ARM[a] is the soundtrack album to the 2024 film of the same name directed by Jithin Laal from a script written by Sujith Nambiar and produced by Listin Stephen and Dr. Zachariah Thomas under Magic Frames and UGM Entertainments. The film stars Tovino Thomas in triple roles alongside Basil Joseph, Krithi Shetty, Surabhi Lakshmi and Aishwarya Rajesh amongst others. The soundtrack featured five songs composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas and lyrics written by Manu Manjith, whereas Krithika Nelson, Krishna Kanth, Nagarjun Sharma and Vikram Edke, wrote lyrics for the Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi versions, respectively. The album was released under the Think Music label on 26 September 2024.
| ARM | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) Album cover | ||||
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 26 September 2024 | |||
| Recorded | 2022–2024 | |||
| Studio | Grace Records, Chennai Mystic Room, Chennai 20db Studios, Chennai K7 Studios, Kochi Audiogene Sound Studios, Kochi New Edge Studios, Mumbai Rottenblier Utica, Budapest | |||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | |||
| Length | 16:13 | |||
| Language | Malayalam | |||
| Label | Think Music | |||
| Producer | Dhibu Ninan Thomas | |||
| Dhibu Ninan Thomas chronology | ||||
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| Singles from ARM | ||||
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Development
editThe film is scored by Dhibu Ninan Thomas, whose involvement was confirmed with the film's announcement.[1] Tovino in his Facebook page had announced that it would be his debut in Malayalam cinema, however, he worked on a Malayalam film Zacharia Pothen Jeevichirippundu which released back in 2017.[2]
Dhibu started composing the songs in late 2022 and continued till 2024. He curated four original tunes for the film which varied numerous genres and utilized traditional folk and orchestral instruments. Dhibu worked with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra with Balasubramanian G conducted the 90-piece ensemble.[3] The song "Angu Vaana Konilu" was initially intended to be recorded by Bombay Jayashri, but as Jayashri underwent diagnosis due to brain haemorrhage at that time, she could not do so. Dhibu then chose Vaikom Vijayalakshmi to perform the song.[4]
Dhibu adapted the Bhairavan Pattu, a traditional song originally written by the Malayan community in the early 19th century. He admitted that the basis of the song developed after the script discussion with Lal and Nambiar as the film had a reference to Bharavan Thottam. The Bhairavan Pattu was sung by children in school festivals, and Dhibu watched an unplugged version of the song in Instagram. He then thought on using the song in the film, would enhance the script.[5] Dhibu enlisted young singers from the EMS Club of Koottakani who performed for the Kerala Arts Festival, which included Adithya K. N., Sreya K. A., Greeshma K. A., Vismaya K., Arya Madhusoodhanan, Mydhili N. P., Adarsh P. A. Although they were nervous on recording for a film song, Dhibu and Lal eventually guided them throughout the process.[6] He constructed the song entirely using humming and vocals.[5]
Release
editThe first single from the album, "Kiliye" was released on 2 September 2024.[7][8] The song is performed by K. S. Harisankar and Anila Rajeev, in her playback singing debut.[9] The second song "Angu Vaana Konilu" was released on 14 September, on the occasion of Onam.[10][11] On 26 September, Think Music released the five-song album in music streaming platforms and as a video jukebox through YouTube.[12][13]
Critical reception
