The latest installment in the “Aranmanai” franchise, “Aranmanai 4,” has hit theaters, garnering a mix of positive and negative reviews. Here’s a breakdown:
Synopsis of Aranmanai 4:
In “Aranmanai 4,” a brother investigates the mysterious death of his estranged sister, who is believed to have died by suicide. As he delves deeper, he discovers a malevolent paranormal force at play. Can he save his little niece before it’s too late?
Given the success of “Aranmanai 3” despite negative reviews, it’s no surprise that director Sundar C returns to this franchise. The formula he employs seems critic-proof—rehashing observations from previous films and coasting along with a “people will see this movie no matter what” attitude.
Positives:
- Entertaining: Many viewers find the film enjoyable, particularly for its focus on horror elements rather than excessive comedy.
- Strong Performances: Tamannaah Bhatia and Raashi Khanna are praised for their acting, while director Sundar C’s performance is considered decent.
- Climax: The last 40 minutes are said to be a thrilling ride, offering a satisfying conclusion.
Negatives:
- Predictable Story: Critics find the plot formulaic and unoriginal, following the typical “Aranmanai” template.
- Humor: While some enjoy the comedic moments, others criticize the jokes as outdated and repetitive.
- First Half: The pacing of the first half is considered slow, with the horror and comedy elements falling flat.
The familiar tropes—palatial mansions, formless smoke figures, brutal murders, and godmen spouting mystic mumbo jumbo—are all present. Sundar C, in his part-detective, part-mass movie hero avatar, takes on both henchmen and ghosts with the same unfazed expression.
Overall Review of Aranmanai 4:
“Aranmanai 4” appears to be a time-pass film for those seeking light-hearted horror and familiar comedy. While it might not break new ground in storytelling, it delivers a decent watch for fans of the franchise who have enjoyed the previous installments.
However, viewers expecting a fresh and innovative horror-comedy experience might be left disappointed by the predictable plot and recycled humor.
In summary, “Aranmanai 4” overwhelms us with kitsch and underwhelms us with its lack of imagination and originality. It’s an instantly forgettable yet mildly entertaining addition to the horror-comedy genre1.
