Sundar C’s Aranmanai franchise has become a staple in Tamil cinema, known for its blend of horror, comedy, and family-friendly entertainment. With the release of Aranmanai 4, the director continues to cater to the masses, delivering another installment filled with jump scares, comedic moments, and familiar tropes.
The success of the previous films in the franchise, particularly Aranmanai 3, has solidified its popularity among audiences. Despite criticisms from some quarters, the Aranmanai series has consistently drawn crowds to theaters, and the latest installment aims to replicate that success.
Aranmanai 4 follows the established template of the franchise, featuring a large house in a forest, supernatural elements, a ghost, an ensemble cast of comic characters, and a mix of horror and humor. The story centers around Selvi (Tamannaah Bhatia) and her husband (Santhosh Prathap), who live with their children in a sprawling mansion. Their seemingly peaceful life is disrupted when Selvi’s husband inexplicably turns violent, leading to a tragic incident that draws the attention of Selvi’s brother, lawyer Saravanan (Sundar C).
As Saravanan investigates the incident, he uncovers a series of unexplained deaths and the presence of a malevolent spirit in the house. With the help of quirky characters like Maestry (Yogi Babu) and Carpenter (VTV Ganesh), Saravanan delves deeper into the mystery, encountering a godman with knowledge of the supernatural forces at play.
The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Tamannaah Bhatia, Raashi Khanna, and a host of comedians such as KS Ravikumar, Rajendran, and Singampuli. While each actor delivers competent performances, no one truly stands out amidst the ensemble, with many relegated to familiar roles seen in previous films.
Tamannaah Bhatia impresses as the emotional mother, while Raashi Khanna adds glamour to the proceedings as Maya. However, it’s the special appearances by Khushbu and Simran in the second half of the film that provide a pleasant surprise and inject new energy into the narrative.
Ultimately, Aranmanai 4 adheres closely to the formula that has made the franchise successful. It offers jump scares, funny dialogues, comical exchanges, fights, elements of faith, and a climactic showdown where evil is vanquished and order is restored. While the plot may lack originality and depth, it succeeds in delivering the kind of entertainment that appeals to its target audience.
Sundar C’s mastery of the horror-comedy genre is evident throughout Aranmanai 4, as he expertly balances moments of tension with lighthearted humor. The film is a testament to his ability to cater to the masses, providing a dose of escapist entertainment that requires little in the way of intellectual engagement.
In conclusion, Aranmanai 4 may not break new ground or challenge its audience, but it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: entertain. As a summer release, it offers families a chance to escape into a world of supernatural intrigue and laughter, providing a welcome respite from the rigors of everyday life. For those seeking a fun-filled cinematic experience with no expectations, Aranmanai 4 delivers just that – a timepass that may not leave a lasting impression but ensures an enjoyable ride while it lasts.
