ARM Movie Review
Malayalam hero Tovino Thomas got success in Telugu with ‘2018’, set in the backdrop of Kerala floods.
Mohanlal appeared as the younger brother in ‘Lucifer’. The superhero film ‘Minnal Murali’ brought him closer to the audience across languages. Tovino Thomas starrer ‘ARM’ released today in Malayalam as well as Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi languages.
Story (ARM Movie Story): Ajay… Ajay (Tovino Thomas) is an electrician. No one respects him in Chioti Kavu village. The reason is Grandfather Manion (Tovino Thomas). He is a thief. Hence, whenever there is a theft in the village, the police will come to Ajay’s house. Ajay’s mother (Rohini) always wants the people of the village to treat them with respect. But… royalist Sudev Varma (Harish Uttaman) arrives to make a documentary of the town’s festivities.
In Ajay Uri lies the glorious Sribhuti Deepam (Idol of Ammavari) gifted by Edakkal Maharaja in appreciation of Kelu’s (Tovino Thomas) bravery. Ten days before the festivities begin, someone steals the idol of the goddess. They plan to blame the theft on Ajay. What did Ajay do then? Where is the real idol? What did Manian and Kelu do? What is Ajay’s love story with Lakshmi (Kriti Shetty)? Ajay’s friend Suresh (Basil Joseph) is of any help? Who is the real thief in the village? What finally happened? is the rest of the movie.
Analysis (ARM Review Telugu): ‘ARM’… a story of a warrior. But, if you look closely, you will see the skill of the director and writers. It was not made as an action drama or to show the triple roles of Tovino Thomas. Caste discrimination is indirectly mentioned in many scenes. The fact that low caste people were not allowed in the temples at that time and how a section of people in the villages looked down on them is implicitly shown. The director has shot the treasure hunt-like scenes well. However, the audience who wanted the most commercial moments was not lacking in that regard either.
The beginning of ‘ARM’ is simple. Tovino Thomas’ action as a warrior is pleasing. After that Maharaja giving the statue of Ammavari, the scenes between young Tovino and Kriti Shetty are nothing new in this era. But did not get bored. Mesmerizing moments, but fun. However, the directors have made good use of the non-linear screenplay.
Every time there are dull moments in the story, Manian’s character is brought to the fore. The action scenes are designed to give goose bumps every time the character comes on screen. Manian, Ajayan…both face similar situations, the way Rohini is shown there is good. However, in the scenes that come after that, the strength has decreased a bit. It would have been better if it was written better. It is very important to be careful while writing the sign boards and names while dubbing in Telugu. Mistakes in the design of the letters will spoil the experience of the Telugu audience. It can sometimes be taken more effectively in terms of execution. The lack of clarity in terms of timelines is a minus.
The main strength of ‘ARM’ is music by Dibu Ninan Thomas and camera work by Jomon T John. The aerial shots during the action scenes in Adivi are very good. The color grading and lighting theme throughout the movie are good. Songs by Dibu Ninan Thomas, background music is extraordinary. He is RR’s main reason for getting goose bumps during action scenes.
Tovino Thomas did a triple roll. The variation he showed between the three characters is good. Keluga’s combat maneuvers at the beginning of the movie are very good. He showed a good performance while facing insults from the people of the village. The character showed bravery when the story and scenes were completed. But… Tovino Thomas’ performance as Manian is the highlight of the movie ‘ARM’. Manion’s gaze is manly and poignant. That look gets a vibe every time it hits the screen.
Kriti Shetty as Lakshmi is beautiful. Adapted to the role as an actress. Surabhi Lakshmi’s performance is good. Rohini’s performance cannot be named. Some may think her acting routine. But she did right for the role. Suresh’s character in this movie will make the audience who have seen Basil Joseph films in OTTs laugh. Aishwarya Rajesh’s role range is limited. Harish Uttaman and other actors have done according to the scope of their roles.
ARM (Second heist by Ajay) … Tovino Thomas acting in triple roles & Action Dhamaka, Action Choreography, Music by Dibu Ninan Thomas give a good cinematic experience.