Introduction
“Ajayante Randam Moshanam” (ARM), released in 2024, is a highly anticipated Malayalam film directed by Jithin Laal, featuring Tovino Thomas in a triple role. The movie is a blend of fantasy, folklore, and action, set against the backdrop of Northern Kerala across three different time periods: 1900, 1950, and 1990. The film draws attention for its ambitious storytelling, high production values, and captivating performances, particularly by Tovino Thomas. With a strong mix of Kerala’s rich cultural history, fantasy, and legacy-driven narratives, ARM carves a distinct niche in Malayalam cinema. In this review, we’ll explore the movie’s various aspects in depth, including its storyline, performances, technical merits, themes, and its overall reception.
Plot Summary
“Ajayante Randam Moshanam” follows three different generations of heroes—Maniyan, Kunjikelu, and Ajayan—played by Tovino Thomas. Each character, set in different historical periods, shares a common mission: to protect a mystical artifact central to the plot—a celestial lamp, crafted by a king from a rare comet metal. This lamp possesses extraordinary powers, including the ability to control natural elements and heal any wound or illness, making it the most treasured possession in the land.
- Maniyan (1900s Era): The story begins in the early 1900s, where Maniyan, a fierce warrior, is tasked with guarding the celestial lamp against outside threats. His loyalty and courage in protecting his people and the artifact make him a revered figure in the region. However, his mission isn’t just about protection; he must also contend with internal enemies who seek to misuse the lamp’s power.
- Kunjikelu (1950s Era): The narrative shifts to 1950, where Kunjikelu, a revolutionary leader, takes up the mantle. The country is in political upheaval, with many factions fighting for control. Kunjikelu, while deeply committed to the cause of freedom, must also ensure the safety of the lamp, as external powers grow more interested in its legendary capabilities. His struggle is a mix of political intrigue and personal dilemmas, as he tries to navigate the conflicting loyalties of his time.
- Ajayan (1990s Era): The final character, Ajayan, is a modern-day adventurer who, like his predecessors, is tasked with safeguarding the lamp. Ajayan’s era is vastly different from the past two, marked by technological advancements and a world more interconnected. Yet, the same age-old threats persist, and Ajayan must rely on his wits and the wisdom passed down through generations to protect the lamp from falling into the wrong hands.
Throughout the movie, these three stories intertwine, revealing a larger narrative about destiny, duty, and the role of heritage in shaping one’s future.
Performances
Tovino Thomas’s performance is the heart and soul of “Ajayante Randam Moshanam.” Playing three distinct characters, each from a different era, he skillfully differentiates Maniyan, Kunjikelu, and Ajayan through nuanced body language, speech patterns, and emotional depth. His versatility as an actor shines through, particularly in scenes where his characters grapple with moral dilemmas or face intense action sequences.
- Maniyan: As the earliest of the three characters, Maniyan exudes the raw physicality and aggression of a warrior. His scenes are full of tension and urgency, and Tovino effectively captures the weight of responsibility on Maniyan’s shoulders.
- Kunjikelu: Tovino’s portrayal of Kunjikelu is more measured, reflective of the political climate of the 1950s. His performance is layered, showing a man torn between his duty to his people and his personal convictions. Tovino manages to convey the inner turmoil of a freedom fighter struggling to protect his legacy.
- Ajayan: In the most contemporary setting, Tovino brings a lighter, more adventurous touch to Ajayan. Yet, even here, the underlying seriousness of his character’s mission comes through. Ajayan’s determination and resourcefulness make him an engaging protagonist, and Tovino balances the character’s charisma with emotional gravitas.
The supporting cast, including Krithi Shetty, Aishwarya Rajesh, Surabhi Lakshmi, and Basil Joseph, add depth to the story. Krithi Shetty plays the female lead in each of the three eras, with each role representing a different aspect of strength, resilience, and grace. Aishwarya Rajesh delivers a strong performance, particularly in the scenes where her character plays a crucial role in protecting the lamp. Basil Joseph brings a sense of comic relief in certain parts of the film but also holds his own in the more serious moments.