editJanani K. of India Today wrote "Composer Dhibu Ninan Thomas's songs are soothing to the ears. In some instances, they evoke emotions directly rather than relying on the clever use of silence."[14] Christy Rosy Sibi of The Week wrote "Throughout the film, the music director [Dhibu Ninan Thomas] perfectly encapsulated the emotions of the scene—whether it be romantic or action-filled—he delivered."[15] Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express wrote "Dhibu Ninan Thomas' background score stands out, especially in the mass-appeal moments, though his songs are not all equally memorable."[16]
Ajay UK of The News Minute wrote "Dhibu Ninan Thomas's music bring a visceral intensity that somewhat compensates for these deficiencies."[17] Latha Srinivasan of Hindustan Times, while being critical of the songs, she added "Thomas' BGM however did work well in the film"[18] Vishal Menon of The Hollywood Reporter India called it as a "thumping score plastering over these misses".[19] Anna Mathews of The Times of India wrote "Dhibu Ninan Thomas's music amps up the mood of the story, particularly in its several exciting parts, but feels overwhelming at some points."[20]
Track listing
editMalayalam
edit| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kooriruttilu Kaalkulambadi" | Manu Manjith | Dhibu Ninan Thomas, Charu Hariharan | 1:46 |
| 2. | "Angu Vaana Konilu" | Manu Manjith | Vaikom Vijayalakshmi | 4:09 |
| 3. | "Maniya" | Manu Manjith | Aravind Srinivas, Shenbagaraj, Narayanan Ravishankar, Sarath Santhosh, Midhun Asokan | 1:05 |
| 4. | "Kiliye" | Manu Manjith | K. S. Harisankar, Anila Rajeev | 4:31 |
| 5. | "Bhairavan Pattu" | Malayan Community | Adithya K. N., Sreya K. A., Greeshma K. A., Vismaya K., Arya Madhusoodhanan, Mydhili N. P., Adarsh P. A., Kapil Kapilan | 4:41 |
| Total length: | 16:13 | |||
Tamil
edit| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kaariruttinil Oar Kolamboli" | Krithika Nelson | Deepak Blue, Charu Hariharan | 1:46 |
| 2. | "Angu Vaana Konilu" | Krithika Nelson | Sinduri Vishal | 4:09 |
| 3. | "Kaattarin Magane" | Krithika Nelson | Aravind Srinivas, Shenbagaraj, Narayanan Ravishankar, Sarath Santhosh, Midhun Asokan | 1:05 |
| 4. | "Kiliye" | Krithika Nelson | Kapil Kapilan, Anila Rajeev | 4:31 |
| 5. | "Bhairavan Pattu" | Malayan Community | Adithya K. N., Sreya K. A., Greeshma K. A., Vismaya K., Arya Madhusoodhanan, Mydhili N. P., Adarsh P. A., Kapil Kapilan | 4:41 |
| Total length: | 16:13 | |||
Telugu
edit| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Chimma Cheekatlo" | Krishna Kanth | Deepak Blue, Charu Hariharan | 1:46 |
| 2. | "Ambaraala Veedhilo" | Krishna Kanth | Sinduri Vishal | 4:09 |
| 3. | "Kaarchichhu" | Krishna Kanth | Aravind Srinivas, Shenbagaraj, Narayanan Ravishankar, Sarath Santhosh, Midhun Asokan | 1:05 |
| 4. | "Chilake" | Krishna Kanth | Kapil Kapilan, Anila Rajeev | 4:31 |
| 5. | "Bhairavan Pattu" | Malayan Community | Adithya K. N., Sreya K. A., Greeshma K. A., Vismaya K., Arya Madhusoodhanan, Mydhili N. P., Adarsh P. A., Kapil Kapilan | 4:41 |
| Total length: | 16:13 | |||
Kannada
edit| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kadu Irulali" | Nagarjun Sharma | Deepak Blue, Charu Hariharan | 1:46 |
| 2. | "Mele Neeli" | Nagarjun Sharma | Ananya Bhat | 4:09 |
| 3. | "Kathhiya Hididha Katthi" | Nagarjun Sharma | Aravind Srinivas, Shenbagaraj, Narayanan Ravishankar, Sarath Santhosh, Midhun Asokan | 1:05 |
| 4. | "Giniye" | Nagarjun Sharma | Kapil Kapilan, Anila Rajeev | 4:31 |
| 5. | "Bhairavan Pattu" | Malayan Community | Adithya K. N., Sreya K. A., Greeshma K. A., Vismaya K., Arya Madhusoodhanan, Mydhili N. P., Adarsh P. A., Kapil Kapilan | 4:41 |
| Total length: | 16:13 | |||
Hindi
edit| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Aag Ugi" | Vikram Edke | Deepak Blue, Charu Hariharan | 1:46 |
