A.R.M (originally known as Ajayante Randam Moshanam) drew a packed audience at the Indian Panorama showcase at IFFI, offering viewers a glimpse into one of Malayalam cinema’s most ambitious fantasy adventures. Rooted in Kerala’s folklore and shaped by the emotional journeys of its creators, the film’s team — director Jithin Laal, Tovino Thomas and National Award–winner Surabhi Lakshmi — took the stage to discuss the scale, symbolism and vision behind the project.
Jithin Laal opened the session with a personal reflection, recalling how IFFI shaped him as a filmmaker. His first visit to the festival was in 2013, and over the years, he returned to learn and evolve. “I haven’t been to a film school. IFFI was my film school,” he said. “Twelve years later, my film is in the Indian Panorama. It feels like completing a circle.”
He described A.R.M as a fantasy-adventure with metaphorical depth, where even the mythical lamp at the centre of the story carries symbolic meaning. According to him, the writing explores themes of caste, cultural inheritance and generational shifts, while still offering the visual spectacle that mainstream audiences seek.
For Tovino Thomas, the film demanded one of the toughest performances of his career, as he portrays Maniyan, Kunjikelu and Ajayan across three different eras. “This was the biggest challenge of my career,” he said, explaining that the variations went far beyond physical appearance. “It’s not about the looks. The body language had to be entirely different for each one.”
He recalled how the film evolved since it first came to him in 2017, navigating budget limitations and long preparation phases. “I considered myself a student of cinema at that time. The director and writer were sure of me even when I wasn’t,” he shared. Stressing that festival films need not be inaccessible, Tovino added, “A.R.M proves that both worlds can meet.”
Surabhi Lakshmi, who underwent intense training for her role, spoke about her process, including learning Kalarippayattu and deep character study. Acting alongside Tovino, she said, created an “actor-to-actor energy” where only the characters remained on screen.
The discussion later shifted to the changing landscape of Malayalam cinema. Tovino pointed to the evolving tastes of audiences: “They watch world cinema. We have to deliver our best.” Highlighting an industry challenge, he noted that only 15% of Kerala’s population visits theatres, making large-scale budgets difficult. “If only Malayalis watch Malayalam cinema, the budget will stay limited. Non-Malayali audiences should also watch our films like their own.”
However, he also acknowledged how these limitations push the industry creatively. Character workshops, breath work and Kalari training helped him define three distinct personalities. “Each character would do Kalari differently, that’s how deep we went,” he said.
By the end of the session, the team’s passion reflected the essence of A.R.M — a fantasy rooted in culture, shaped by craft, and driven by perseverance. For the IFFI audience, the takeaway was clear: the mythical lamp at the heart of the film is only the beginning of a much larger cinematic journey.
Also Read: ARM: Tovino Thomas starrer promises to be a timeless epic across three timelines
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