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

ARM is short for Ajayante Randam Moshanam, which means Ajayan's second theft. However, the title is somewhat misleading as the entire movie revolves around Ajayan's (played by Tovino Thomas) first theft. This film, penned by debutant screenwriter Sujith Nambiar and directed by Jithin Laal, features many narrators. This narrative style gives the film a distinctive quality, reminiscent of oral storytelling. The same story takes on different shapes and moods depending on the teller and the listener—like the tale of Maniyan (again, played by Tovino). The grandmother shivers at the mere mention of his name during a cold night in the '80s, while her granddaughter is thrilled to hear and imagine his adventures with a sense of adulation.

ARM begins with an omnipresent force, voiced by Mohanlal, floating in outer space, declaring, "I see everything." From there, we are taken into the world of mortals, where deception is the order of the day. It starts as folklore, told by grandparents to their grandchildren, about the great feats of bravery shown by extraordinary men in the face of crushing adversity and the magnanimity and generosity of kings who honoured heroes with gifts of their choosing.

A comet crashes into a small village in feudal Kerala. Years pass with the metal stone from outer space lying at the bottom of a deep hole created upon its impact. A king, upon learning about it, uses his resources to retrieve the piece of the star and takes it back to his kingdom. He enlists the services of the best blacksmiths to craft a beautiful lamp from that space metal. Under the light of this lamp, his kingdom flourishes. Word soon spreads about the magical powers of the lamp, capturing the imaginations of the people and leaving everyone craving a piece of that magic.

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The king who possesses the lamp becomes indebted to Kunjikelu (Tovino). In good spirits, the king promises to give Kunjikelu anything he wishes for. No points for guessing: Kunjikelu wants to take the magical lamp back to his village, where the comet originally fell. The king honours his wishes and hands the lamp to Kunjikelu.

Kunjikelu returns to his village as a hero, and the villagers hold him in great reverence. But once his mission is accomplished, he falls on hard times and sickness. The powerful men in the village disown his legacy, tarnish his lineage, and prevent those of "low birth" from even seeing the lamp. Maniyan, the love child of Kunjikelu, rebels against those who mistreated him and his loved ones.

Jithin Laal’s direction is complemented by the film’s remarkable visual aesthetics. The film’s depiction of feudal Kerala, its grand palaces, dense forests, and intricate cave systems, showcases not only the artistry but also the cultural depth of the region. Cinematographer Jomon T. John's breathtaking frames, paired with Dhibu Ninan Thomas' atmospheric score, pull viewers into the heart of the narrative, making the world of ARM feel both immersive and fantastical.

Tovino Thomas, in top form, delivers a career-defining performance. As Maniyan, he embodies raw physicality and emotional depth, making his portrayal of the defiant thief unforgettable. His ability to switch between the distinct personalities of his multiple roles highlights his versatility and cements his place as one of the finest actors of his generation.

It’s astonishing to note that this film was made on a budget of just Rs 30 crore. ARM’s visual grandeur and meticulous attention to detail rival productions with much higher budgets. 

The fluid storytelling is one of ARM's most distinctive qualities, painting a dynamic portrait of its protagonists. This film is a triumph in storytelling, performance, and visual design. 

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