"Aranmanai 4," directed by Sundar C, is the latest installment in the popular Tamil horror-comedy franchise. The film continues the series' tradition of blending horror elements with humor, offering a mix that aims to entertain its target audience. Here's an in-depth look at how the movie fared:
The movie follows Advocate Saravanan (Sundar C), who is plunged into a mystery when his sister Selvi (Tamannaah Bhatia) and her husband are found dead under suspicious circumstances. Saravanan's investigation leads him to their village, where he encounters various supernatural occurrences. Unlike previous installments, the antagonist in "Aranmanai 4" doesn't have a personal vendetta against the protagonist's family, which adds a refreshing twist to the plot. This allows the screenplay to weave in seemingly unrelated events, maintaining suspense and intrigue throughout the first half (The New Indian Express) (Hindustan Times).
Sundar C's portrayal of Saravanan is commendable, especially as he takes a backseat for much of the film, allowing other characters to shine. Tamannaah Bhatia delivers a compelling performance as Selvi, particularly in the flashback sequences that provide depth to her character. Raashii Khanna, playing Maya, also contributes significantly, though her role is more supportive. The film benefits from strong performances across the board, including the comedic relief provided by actors like Yogi Babu and Kovai Sarala (The New Indian Express).
The balance between humor and horror is crucial in "Aranmanai 4." While the film starts on a somewhat shaky note, both the comedic and horror elements improve as the story progresses. The pre-climax comedy scenes, in particular, are highlighted as laugh-out-loud moments. Sundar C's expertise in commercial filmmaking shines through, ensuring that the humor, even if it starts off weak, lands effectively by the time the film reaches its climax (The New Indian Express) (Hindustan Times).
The visual effects in "Aranmanai 4" are adequate, contributing to the film's eerie atmosphere without being groundbreaking. The supernatural elements are well-executed, and the VFX, while not flawless, serve the story well. The music by Hip Hop Adhi is another strong point, effectively enhancing both the suspenseful and comedic scenes. The soundtrack supports the narrative, adding to the overall entertainment value of the film (The New Indian Express).
Despite its strengths, "Aranmanai 4" is not without its flaws. The plot, while featuring some fresh twists, still follows many familiar tropes of the horror-comedy genre, making parts of the storyline predictable. Additionally, the film struggles with tonal inconsistencies, as it occasionally shifts abruptly between horror and comedy, which might be jarring for some viewers. The character development, particularly for the supernatural entities, could have been deeper, providing more background and motivation for their actions (Hindustan Times).
Overall, "Aranmanai 4" manages to keep the franchise alive with its blend of humor and horror. It offers enough fresh elements to engage audiences, particularly fans of the previous films. Sundar C's direction, combined with strong performances and effective use of visual effects and music, makes for an entertaining watch. While it may not break new ground, it stays true to the spirit of the "Aranmanai" series, delivering a mix of scares and laughs that should satisfy its target audience (The New Indian Express) (Hindustan Times).
