Ajayante Randam Moshanam ARM Review: Story, Tovino Thomas Steal The Show
ARM or Ajayante Randam Moshanam directed by Jithin Laal, starring Tovino Thomas is a cinematic journey neatly executed with the various themes of folklores and social hierarchies. Though done in an aimless way, ARM is trying to make some deep dives into the caste equations in Kerala, but the commercial elements and the presentation do not let the movie climb back.
Jithin and writer Sujith Nambiar, however, manage to pull off a movie that discusses the story of societal pride, prestige and imageries about survival of the have nots clubbed with legends from the Northern Kerala. Hero Tovino Thomas is seen in three characters, one as a local hero Kelu Nayanar from 16th century, another as a legendary thief Maniyan and as Ajayan who is entangled in the current day struggles of a backward caste individual. The panoptic view in the entire story is about the victory of the ones who are marginalised and how their dependence on superhuman powers and not-so-socially accepted practices (theft for survival) help them navigate though the troubles, and win ultimately.
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Studies suggest that superstitions and belief in supernatural forces can play a significant role in helping oppressed groups navigate casteist and racist systems. In societies where structural discrimination limits social mobility and justice, these beliefs offer a psychological escape and a coping mechanism. Anthropologists and sociologists argue that faith in supernatural forces provides a sense of agency to those who are otherwise powerless within rigid hierarchies.
On the other hand, as per local folklores, legends and recorded history, heroes with a “Robin Hood” nature, who help the oppressed in casteist and racist systems, highlight the role these figures play in challenging systemic inequalities. These heroes often operate outside conventional societal norms, using unconventional methods to redistribute power, wealth, or resources to those marginalised by entrenched hierarchies. Such heroes embody resistance by providing not only material relief but also psychological empowerment to the oppressed.
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Both Maniyan and Ajayan have their own battles to fight, but the enemies are same they are up against – the upper caste and their designs to enslave the lower caste to remain enslaved. Both the characters are Minnal Murali reincarnated with nuances of caste oppression and the battles come along with it.
In performance, Tovino raises the bar a notch up from his past roles in Kala and Minnal Murali. Krithi Shetty’s Malayalam debut remains as just a showpiece entry while Rohini and Jagadeesh excel in their respective roles. Basil Joseph as the hero’s side kick is also a good experience.
ARM, what could have become a Malayalam Kantara is falling short of the extravagant making with details missing, however the meticulous cinematography by Joemon T John comes to the rescue in delivering a visual parade of colours and stories.
Timeline verdict: Story clubbed with composed and controlled acting from the cast including Tovino Thomas, Krithi Shetty, Surabhi Lakshmi, Basil Joseph, Jagadish among others, and cinematography makes ARM a good cinematic presentation.
