Tovino Thomas’ recently released action-adventure film Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) has impressed cine-goers of the state and is having a successful run at the theatres. The movie, which presents Tovino Thomas in three roles across three different timelines, brings a delightful mix of action, adventure, folklore and even some fantasy elements into the engaging narrative.

From impressive performances by Tovino Thomas and Surabhi Lakshmi, to the thumping background score by Dhibu Ninan Thomas, ARM managed to check all the right boxes for an entertainer. Let’s take a look at the factors that impressed the audience -

What Ajayante Randam Moshanam got right

Tovino Thomas

The first and foremost factor is the leading man - Tovino Thomas, whose arresting persona will make it hard to look away. Tovino, who appears in the three different avatars of Kunji Kelu, Maniyan and Ajayan, brings an enigma to his role and gravitas to his performance. He was able to give different shades to all three characters, not just in appearance, but also in his body language, voice and performance, giving a distinct characteristic to each role. But he is at his menacing best as Maniyan, who stomps his authority with his flexing muscles and the killer attitude.

ARM plot

ARM begins with Kunji Kelu bringing a precious lamp to his village, while Maniyan in a later period is caught ‘stealing’ it. Ajayan, the grandson of Maniyan, has to bear the taunts of being called a thief, and the plot follows how he regains acceptance in the village. Writer Sujith Nambiar’s script effortlessly navigates between timelines, stitching together a wholesome narrative that appeals to the masses. For the most part, the film’s script stays on track and does not get derailed even though it travels between timelines and tries to incorporate different angles.

Surabhi Lakshmi and Basil Joseph

After Tovino, Surabhi Lakshmi too leaves a mark with her performance in the film, despite the limited screen time. She appears in the role of Manikyam, thief Maniyan’s wife, who is key to the narrative. Manikyam gets an extension into the next timeline as Ajayan's grandmother and also plays a role in moulding his character. The makers too deserve a pat for casting Surabhi, as Tovino’s heroine, during today’s time when there is much talk about who plays opposite the leading man.

Another interesting character in the film is that of Ajayan's friend Suresh, played by Basil Joseph. With his quirky performance, he brings humour to the action-packed narrative.

Dhibu Ninan Thomas’ score

Dhibu Ninan Thomas’s soothing music and background score elevate the overall viewing experience of the film. The thumping background score, especially during the key action sequences, adds to the drama and ensures that the film is not just reduced to a visual spectacle. We also get an old-fashioned hero-heroine duet song of Tovino and Krithi Shetty, that is soothing to the ears.

ARM dabbles in fantasy

Action-adventure films with fantasy elements are not frequent occurrences in the Malayalam industry, known for its middle-of-the-road cinema, and not many have tasted success. Aishwarya Lekshmi's 2022 film Kumari and Mohanlal's Malaikottai Vaaliban are among the Malayalam films that have incorporated fantasy elements in the narrative but failed to set the box office ringing. Director Jithin Laal dared to venture into the realm of action-adventure in a period setting and still managed to whip up an engrossing narrative that is high on action, while blending the folklore and fantasy elements.

What Ajayante Randam Moshanam did not get right

Every action movie needs to have a terrifying villain who takes on the hero, bringing that edge-of-the-seat experience. Unfortunately, the villainous characters of Sudev, who tries to steal the lamp, and Chathutti Nambiar (the father of Ajayan’s love interest) do not really threaten the lead character. Even a vile cop is introduced in the beginning but their rivalry is not explored further.

The movie also touches upon the issue of casteism but steers clear from delving deeper into it. 

But for these shortcomings, Tovino Thomas' ARM delivers a movie that checks all the right boxes, making it an entertainer this festive season.

Ajayante Randam Moshanam released in theatres on September 12 along with Asif Ali's Kishkindha Kaandam, which has also won over the audiences. And we need to wait and watch which one of these films will emerge to be the Onam winner this year.

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