Director Sundar C returns with the fourth installment of the Kalavathi franchise, titled Baak, promising another blend of horror and comedy. Despite mixed reactions to previous films in the series, the audience’s fascination continues, as evidenced by the commercial success of Aranmanai 3 in 2021. Let’s delve into the eerie world of Baal (Aranmanai 4) and see if it delivers the thrills.
Plot: Set in a sprawling house nestled in a forest, “Aranmanai 4” revolves around Selvi (Tamannaah Bhatia) and her husband, whose seemingly tranquil life is shattered when he attempts to harm her and their children. As Selvi’s brother, Saravanan (Sundar C), investigates the incident, mysterious deaths and ghostly apparitions plague the household. With the help of comedic characters and a godman, Saravanan uncovers dark secrets lurking within the property, leading to a climactic battle against supernatural forces.
Performances and Technical Aspects: Director Sundar C enlists a diverse cast, including seasoned comedians and established actors like Raashi Khanna, to bring the story to life. While Tamannaah Bhatia impresses with her portrayal of a distraught mother, Raashi Khanna adds glamour to the narrative. Special appearances by Khushbu and Simran inject freshness into the film. Despite commendable production values and art direction, the screenplay struggles to maintain momentum, relying heavily on sporadic bursts of horror and comedy.
Analysis: Baak offers a familiar storyline to those who have seen the previous installments of the Aranmanai franchise. It introduces a new antagonist, Baak, a flesh-eating and shape-shifting spirit, adding to the ‘good vs evil’ theme. However, the film struggles to find its footing in the first half, with neither the horror nor the comedy hitting the mark. The abundance of comedians fails to rescue the narrative, as their jokes feel stale and outdated.
Director Sundar C’s approach caters to audiences seeking simple entertainment, with jump scares, comedic exchanges, and a predictable resolution. While this formula has worked in the past, the repetitive nature of the series may leave viewers disengaged. Nevertheless, the film gains momentum in the final act, offering moments of genuine humor and a satisfying climax reminiscent of nostalgic callbacks.
Despite its flaws, Aranmanai 4 manages to entertain just here and there, thanks in part to the performances of Sundar C, Tamannaah, and Raashi Khanna. However, the film’s unintentional humor and lackluster execution detract from its overall impact.
Sundar C caters to mass appeal with jump scares, comedic exchanges, and a predictable climax, yet the repetitive nature of the franchise risks alienating viewers seeking innovation.
Verdict: Baak offers some laughs and horror moments in its final act, but struggles to maintain engagement due to a tedious first half and lackluster execution. While it may appeal to fans of the franchise seeking simple entertainment, its repetitive storyline and logical loopholes may leave others wanting more.
Rating: 02/05
