Tovino Thomas and Jithin Laal Shine in an Enchanting Fantasy Journey.

ARM is a well-earned addition to the surprisingly limited collection of fantasy adventures in Malayalam.

Fantasy adventures have been quite scarce in Malayalam cinema, with only a few remarkable exceptions like My Dear Kuttichathan (1984), Guru (1997), and Anandabhadram (2005). The reasons for this could range from budget constraints to a lack of creative vision, but the exact cause remains unclear. What is evident, however, is that crafting a fantastical world while establishing an emotional bond with the audience requires tremendous creativity and skill. In his directorial debut, Ajayante Randaam Moshanam (ARM), Jithin Laal adeptly achieves both of these goals. The result is a captivating cinematic experience enriched by a balanced blend of emotions and visual splendor.

True to its essence, the narrative of ARM begins with a traditional muthassi kadha, as an elderly woman recounts the story of Kunjikelu, a courageous warrior and social reformer from the early 1900s. The king of that time, impressed by Kunjikelu’s bravery, bestows upon him a treasured artifact, which becomes the focal point of the film. This priceless item links Kunjikelu to a notorious thief from the 1950s named Maniyan, and later to his grandson, Ajayan.

Sujith Nambiar’s non-linear screenplay takes a moment to find its rhythm, with the first half focusing on gradual worldbuilding and well-crafted character development. The latter is essential for fantasy films, and Jithin seems acutely aware of this task. He successfully brings to life Chiyothikavu, the fictional village where the story unfolds, portraying it as a realm filled with myths and wonders. This enchanting world features intriguing landscapes, including a tortoise-shaped island called Aamathuruthu and a wild, uncharted cave named Narimalam, nestled beneath a majestic waterfall.

A film like Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) showcases impressive technical skills, and it certainly lives up to expectations. The collaboration of experienced professionals, such as cinematographer Jomon T John and editor Shameer Muhammed, contributes significantly to its quality. However, it’s music director Dhibu Ninan Thomas who stands out the most. Interestingly, the romantic song ‘Kiliye’ bears a resemblance to his own earlier Tamil track ‘Othaiyadi Pathayila’ from Kanaa (2018). Despite this, Dhibu excels with his other notable compositions and an outstanding background score.

The music blends charm, excitement, and vibrant energy, fully immersing us in the enchanting world of Chiyothikavu. When a film can transport its audience to a different realm, even if just for a couple of hours, it can be deemed successful. This is precisely what makes ARM a refreshing change in Malayalam cinema, breaking away from the saturation of realistic dramas and formulaic thrillers.

Film: Ajayante Randam Moshanam

Director: Jithin Laal

Cast: Tovino Thomas, Krithi Shetty, Surabhi Lakshmi, Basil Joseph, Rohini, Jagadish, Harish Uthaman

Rating: 3.5/5