Three Eras, One Lamp: A.R.M Brings Its Mythical World to IFFI Stage

27 November 2025: A mythical lamp, a story of three generations, and an ambitious fantasy adventure: ‘A.R.M’ (Ajayante Randam Moshanam) arrived at IFFI with all the charm of Kerala’s folklore and the cinematic heft of an epic. Director Jithin Laal, actors Tovino Thomas and National Award–winner Surabhi Lakshmi took the stage, weaving an engaging narrative about the film’s long creative journey, its layered writing, and the commitment it demanded from its cast and crew.

“IFFI was my film school,” says Jithin Laal

Jithin opened the session with an unexpectedly emotional throwback. His first IFFI was in 2013, he said, and he returned year after year to learn, absorb and grow. “I haven’t been to a film school. IFFI was my film school,” he shared. “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 layers of metaphors, where even the mythical lamp at the center of the story stands for something deeper. The script, he said, carries subtle commentary, including themes of caste and cultural inheritance, while still engaging audiences who simply want a visual spectacle.

Tovino Thomas on playing three characters: “This was the biggest challenge of my career”

If Jithin spoke about the journey, Tovino spoke about the struggle and the thrill. “When this came to me in 2017, I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off,” he admitted. Playing Maniyan, Kunjikelu and Ajayan across three different eras required more than superficial changes. “It’s not about the looks. The body language had to be entirely different for each one.”

He recalled how the film took years to take shape, battling budget concerns, finding the right producer, preparing physically and mentally. “I considered myself a student of cinema at that time. The director and writer were sure of me even when I wasn’t,” he said. Tovino emphasized that a film can be festival-worthy and still be entertaining. “A.R.M proves that both worlds can meet.”

Sharing her experience, Surabhi spoke about the intense preparation behind her role. She trained in Kalarippayattu, studied her character deeply, and approached every scene with a determination to be fully present. Acting opposite Tovino, she said, created an “actor-to-actor energy” where the performers vanished and only the characters remained.

Cinema, craft and Kerala’s evolving audience

The conversation soon expanded to Malayalam cinema’s changing landscape. Tovino was quick to acknowledge the evolving taste of Malayali audiences: “They watch world cinema. We have to deliver our best.”

He pointed out a crucial industry challenge: only 15% of Kerala’s population watches films in theatres. With a smaller diaspora compared to Hindi or Telugu industries, increasing budgets isn’t easy. “If only Malayalis watch Malayalam cinema, the budget will stay limited. Non-Malayali audiences should also watch our films like their own.”

Yet he also sees a silver lining. “Budget constraints make us more creative. We find new ways to bring our vision to life.” He described how exercises like breathing work, character workshops and Kalari helped him distinguish the physicality of his three characters. “Each character would do Kalari differently, that’s how deep we went.”

By the end of the press meet, it was clear that A.R.M isn’t just a fantasy epic, it’s a result of persistence, cultural pride, and an unyielding desire to push the boundaries of Malayalam cinema. With folklore at its heart, layered writing at its core, and performances shaped by craft and courage, the film’s team left IFFI audiences with one promise: the magic of the lamp is just the beginning.