| 2. | "Tum Ho" | Vikram Edke | Sinduri Vishal | 4:09 |
| 3. | "Jangal Ka Beta" | Vikram Edke | Aravind Srinivas, Shenbagaraj, Narayanan Ravishankar, Sarath Santhosh, Midhun Asokan | 1:05 |
| 4. | "Tu Hai" | Vikram Edke | Kapil Kapilan, Anila Rajeev | 4:31 |
| 5. | "Bhairavan Pattu" | Malayan Community | Adithya K. N., Sreya K. A., Greeshma K. A., Vismaya K., Arya Madhusoodhanan, Mydhili N. P., Adarsh P. A., Kapil Kapilan | 4:41 |
| Total length: | 16:13 | |||
Credits
editCredits adapted from Think Music India[21]
- Dhibu Ninan Thomas – composer (all tracks), producer (all tracks), piano, rhythm and electronic programming (tracks: 2, 4, 5)
- Pavithra Chari – backing vocals (track: 2)
- Sinduri Vishal – backing vocals (track: 2)
- Aravind Srinivas – backing vocals (track: 2)
- Shenbagaraj – backing vocals (track: 2)
- Narayanan Ravishankar – backing vocals (track: 2)
- Sarath Santosh – backing vocals (track: 2)
- Gopakumar K G – rhythm programming (all tracks), percussion (track: 2)
- Ashish Venkateshwaran – flute (tracks: 1, 2, 5)
- Santhosh Chandran – guitar (track: 2)
- Naveen Napier – bass (tracks: 2, 4)
- Sruthiraj – percussion (tracks: 3, 4, 5)
- Derik – percussion (track: 3)
- Satheesan Velutholy – percussion (track: 5)
- Praveen Kumar Cherupuzha – percussion (track: 5)
- D. Balasubramaniam – Nadaswaram (track: 4)
- Aattam Kalasamithi – Chenda Melam (track: 4)
- Kishore – sitar (track: 5)
- Budapest String Orchestra – strings (track: 2, 4)
- Kalyani Nair – orchestra arrangement (track: 2, 4)
- Zoltan Pad – orchestra conductor (track: 2, 4)
- Balasubramanian G – orchestra co-ordinator (track: 2, 4)
- Charu Hariharan – session supervisor (all tracks)
- Akshay Pradeepan – session arranger (all tracks)
- Abin Ponnachan – session arranger (all tracks)
- Vishnu MN – recording engineer (Grace Records, Chennai) [all tracks]
- KS Maniratnam – recording engineer (Mystic Room, Chennai) [track: 2, 4]
- Viktor Sabzo – recording engineer (Rotenbiller Utica, Budapest) [track: 2, 4]
- Aswin Kumar – recording engineer (K7 Studios, Kochi) [track: 4]
- Ananth Pai – recording engineer (K7 Studios, Kochi) [track: 4]
- Amal Raj – recording engineer (Audiogene Sound Studios, Kochi) [track: 4]
- Kiran Lal – mixing and mastering engineer (Grace Records, Chennai) [tracks: 1, 3, 5]
- Balu Thankachan – mixing engineer (20db Studios, Chennai) [tracks: 2, 4]
- Shadab Rayeen – mastering engineer (New Edge Studios, Mumbai) [tracks: 2, 4]
- Velavan B – music coordinator
Notes
edit- ^ Abbreviation for Ajayante Randam Moshanam
References
edit- ^ "Tovino Thomas to appear in triple role with 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam'". Onmanorama. Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ Thomas, Elizabeth (13 December 2017). "Enjoying the big screen comfort". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Budapest Orchestraയും ആട്ടം കലാസമിതിയും ഒന്നിച്ചപ്പോൾ | ARM Music | Dhibu Ninan Thomas, TovinoThomas [When the Budapest Orchestra and the Attam Kala Samiti united | ARM Music | Dhibu Ninan Thomas, TovinoThomas] (Interview) (in Malayalam). Manorama Online. 30 September 2024. Archived from the original on 30 September 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Surabhi Lakshmi on ARM song 'Annu Vaana Konilu': The first time I heard the song, I got goosebumps". The Times of India. 27 September 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 28 September 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ a b "'റെക്കോർഡിങ് സ്റ്റുഡിയോയിൽ അവർ ആദ്യം വിറച്ചു, പിന്നെ തകർത്തു'; ഭൈരവൻ പാട്ടിന്റെ പിന്നണിക്കഥ പറഞ്ഞ് ദിബു നൈനാൻ തോമസ്" ['In the recording studio they trembled, then they hit it out of the park'; Dibu Nainan Thomas tells the story behind Bhairavan song]. Manorama Online (in Malayalam). 