ARM -Movie Review
A.R.M.: A Visual Delight with a Gripping Storyline
Tovino Thomas stars as Maniyan, a man waiting for a government job after passing an exam. Unfortunately, he is branded a thief due to his grandfather’s failed attempt to steal a miracle lamp from the village temple, which leads to humiliation by the villagers. Meanwhile, Harish Uthman’s character arrives in town to shoot a documentary about the same miracle lamp, but secretly plans to steal it, using Maniyan as a pawn in his scheme. What follows is an intriguing tale filled with twists and turns, masterfully brought to life by debut director Jitin Lal.
The film, titled A.R.M.—an abbreviation for the Malayalam phrase Ajayanin Rendam Motionam (Ajayan’s Second Theft)—moves through three eras: 1900, 1950, and 1990. The plot weaves themes of equality and justice seamlessly into a fantasy setting, transcending language and cultural boundaries. The screenplay is tight, and the film’s stunning visual language captivates the audience from start to finish.
Tovino Thomas shines as Maniyan, portraying a complex character filled with anger and frustration, while also displaying wisdom and bravery in another role as Kunjikelu. His versatility in embodying the differences between three distinct characters adds immense depth to the film.
The film’s strong female cast—Kriti Shetty, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Surabhi Lakshmi—enhances the narrative, each delivering standout performances that reflect the eras they represent. Supporting actors like Basil Joseph, Rohini, and Harish Uthman also contribute significantly to the film’s success.
Music composer Dibu Ninan Thomas elevates the film with his background score and songs, effectively distinguishing the three time periods. Cinematographer Jomon T. John’s beautiful shots of Kerala’s landscape add visual splendor, while editor Sameer Mohammad’s seamless transitions between timelines keep the story engaging.
With its strong performances, brilliant direction, and captivating visuals, A.R.M. is a must-watch cinematic experience that truly shines on the big screen.
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Krithi Shetty, Basil Joseph, Aishwarya Rajesh, Surabhi Lakshmi and others,
Director: Jithin Laal
Rating…3.9/5