ARM ending explained: Tovino Thomas' Maniyan, Ajayan, magic of the Lamp & clues for ARM 2

Tovino Thomas' latest film, Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM), released during the Onam celebrations, has made a strong impact at the box office and with critics. Within its first four days, the film has already grossed over Rs 35 crore, a significant achievement given its Rs 30 crore budget. For debut director Jithin Laal and the producers, this commercial success is a huge relief after years of planning and investment.

The film, a visual spectacle with stunning production design, was in development since 2017. Finding a producer willing to back a debutant director with a high-concept, fantasy-adventure film was a challenge. However, the risk paid off, as ARM is receiving praise for both its cinematic experience and engaging storyline.

ALSO READ: ARM movie review: A thrilling folklore fantasy with Tovino Thomas in top form

Given the film’s success, speculation is mounting about a potential sequel, especially with its open-ended climax leaving plenty of room for continuation. Director Jithin Laal and writer Sujith Nambiar will have fertile ground for a follow-up, particularly as ARM’s ending leaves some major questions unanswered.

Spoiler Warning: Decoding Ajayante Randam Moshanam’s ending

Ajayante Randam Moshanam revolves around a magical celestial lamp with the power to control natural elements and heal any injury or illness. Crafted by a king using comet metal, this mystical lamp holds extraordinary abilities. The plot follows Tovino Thomas' character Maniyan, a legendary thief, who discovers the king’s deceit in presenting a fake lamp to his father while keeping the original for himself.

Maniyan's mission becomes retrieving the true lamp, which is hidden away in the palace. After overcoming traps and guards, he successfully steals the lamp and hides it. Years later, his grandson, Ajayan, embarks on a quest to find the lamp, with mysterious assistance from Maniyan, who is believed to have died decades earlier.

Ajayan eventually locates the lamp, and its powers miraculously heal him. He reveals the truth to the villagers, attempting to restore his family’s reputation, and elopes with the daughter of a casteist village leader who holds a grudge against his family. While it seems that the story ends on a high note with Ajayan’s success, the final moments reveal a twist: Maniyan, presumed dead, appears on a cliff overlooking the village.

The implication? Maniyan may have been kept alive by the lamp’s powers all these years, guarding his grandson from the shadows. His return hints that he may be back to reclaim the magical lamp, setting the stage for ARM 2. We don't know the full extent of the lamp's powers. 

With its thrilling ending, the film leaves fans eager for what comes next, and it seems that the journey of Maniyan and Ajayan may just be getting started.

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