Saravanan, portrayed by Sundar C, is commendable for relinquishing the spotlight for most of the film. His sense of bewilderment regarding his family's whereabouts and the village's mysteries evokes empathy towards his character.
The Aranmanai franchise is known for certain recurring elements, such as the ghostly occurrences at night, the typical portrayal of heroines, and the hit-or-miss comedy. However, Aranmanai 4 manages to avoid franchise fatigue by introducing refreshing plot twists and showcasing Sundar C's expertise in commercial filmmaking.
To begin with, the film starts off on a rather shaky note. Advocate Saravanan (Sundar C) finds himself entangled in a battle against villains who oppose a love marriage. This sequence primarily serves as an introduction to Saravanan's deep affection for his sister Selvi (Tamannaah), who had eloped with her lover (Santhosh Pratap) a decade ago. Upon receiving news of their sudden demise, Saravanan embarks on a journey to their village, only to discover that their deaths are shrouded in mystery. As he delves deeper into the investigation, the plot thickens, setting the stage for the events that unfold in Aranmanai 4.
One notable departure from the franchise's usual formula is the absence of a personal vendetta between the malevolent entity in Aranmanai 4 and the family at the center of the story. This narrative choice allows for a more intricate storyline, weaving together seemingly unrelated incidents in various characters' lives that eventually converge. The element of suspense, a rare find in an Aranmanai film, is effectively maintained throughout the first half of the movie.
The revelation of the evil entity, Back, and its unique characteristics in the latter half of the film introduces new twists and challenges for the characters to overcome. These developments inject a fresh energy into the narrative, keeping the audience engaged. Despite some tonal inconsistencies, particularly in the comedy sequences, viewers familiar with the Aranmanai series are likely to appreciate the entertainment value that Aranmanai 4 delivers. This film serves as a testament to how well-crafted humor can translate effectively from script to screen.
The supernatural aspects depicted in this movie, despite their implausibility, must adhere to specific rules within the film's universe. However, I couldn't help but wish that the malevolent spirit had been developed more effectively instead of being limited to generating jump scares. Another disappointment lies in the undefined abilities of the benevolent spirit, which are not explored in depth. These sequences heavily rely on visual effects, which are standard for this genre.
Nevertheless, Sundar C manages to maintain audience engagement through suspenseful twists, effective humor, emotional depth, and a well-crafted musical score by Hip Hop Adhi, resulting in an entertaining Aranmanai installment. The surprise appearances towards the end hinting at a fifth movie only enhance the intrigue, making a strong argument for extending this franchise. Sundar C evidently has a solid foundation to build upon.
Aranmanai 4 surpasses its predecessors and stands as a remarkable film. Sundar C Sir's dedication and hard work are evident throughout the movie. The visual effects in this installment are unparalleled compared to the previous ones. Tammanah and Raashi Khanna shine in their respective lead roles, with Tammanah delivering an outstanding performance in a challenging role. However, it would have been preferable for Raashi Khanna's character to have received more prominence. The film as a whole is excellent, with a fantastic background score that adds to the overall experience. Additionally, the surprise cameo appearance by beloved 90s actress Simran and Khushboo's dance performance in the climax song are exceptional and gave me goosebumps. Hip-hop aadhi's music score in this part is commendable, with all the songs being enjoyable, particularly the sentimental song dedicated to the mother. In comparison to the previous installments of the Aranmanai franchise, this film stands out as the best horror comedy directed by Sundar C Sir. I highly recommend it and rate it 5/5. It is a film that can be enjoyed with the whole family.