3 October 2024. Archived from the original on 4 October 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ "സ്റ്റുഡിയോ കണ്ടപ്പോൾ വിറച്ചു, ശരിക്കും വെള്ളം കുടിച്ചെന്ന് ഗായകർ; കാസർകോട്ട് നിന്ന് കൊച്ചിക്ക് വണ്ടി കയറിയ 'ഹിറ്റ് സംഘം'" [The singers said that they really drank water and trembled when they saw the studio; The 'hit gang' took a train from Kasaragod to Kochi]. Manorama Online (in Malayalam). 6 October 2024. Archived from the original on 13 November 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Sehgal, Chirag (2 September 2024). "First Song Of Tovino Thomas-Krithi Shetty's ARM's Out, Focuses On Strong Chemistry". News18. Archived from the original on 16 September 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Panikker, Rohit (19 September 2024). "Watch: Kiliye Video Song From Tovino's ARM Is A Visual Spectacle!". Times Now. Archived from the original on 20 September 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ "Exclusive! Singer Anila Rajeev on the success of ARM song 'Kiliye': All credits to Dhibu; I was left speechless when I heard the song in theaters". The Times of India. 27 September 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 28 September 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Features, C. E. (14 September 2024). "Angu Vaana Konilu song from Tovino Thomas-starrer ARM is out". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Panikker, Rohit (14 September 2024). "Watch: Angu Vaana Konilu Video Song From Tovino's ARM Is Out!". Times Now. Archived from the original on 30 September 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Santhosh, Vivek (26 September 2024). "Jukebox of Tovino Thomas-starrer Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) out". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ "Tovino Thomas drops the jukebox of 'ARM'". The Times of India. 26 September 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ K., Janani (12 September 2024). "ARM Review: Tovino Thomas's film features interesting plot but lacks high moments". India Today. Archived from the original on 27 September 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ Sibi, Christy Rosy (12 September 2024). ""A.R.M" review: Tovino Thomas, yet again, set to face the consequences of "a force from the sky"". The Week. Archived from the original on 19 September 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ Suresh, Anandu (12 September 2024). "ARM review: A landmark film in Tovino Thomas' career". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 13 September 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ UK, Ajay (12 September 2024). "ARM review: Tovino Thomas safely shoulders Jithin Laal's inventive debut". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 13 September 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ Srinivasan, Latha (13 September 2024). "Ajayante Randam Moshanam Movie Review: Tovino Thomas shines in triple role but execution is flawed". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 27 September 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ Menon, Vishal (19 September 2024). "'Ajayante Randam Moshanam' Review: A Storybook Adventure That Stops Short of Amazing". The Hollywood Reporter India. Archived from the original on 14 November 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ Mathews, Anna (12 September 2024). "Ajayante Randam Moshanam Movie Review : Tovino's charismatic Maniyan lifts up the film". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ ARM (Malayalam) - Jukebox|Tovino Thomas,Krithi Shetty |Jithin Laal |Dhibu Ninan Thomas |Magic Frames (in Malayalam). Think Music India. 27 September 2024. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024 – via YouTube.