Release Date : September 12, 2024
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Tovino Thomas, Basil Joseph, Krithi Shetty, Aishwarya Rajesh, Surabhi Laxmi, Rohini Molleti, and others
Director : Jithin Laal
Producers : Listin Stephen and Zachariah Thomas
Music Director: Dhibu Ninan Thomas
Cinematographer: Jomon T. John
Editor: Shameer Muhammed
Related Links : Trailer
Mollywood actor Tovino Thomas’s 50th film, ARM (Ajayante Randam Moshanam), has released today in theaters amid considerable anticipation. The Telugu version was also released simultaneously. Read our review to find out how well it entertains.
Story:
Ajay (Tovino Thomas), an electrician from Chiyothikavu, Kerala, is in love with Laxmi (Krithi Shetty). However, his life is overshadowed by the bad reputation of his grandfather, Maniyan (Tovino Thomas), who once stole the valuable Sreeboodhi Lamp from the village temple. Things turn darker when Sudhev (Harish Uttaman), a cunning local, blackmails Ajay into searching for the hidden treasure. As Ajay embarks on this dangerous quest, he uncovers shocking secrets about the lamp, his family, and Sudhev’s true motives. Why does Maniyan want the lamp so desperately? Who is Sudhev? Will Ajay find the treasure? And will Ajay and Laxmi’s love story find its happy ending? The answers will be unraveled in the film.
Plus Points:
Tovino Thomas’s choice of roles remains compelling, and with ARM being his 50th film, he steps into a period action-adventure drama with a captivating premise. His portrayal of three distinct characters, especially the intelligent thief Maniyan, is impressive. Thomas brings depth to each role and entertains effectively as Ajay.
Surabhi Laxmi, as Maniyan’s wife, makes a strong impact despite her limited screen time. Rohini Molleti and Basil Joseph also contribute well, with Joseph adding a touch of comedy. The supporting cast performs competently in their roles.
Minus Points:
The execution of the film is a major drawback. While the story has potential, it is somewhat predictable and lacks engaging depth. A more polished screenplay could have significantly improved the film’s appeal.
Krithi Shetty’s role feels underdeveloped, with her scenes feeling like fillers rather than contributing meaningfully to the plot.
The director missed opportunities to introduce more engaging elements, such as exploring Muniyan’s vision for the treasure, which would have added intrigue.
The Telugu dubbing is okay, but the signboards could have been translated more carefully. The lack of meticulous attention makes it feel like a standard dubbed film.
Technical Aspects:
Jithin Lal’s choice of story for his debut is commendable, but the execution falls short due to writing issues. A few visuals by Jomon T John are striking, and Dhinu Ninan Thomas’s score elevates several scenes. However, Shameer Muhammed’s editing could benefit from trimming some scenes in both halves to improve pacing. Production values are decent.
Verdict:
On the whole, ARM (Ajayante Randam Moshanam) is a period action adventure drama featuring adequate performances from Tovino Thomas in three distinct roles. However, its predictability and lackluster screenplay limit its overall appeal. While it has potential, the film’s shortcomings in writing and pacing may affect its enjoyment. Fans of the genre might find it worth a watch but should keep their expectations in check.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team