A.R.M (Ajayante Randam Moshanam) is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language action-adventure film that made a significant splash across India, particularly in its Hindi-dubbed version. Directed by debutant Jithin Laal, the film is a sprawling period epic that blends folklore, history, and high-octane action.
The Core Plot: Three Eras, One Legacy
The film is set in Northern Kerala and spans three distinct time periods—1900, 1950, and 1990. It follows the lives of three generations of heroes from the same lineage, all played by Tovino Thomas:
Kunjikelu (1900): A legendary warrior who protects his land and its most sacred treasure—the Chyothivilakku, a lamp made from a celestial asteroid.
Maniyan (1950): A notorious yet principled thief who is feared by the elites but holds a deep sense of justice for the oppressed.
Ajayan (1990): A simple electrician who lives under the shadow of his grandfather Maniyan’s "thief" reputation. He must eventually step up to protect the same ancestral treasure when a modern conspiracy threatens to steal it.
Cast and Crew
The film boasts a pan-Indian cast, making it a truly "South Indian" spectacle for the Hindi audience:
Tovino Thomas: In a career-defining triple role (Ajayan, Maniyan, and Kunjikelu).
Krithi Shetty: Making her Malayalam debut as Lekshmi, Ajayan's love interest.
Aishwarya Rajesh: Plays Chothi, the love interest of Kunjikelu.
Surabhi Lakshmi: Delivers a powerhouse performance as Manikyam, Maniyan's wife.
Basil Joseph: Provides excellent support as Ajayan’s loyal friend, Suresh.
Technical Excellence:
Director: Jithin Laal
Music: Dhibu Ninan Thomas (whose background score is a major highlight).
Cinematography: Jomon T. John (known for capturing the lush, mystical landscapes of Kerala).
Why It Resonated with Hindi Audiences
While the film is rooted in Kerala's culture, its themes are universal. The Hindi version, titled A.R.M, gained popularity for several reasons:
The "Kantara" Vibe: Much like Kantara, A.R.M uses local folklore and "Magical Realism" to create a world that feels both grounded and supernatural.
Triple Role Performance: Tovino Thomas successfully distinguishes the three characters through different body languages and temperaments, which was highly praised by North Indian critics.
High Production Value: Released in 3D, the film’s visual effects and set pieces—especially the heist sequences in the second half—offer a theatrical experience on par with big-budget Bollywood films.
Release and Availability
Theatrical Release: September 12, 2024 (Released in 2D and 3D).
Box Office: It crossed the ₹100 crore mark globally, becoming one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of the year.
OTT Platform: The film is currently available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
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