Lights, Camera, Scream: Aranmanai 4’s Uneven Horror-Comedy Ride

A creaky door swings open. A shadowy figure darts across the frame. The Aranmanai 4 movie wastes no time in setting up its haunted house premise. But does this fourth entry in Sundar C’s horror-comedy series deliver more chills than chuckles?

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Familiar Frights, Fresh Laughs

Like its predecessors, Aranmanai 4 blends spine-tingling scares with rib-tickling comedy. The film follows a joint family who move into a palatial mansion, only to discover that it’s haunted by vengeful spirits.

While the basic premise treads familiar territory, the film manages to inject some fresh humour:

• Yogi Babu’s wisecracks and Manobala’s befuddled expressions provide much-needed comic relief amid the supernatural shenanigans.

• One standout scene has the family patriarch (played by Radha Ravi) attempting to placate the ghost with a plate of biryani – a quirky twist on the usual exorcism rituals.

However, not all the comedic bits land. Some of the slapstick gags and double entendres feel forced and repetitive.

Haunting Highs and Lows

Aranmanai 4 delivers a mixed bag when it comes to its horror elements. On one hand, the film conjures up some genuinely creepy moments:

• The sequence where a possessed Rashi Khanna crawls spider-like across the walls is sure to send shivers down your spine.

• Sundar C makes effective use of jump scares, ominous background score, and eerie set design to create a palpable sense of dread.

Yet, for every hair-raising scene, others fall flat. The CGI effects for the ghostly apparitions look dated and unconvincing. And the climactic face-off with the spirit world feels rushed and anticlimactic.

Star Power Shines Through

What elevates Aranmanai 4 are the committed performances of its ensemble cast. Sundar C himself leads from the front as the family’s reluctant ghostbuster. Rashi Khanna impresses in a dual role, effortlessly transitioning from sweet daughter-in-law to vengeful spirit.

The supporting cast also gets their moments to shine:

• Radha Ravi brings gravitas to the role of the family patriarch caught between rationality and superstition.

• Sangeetha and VTV Ganesh share a crackling chemistry as the bickering couple.

• Nayanthara’s cameo appearance injects some much-needed star power into the proceedings.

Technical Triumphs and Stumbles

On the technical front, Aranmanai 4 is a bit of a mixed bag. C. Sathya’s background score ratchets up the tension in key scenes, while also punctuating the lighter moments with lively tracks.

However, Shaman Mithru’s cinematography fails to fully exploit the spooky setting. The camerawork feels static and uninspired in places, missing opportunities to create more atmospheric visuals.

So does Aranmanai 4 live up to the legacy of its predecessors? The answer is a qualified yes. While it doesn’t break new ground, the film serves up enough thrills, spills and laughs to keep fans of the franchise happy.

For viewers new to the series, Aranmanai 4 provides a serviceable introduction to its brand of horror-comedy. And with high-speed Airtel Broadband, you can stream this hauntingly hilarious ride in crystal-clear HD from the comfort of your couch.

Ultimately, Aranmanai 4 may not be a game-changer, but it’s a fun, if formulaic, addition to Tamil cinema’s horror-comedy stable. If you’re in the mood for some spooky laughs, this ghostly romp is worth a watch.

FAQs

1. Is Aranmanai 4 a direct sequel to the previous films?
   No, Aranmanai 4 tells a standalone story with new characters and settings.

2. Can I watch Aranmanai 4 without having seen the previous movies?
   Yes, the film works as a self-contained story. Knowledge of previous entries isn’t essential.

3. Does Aranmanai 4 have any notable cameos or special appearances?
   Yes, Nayanthara makes a special cameo appearance in the film.

4. Is Aranmanai 4 too scary for children?
   The film has some intense horror sequences that may be unsuitable for young kids.

5. What is the runtime of Aranmanai 4?
   Aranmanai 4 has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.