Ajayante Randam Moshanam (officially titled A.R.M; transl. “Ajayan’s Second Theft”) is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language fantasy caper film. It marks the directorial debut of Jithin Laal, with a screenplay by Sujith Nambiar, and is produced by Magic Frames and UGM Entertainment. The film’s music is composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas.
Tovino Thomas stars in triple roles as Kunjikelu, Maniyan, and Ajayan, with prominent supporting performances from Krithi Shetty, Basil Joseph, Nisthar Sait, Harish Uthaman, Rohini, Surabhi Lakshmi, Aishwarya Rajesh, Jagadish, Aju Varghese, Sudheesh, and Biju Kuttan.
Originally shot in 2D and later converted to 3D, the film was made on a budget of ₹30 crore, which included print and publicity expenses. Released theatrically on 12 September 2024 during the Onam festival, the film was available in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
Upon release, A.R.M garnered positive reviews from critics, who praised Tovino Thomas’s performance (particularly his role as Maniyan), the direction, storyline, visual effects, and the musical score.
The film was originally shot in 2D format and converted to 3D. ARM was made on a budget of ₹30 crore including print and publicity. It was theatrically released on 12 September 2024 in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi languages coinciding with the Onam festival.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Jithin Laal |
| Written by | Sujith Nambiar |
| Additional Screenplay | Deepu Pradeep |
| Produced by | Listin Stephen, Zachariah Thomas |
| Starring | Tovino Thomas, Krithi Shetty, Basil Joseph, Nisthar Sait, Harish Uthaman, Rohini, Surabhi Lakshmi, Aishwarya Rajesh, Jagadish, Aju Varghese, Sudheesh, Biju Kuttan |
| Narrated by | Mohanlal |
| Cinematography | Jomon T. John |
| Edited by | Shameer Muhammed |
| Music by | Dhibu Ninan Thomas |
| Production Companies | Magic Frames, UGM Entertainment |
| Distributed by | Magic Frames |
| Release Date | 12 September 2024 |
| Running Time | 142 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Budget | ₹30 crore |
| Box Office | est. ₹50 crore |
Cast:
- Tovino Thomas in triple roles as:
- Kunjikelu: A warrior; ancestor of Maniyan and Ajayan.
- Maniyan: A thief; Ajayan’s grandfather and descendant of Kunjikelu.
- M. V. Ajayan: An electrician; grandson of Maniyan and descendant of Kunjikelu.
- Roshan as young Ajayan.
- Krithi Shetty as Lakshmi, Ajayan’s love interest (voice-over by Mamitha Baiju).
- Basil Joseph as K. P. Suresh, Ajayan’s friend, a tea shop owner.
- Surabhi Lakshmi as Manikyam, Maniyan’s wife and Ajayan’s grandmother.
- Nisthar Sait as Chathutti Nambiar, Lakshmi’s father.
- Harish Uthaman as Sudev Varma.
- Rohini as Ajayan’s mother and Maniyan’s daughter.
- Aishwarya Rajesh as Chothi, Kunjikelu’s wife.
- Aju Varghese as SI Saifudeen.
- Jagadish as Naanu, a blacksmith and Maniyan’s friend.
- Sudheesh as Chandu Nair, K. P. Suresh’s father.
- Biju Kuttan as Kuttappan.
- Sanju Sivram as Constable Chandran.
- Santhosh Keezhattoor as Paramu Nambiar.
- Parvathi T. as Lakshmi’s grandmother.
- Shivajith as Kavumbayi Sudhakaran.
- Pramod Shetty as Inspector Nanjappa Chowta.
- Kabir Duhan Singh as Pulimutt Mammadh.
- Madhupal as the King of Edakkal.
- Jithin Laal as Mana Varma.
- Mohanlal as the Cosmic Creator (voice-over).
Production:
On 1 January 2020, coinciding with New Year’s celebrations, Tovino Thomas officially announced via his social media platforms that he would be collaborating with director Jithin Laal on an upcoming project titled Ajayante Randam Moshanam. The film was set to be produced by UGM Entertainment, written by Sujith Nambiar, and marked the Malayalam debut of music composer Dhibu Ninan Thomas. Notably, it also became Tovino’s 50th film as an actor.
Principal photography for the film began on 11 October 2022, with an initial schedule planned for 125 days. However, filming wrapped earlier than expected, finishing on 11 March 2023 after a total of 118 days. Originally shot in 2D, the film was later converted to 3D for its release. Ajayante Randam Moshanam was produced with a budget of ₹30 crore, which included the costs of print and publicity.
Music:
The songs and background score for Ajayante Randam Moshanam were composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas, marking his first venture into Malayalam cinema. The film’s first single, titled “Kiliye,” was released on 2 September 2024, adding to the anticipation surrounding the film’s soundtrack.
Release:
Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) was released in theaters globally on 12 September 2024. It was available in both 3D and 2D formats, catering to a wide audience and enhancing the cinematic experience.
