A.R.M (2024)

A.R.M (2024) is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year, blending action, adventure, drama, and fantasy. Directed by Jithin Laal and starring Tovino Thomas in a powerful triple role, this Malayalam-language film was theatrically released on September 12, 2024, aligning with the festive Onam season. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Movie Overview

Introduction

A.R.M is a visually ambitious Malayalam fantasy film that marks the directorial debut of Jithin Laal. It spans three generations—Kunjikelu, Maniyan, and Ajayan—played by Tovino Thomas, all linked by their quest to safeguard a mystical artifact called the Chyothivilaku. Crafted like a grandmother’s folktale, it marries rustic social themes with mythic spectacle. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Plot Summary

Set in Northern Kerala across three eras—1900, 1950, and 1990—the film explores the intertwined destinies of Maniyan, Kunjikelu, and Ajayan, each dedicated to protecting their land’s most revered treasure, the Chyothivilaku lamp forged from a celestial meteorite. The narrative unfolds with mystical events, folklore, and socio-cultural struggles, all presented through a myth-laced storytelling style. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Cast & Crew

• Director: Jithin Laal (debut) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Writer: Sujith Nambiar; Additional Screenplay: Deepu Pradeep :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Producers: Listin Stephen and Zachariah Thomas (Magic Frames, UGM Entertainment) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Starring: Tovino Thomas (triple roles), Krithi Shetty, Basil Joseph, Aishwarya Rajesh, Surabhi Lakshmi, Rohini, Harish Uthaman, Jagadish, Aju Varghese, Sudheesh, Biju Kuttan :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Narrator: Mohanlal :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Cinematography: Jomon T. John; Editing: Shameer Muhammed; Music: Dhibu Ninan Thomas :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Production Insights

Announced in January 2020, *A.R.M* completed 118 days of filming by March 2023 in locations such as Kasaragod. Initially shot in 2D, it was converted to 3D for theatrical release—a significant technical undertaking. Its ₹30 crore budget was considered ambitious by Malayalam cinema standards. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Music & Technical Craft

Composer Dhibu Ninan Thomas created a varied and immersive soundtrack. The album features five songs, with “Kiliye” released on September 2 and “Angu Vaana Konilu” timed with Onam on September 14. The background score and orchestration, including Budapest strings, greatly enhance the mythical tone. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Release & OTT

*A.R.M* launched theatrically on September 12, 2024, in both 2D and 3D, aligning with Onam festivities. The film later premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on November 8, 2024. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Box Office & Reception

Produced with a ₹30 crore budget, *A.R.M* became a commercial success, grossing ₹106.75 crore, ranking as the 11th highest-grossing Malayalam film to date. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Critics commended Tovino Thomas’s performance—especially as Maniyan—along with direction, visuals, music, and VFX. However, the screenplay’s pacing and character development received mixed feedback. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Audience & Critical Highlights

• Tovino Thomas shines in his triple role, particularly as Maniyan, which earned widespread praise. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Visually rich production: Cinematography, 3D conversion, and VFX were lauded, especially given the modest budget. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Folklore storytelling resonated as a nostalgic “grandmother’s tale,” blending myth with societal reflection. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Some critiques on Discord and social media questioned the logical coherence—especially the ending’s resolution and potential forced plot elements. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Legacy & Spin-offs

Director Jithin Laal revealed plans to expand the world of *A.R.M* through spin-offs—potentially creating a larger fantasy universe based on the mythic concepts introduced. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Conclusion

*A.R.M (2024)* stands out as a landmark in Malayalam cinema—a fantasy action-adventure that marries mythology with mass appeal. Anchored by Tovino Thomas’s triple performance and Jithin Laal’s bold directorial vision, it achieved both critical and commercial success. Its technical finesse, mythic storytelling, and socioeconomic undertones ensure its place as a genre-defining film with future creative potential.

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