Review: Ajayante Randam Moshanam
What strikes you most about Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) is that despite the story having elements of fantasy in it, it clearly and strongly showcases itself as a social drama. This is primarily because of the brilliant manner in which the story, a complex one, is narrated to us with director Jithin Laal being clear about the message that he wants to send across through his film.
Film: Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM)
Director: Jithin Laal
Writer: Sujith Nambiar
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Krithi Shetty, Aishwarya Rajesh, Surabhi Lakshmi, Basil Joseph
Rohini, Harish Uthaman, Nisthar Sait, Jagadish, Pramod Shetty, Aju Varghese, Sudheesh
Producers: Listin Stephen, Dr. Zachariah Thomas
Music: Dhibu Ninan Thomas
Cinematography: Jomon T John
Editor: Shameer Muhammed
Stunts: Vikram Mor, Pheonix Prabhu
Rating: 3.5 stars
Director Jithin Laal tells a fascinating tale of one man’s struggle to redeem his honour in a casteist society that loves to brand individuals and put them down.
What strikes you most about Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) is that despite the story having elements of fantasy in it, it clearly and strongly showcases itself as a social drama. This is primarily because of the brilliant manner in which the story, a complex one, is narrated to us with director Jithin Laal being clear about the message that he wants to send across through his film. Before we analyse any further, here is the plot in brief…
Synopsis…
The story revolves around a lamp, made on the orders of a king. The lamp, which was made by mixing chemicals with remnants of a meteor that crashed on earth a long time ago, is believed to possess strange powers over even elements of nature and is considered a harbinger of good luck to the one who possesses it. When the honour of the king and his kingdom is under threat, a hero rises in the form of a brave warrior called Kunjikelu (Tovino Thomas) who saves the day with his skill and courage.
Pleased with Kunjikelu’s services, the king grants him a wish and he requests the king for the lamp, which was made from using the meteor which crashed in his village. The king is taken aback but obliges.
Kunjikelu, who is a socialist at heart, falls in love with a girl (Aishwarya Rajesh) from the lower caste. Time passes by and so do generations. However, Kunjikelu’s son Maniyan turns out to be a thief and a master thief at that. Maniyan is feared both for his proficiency in the martial art of Kalari and his ability to steal. Over the course of time, the villagers brand everybody associated with him as a thief. The weight of Maniyan’s crimes fall on his grandson Ajayan, an honourable individual.
The villagers not only look down upon Ajayan because of his caste, but also also because of his ancestry. They look to blame him for any theft that occurs in the neighbourhood. What Ajayan does to redeem both his honour and that of his family is what ARM is all about.
Director Jithin Laal showcases a number of issues in the course of narrating an engaging story. The one that stands out the most is the point he makes with regard to caste.
There is a sequence that revolves around Ajayan (Tovino Thomas) and Harish Uththaman, who plays the grandson of the king who had the lamp made. It is a powerful sequence that highlights how the same crime committed by individuals belonging to different communities are given different names and viewed differently by a society blinded by bias. While an act committed by one belonging to poor, oppressed classes is termed cheating, the same crime done by those from the royal family is considered “Raja Thanthiram” ( Master Stroke).
The film is told with a lot of heart and conviction. No wonder then, it manages to earn your attention.
Performances:
Tovino Thomas plays three different roles. As the great warrior Kunji Kelu, as his son, the master thief, Maniyan, and as Maniyan’s grandson Ajayan. He does a fine job as Kunji Kelu and Ajayan. But it is as Maniyan that he steals the thunder. Tovino plays with panache a character that takes pride in its skill. It is a delight to watch him as Maniyan.
Harish Uthaman, who plays the villain, is just fantastic and delivers a measured but powerful performance that spices up proceedings.
Krithi Shetty, Aishwarya Rajesh and Surabhi Lakshmi too play their parts neatly and very convincingly.
Technical aspects:
Jomon T John’s visuals are breathtaking and Dhibu Ninan Thomas’s songs are mellifluous. His background score, especially in the last 40 minutes, lift the film to another level altogether.
A special word of appreciation for the stunt masters of the film — Vikram Mor and Pheonix Prabhu. All the stunts in the film are outstanding. In particular, the kalari duel that takes place in the last 40 minutes is just fantastic.
Verdict:
ARM is a complete package. It is a fascinating tale that is told with a lot of heart and effort. Definitely worth a watch!
