“ARM” (Hotstar) Movie Review!
Background: Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas has gained significant popularity due to OTT films, reaching Telugu audiences as well.
His movie “ARM,” directed by Jithin Laal, hit theaters on September 12th and emerged as a blockbuster in Kerala. The film is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Story Summary: The film is set in a village named Haripuram, located near a forest and ruled by the Edakkal royal family. One day, a mysterious light descends from the sky, creating a unique substance upon touching the ground.
The Edakkal ruler transforms it into a lamp-like idol called the “Vibhuti Deepam,” revered as highly sacred by the villagers and enshrined in a temple, which opens its doors only once a year for a grand festival.
Ajay, played by Tovino Thomas, belongs to a family of outcasts due to the criminal history of his father and grandfather, Kunjekeel and Manian.
As a result, the villagers regard Ajay with suspicion. However, he is loved by Lakshmi, the daughter of the village chief, Nambiar. Secret meetings between Lakshmi and Ajay ensue.
When Sudheer, a distant relative of Nambiar, arrives with a plan to smuggle the valuable idol to London, tensions escalate.
Just before the annual festival, the idol goes missing, and all fingers point to Ajay. To clear his name, he must find the idol, gain entry for his clan into the temple, and win Lakshmi’s hand.
The unfolding story follows Ajay’s struggles and adventures in achieving these goals.
Analysis: “ARM” is a blend of action and adventure, scripted by Sujith Nambiar. It spans three generations, with Tovino Thomas playing three roles – grandfather, father, and grandson. The distinct characterization and styling of each role captivate audiences.
The screenplay by Deepu Pradeep ties these eras together, maintaining intrigue despite potential complexity. The quest surrounding the idol takes surprising turns, with revelations that keep viewers engaged. The director effectively integrates supporting characters, making them essential to the plot.
Performance: Tovino Thomas impresses with his portrayal of three distinct roles, maintaining a strong screen presence throughout the film.
Though romance is limited, Krithi Shetty shines in her role. Harish Uthaman stands out as a young antagonist, and Santosh impresses as the village elder. Jomon John’s cinematography beautifully captures forests, caves, and waterfalls, while Dhibu Ninan Thomas’s background score enhances the narrative.
The editing by Shameer Muhammed ensures a streamlined experience suitable for all ages.
Film Details:
- Title: ARM
- Release Date: September 12, 2023
- Cast: Tovino Thomas, Krithi Shetty, Surabhi Lakshmi, Basil Joseph, Harish Uthaman
- Director: Jithin Laal
- Producer: Listin Stephen
- Music: Dhibu Ninan Thomas
- Production Company: Magic Frames
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