Thu Sep 12 18:57:18 UTC 2024: ## Tovino Thomas’ Triple Role Shines in ‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam’, But Film Lacks Bite
Malayalam star Tovino Thomas takes on a challenging triple role in the period film “Ajayante Randam Moshanam” (Ajayan’s Second Theft), which blends folk tale and real-life elements. The film, directed by Jithin Lal, sees Tovino portray Kunjikelu, a Kalaripayattu warrior from the 1900s, Maniyan, a notorious thief, and Ajayan, a modern-day electrician, all connected by a mysterious sacred lamp.
The story spans three time periods, showcasing the journey of these characters as they grapple with caste discrimination and the fate of the Chiyothi Vilakku (sacred lamp). Tovino delivers a captivating performance, especially as Maniyan, showcasing his versatility in portraying both positive and negative characters. While his portrayal of the three distinct characters is commendable, the film itself falls short in terms of execution.
The screenplay, by Sujith Nambiar, attempts to weave a narrative of action, fantasy, and drama, but suffers from a slow pace and predictable plot. The film also struggles to maintain audience engagement due to a lack of compelling twists and turns. The cinematography by Jomon T John stands out, but the songs by Dhibu Ninan Thomas fail to leave a mark.
Despite Tovino Thomas’ commendable performance, “Ajayante Randam Moshanam” falls short of expectations. While it’s an ambitious attempt to explore caste discrimination through a multi-layered narrative, the film lacks the necessary depth and intrigue to truly captivate audiences.
First Piper 