Direction and Screenplay
Jithin Laal’s directorial debut showcases his ambition as a filmmaker. “Ajayante Randam Moshanam” is no small feat, especially considering the film spans three distinct time periods with their own sets of challenges in terms of visual aesthetics, storytelling, and continuity. Laal successfully brings together elements of action, fantasy, and folklore to create a narrative that feels rooted in Kerala’s cultural heritage yet also possesses a universal appeal.
The screenplay, penned by Sujith Nambiar, ensures that the three timelines are seamlessly interwoven. However, there are moments when the film feels stretched, particularly in the first half. Some of the exposition-heavy scenes could have been more succinct, and certain sequences, especially the transitions between the different eras, feel somewhat abrupt.
Cinematography and Visual Effects
Jomon T. John’s cinematography is one of the standout aspects of the film. The rich visuals, especially in the period settings, transport the audience to another time. Whether it’s the rugged landscapes of early 20th-century Kerala or the more modern setting of the 1990s, each frame is meticulously crafted to reflect the era’s atmosphere.
The use of color is particularly striking. The 1900s segment, with its earthy tones and shadowy lighting, contrasts with the brighter, more dynamic palette of the 1990s. The fantasy elements, particularly the scenes involving the celestial lamp and its powers, are rendered with stunning visual effects that are both magical and believable.
The visual effects team deserves special mention for creating a sense of wonder around the celestial lamp. The way the lamp’s powers are depicted—whether it’s controlling the elements or healing wounds—adds to the film’s mystical quality. The action sequences, especially those involving Tovino’s characters, are well-choreographed and filmed with a kinetic energy that keeps the audience engaged.
Music and Sound Design
The musical score by Dhibu Ninan Thomas plays a crucial role in setting the tone for each era. The haunting melodies in the 1900s sequences evoke a sense of history and mysticism, while the more upbeat tracks in the 1990s provide a contrast that reflects the changing times. The background score enhances the emotional weight of key scenes, particularly during moments of confrontation and sacrifice.
The sound design is also noteworthy, especially in the fantasy-driven moments where the celestial lamp’s powers are at play. The sound effects help heighten the sense of danger and excitement, making the film’s action sequences all the more immersive.
Themes
“Ajayante Randam Moshanam” delves deep into themes of legacy, heritage, and the passage of time. At its core, the film is about the cyclical nature of history—how the struggles of one generation are often inherited by the next. The celestial lamp serves as a metaphor for the responsibilities passed down through the ages, and the characters’ efforts to protect it reflect the weight of preserving one’s culture and heritage.
Another prominent theme is the concept of destiny. Each of the three protagonists—Maniyan, Kunjikelu, and Ajayan—finds themselves drawn into the same mission, regardless of the era they live in. Their journeys highlight the idea that certain responsibilities are inescapable, and that the past has a way of influencing the present and future.
Reception and Box Office Performance
Upon its release, “Ajayante Randam Moshanam” received a mixed-to-positive response from critics and audiences alike. While many praised the film’s ambitious storytelling, stunning visuals, and Tovino Thomas’s performance, others pointed out its pacing issues and uneven narrative structure.
However, the film has been a box office success, grossing nearly ₹95 crore within 25 days of its release. This places it close to the ₹100 crore milestone, making it one of the top-grossing Malayalam films of the year. The film’s commercial success can be attributed to Tovino Thomas’s star power, as well as its appeal to both fantasy enthusiasts and mainstream audiences.
Conclusion
“Ajayante Randam Moshanam” is a visually captivating and thematically rich film that attempts to break new ground in Malayalam cinema. While it has its flaws, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative cohesion, its strengths far outweigh its shortcomings. Tovino Thomas delivers one of the most compelling performances of his career, and Jithin Laal’s direction shows promise, making him a filmmaker to watch in the future.
Overall, “Ajayante Randam Moshanam” is a film that entertains, provokes thought, and pays homage to the cultural heritage of Kerala, all while exploring timeless themes of destiny, duty, and the legacy we leave behind.
