Director Sundar C’s ‘Aranmanai 4’, the latest installment in the popular horror-comedy franchise, hits theaters on May 3. Starring Sundar C himself, alongside Tamannaah Bhatia and Raashii Khanna, the film aims to recapture the success of its predecessors. However, despite a few positive elements, ‘Aranmanai 4’ struggles to overcome its formulaic shortcomings.
Plot Overview: A Blend of Supernatural and Suspense
The storyline revolves around Saravanan (played by Sundar C), a lawyer who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind his sister Selvi’s mysterious death. Joined by the local doctor Maya (Raashii Khanna) and aided by the villagers, Saravanan delves into a web of supernatural occurrences and unexplained deaths.
Familiar Tropes and Lackluster Execution
‘Aranmanai 4’ adheres closely to the established formula of the franchise, with elements of horror, comedy, and family drama intertwined. However, the film struggles to innovate, relying heavily on clichéd jokes and repetitive plot devices. Despite the efforts of the ensemble cast, including comedians Yogi Babu and VTV Ganesh, the humor falls flat, failing to engage the audience.
High Points and Production Quality
Amidst its shortcomings, ‘Aranmanai 4’ shines in its final act, offering moments of genuine humor and excitement. The film benefits from impressive production values, evident in its visual effects and art direction. However, these technical achievements are overshadowed by the film’s lackluster screenplay and pacing issues.
Performances and Audience Appeal
Performances by Sundar C, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Raashii Khanna are commendable, but ultimately unable to salvage the film from its narrative shortcomings. While fans of the ‘Aranmanai’ franchise may find moments of enjoyment, ‘Aranmanai 4’ fails to deliver a satisfying viewing experience for a wider audience.
Final Verdict: Aranmanai 4 – A Mixed Bag for Horror-Comedy Enthusiasts
In conclusion, ‘Aranmanai 4‘ offers a familiar yet underwhelming experience for fans of the genre. Despite its attempts to inject new elements into the franchise, the film struggles to break free from its formulaic constraints. While it may appeal to die-hard fans, ‘Aranmanai 4’ ultimately falls short of delivering a truly memorable cinematic experience.
