is not to say the other two timelines lack excitement. Kunji Kelu’s track, though brief, provides a solid start to the movie, ending with an intriguing exit for the character. Ajayan’s story follows a coming-of-age arc, blended with a treasure-hunting journey, with his star-crossed love story serving as the driving force.

All three timelines are visually stunning, thanks to Jomon T John’s fantastic cinematography, which makes the film feel like a fairy tale brought to life. Dhibu Ninan Thomas’ score effectively uses folk elements at just the right moments. The 3D conversion, while potentially gimmicky, in my view enhances the film’s fantasy aspect and is executed well.

'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' Movie Review - The Uneven Main Track and The Shaky Caste Depictions

Though Ajayan’s storyline is the central plot, it feels uneven compared to Maniyan’s. After a decent setup that establishes Ajayan’s troubled life and romantic struggles, his story is most engaging when he retraces his grandfather’s steps. However, by the third act, the narrative starts to drag. Certain scenes, like the kalari competition or the chase sequence at the temple, feel unnecessarily prolonged, and the final portions could have delivered a stronger impact.

One interesting aspect of the screenplay, written by Sujith Nambiar and Deepu Pradeep, is how it weaves caste politics into the narrative, with both Maniyan and Ajayan being of a lower caste. However, this too is a mixed bag. I appreciated the idea of using the lamp as a motif for how the protagonists interact with caste dynamics. Kunji Kelu sees the lamp as a tool to bring equality to his village (but fails in doing so). Maniyan wants to rebel against caste oppression, using the lamp as his weapon. For Ajayan, the lamp becomes a way to right a past wrong done to his family.

That said, the portrayal of caste still seems to carry an upper-caste gaze. For example, why is the lower-caste Ajayan given a tanned complexion (inconsistently), while the upper-caste Lakshmi is fairer than anyone else in the village? Even Ajayan’s ultimate goal involving his mother and the local temple might seem like a personal triumph, but it still adheres to upper-caste norms of the characters wanting to embrace their ways. His grandmother once told him that God resides everywhere, in every stone and drop of water, but that's not the path Ajayan ultimately chooses. I’m no expert on caste politics, but these elements did bother me.

'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' Movie Review - The Ensemble Cast

Despite these flaws, Ajayante Randam Moshanam manages to rise above them through its appealing presentation, including its strong ensemble cast. Basil Joseph plays a major role as Ajayan’s comic sidekick, a role reminiscent of those Aju Varghese used to play in Nivin Pauly films. Interestingly, Aju Varghese has a more serious role here, despite his comical introduction. The film also features three female leads. Aishwarya Rajesh (as Kunji Kelu’s love interest) doesn’t get much screen time. Krithi Shetty, with the largest role of the three, brings a warm presence to the screen, and her chemistry with Tovino makes their love story worth rooting for. Surabhi Lakshmi is outstanding as Maniyan’s wife, Manikyam, further elevating that particular timeline.

Harish Uthaman is decent as the scheming royal descendant seeking a lost treasure. The rest of the supporting cast, including Rohini, Jagadish, Nisthar Sait, Sanju Sivram, Sudheesh, Bijukuttan, and Santhosh Keezhattoor, deliver solid performances. Mohanlal lends his voice to the Creator, who speaks at the beginning and end of the film. While his baritone adds a certain gravitas to the introduction, the 'Main Samay Hoon' homage feels a little gimmicky. ‘ARM’: Mohanlal to Voice ‘Cosmic Creator’ in Upcoming Movie; Tovino Thomas Expresses Gratitude to Malayalam Superstar.

PS: While the title Ajayante Randam Moshanam may spark curiosity for a fantasy adventure film, it becomes easy to predict what the 'randam moshanam' refers to early on in Ajayan’s track.

'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' Movie Review - Final Thoughts

Ajayante Randam Moshanam is a visually captivating film with a rich blend of folklore, fantasy, and engaging performances, especially from Tovino Thomas in his triple role. While the movie’s ambition and technical finesse are highly commendable, its uneven pacing and the screenplay’s occasional stumbles, particularly in dealing with caste dynamics, prevent it from being a consistently immersive experience.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2024 10:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).