The success of Sundar C's Aranmanai franchise in Kollywood has been nothing short of sensational, captivating audiences with its unique blend of horror, comedy, and suspense. With each installment, the series has managed to raise the bar, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next spine-chilling adventure.
Now, as Aranmanai 4 hits the screens in Telugu as Baak, the excitement among movie lovers is palpable. Let us see how it entertained movie lovers.
Baak (Aranmanai 4) story delves into the enigmatic occurrences that plague the life of a young man following the tragic loss of his dear sister and brother-in-law, leaving their children orphaned and vulnerable.
Advocate Shiva Shankar (Sundar C), residing with his caring aunt (Kovai Sarala), finds himself plunged into a vortex of disbelief and anguish upon learning about his sister Shivani's (Tamannaah Bhatia) mysterious demise. Their quest for answers leads them to Shivani's secluded bungalow, nestled in the quaint town of Kovur, where they encounter a series of inexplicable and spine-chilling events.
As the layers of mystery unravel, Advocate Shiva Shankar and his aunt confront the eerie manifestations haunting Kovur, only to discover a tangled web of secrets and deceit. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when they encounter Dr. Maya ( Raashi Khanna) and other enigmatic characters, each holding a piece of the puzzle that connects the dots of this perplexing tale.
Baak (Aranmanai 4) intricately weaves together elements of suspense, horror, and drama, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as they embark on a journey filled with twists and turns. As the story unfolds, the true nature of the inexplicable occurrences in Kovur is unveiled, leading to a climactic revelation that challenges perceptions and leaves a lasting impact on all involved.
Sundar C, in his role as the brother, delivers a commendable performance, effectively portraying a range of emotions, particularly his deep affection for his sister. Tamannaah, as his sister, shines in her role, striking a chord with audiences through her portrayal of a mother determined to protect her children while also displaying her love for her brother.
Raashi Khanna, portraying the role of the doctor, delivers a decent performance, although her character lacks depth. Ramachandra Raju, known for his intense roles, impresses as the swamiji, adding a layer of intensity to the narrative. Vennela Kishore, Srinivas Reddy, and Kovai Sarala steal the show with their comedic timing, providing moments of pure hilarity whenever they grace the screen.
Motta Rajendran and Jaya Prakash deliver adequate performances in their respective roles. The special appearances of Simran and Ramya Krishnan in a song add to the film's appeal, delighting movie lovers and adding star power to the cast.
Baak (Aranmanai 4), crafted by Sundar C, picks up the narrative thread from its predecessors, maintaining the essence of spirit possession and familial protection while infusing a fresh blend of horror, humor, and investigative intrigue. This time, Sundar C takes a more balanced approach, dialing down the overt Tamil-centric elements and excessive theatrics, resulting in a more universally appealing film.
The first half of Baak is a delightful mix of horror and humor, expertly woven together to keep audiences entertained. The interval twist serves as a compelling hook, setting the stage for an engaging second half. Here, the film shifts gears slightly, focusing more on emotional depth, particularly in the portrayal of the bond between mother and children. This leads to a climactic finale that is both thrilling and satisfying.
While the story may be familiar and somewhat predictable, Sundar C compensates with well-crafted comedic scenes that cater to a wide audience. While some comedic moments hit the mark, others miss their mark, and the emotional depth in the second half slows the pace slightly. However, the screenplay remains engaging, thanks to Sundar C's adept direction.
Hip Hop Tamizha's music adds a Tamil flavor to the film, but it is his background score that truly elevates the viewing experience. E. Krishnasamy's cinematography is commendable, capturing the essence of the story and enhancing it with stunning visuals. Despite some similarities to Kannada films like Vikrant Rona in the forest scenes, the VFX and graphics in Baak are a visual treat.
The climax stunt sequences are well-executed, adding to the film's overall entertainment value. The editing by Nasir and Fenny Oliver is sharp, though there are a few instances of pacing issues. The dialogues are a highlight, offering a mix of humor, wit, and clever wordplay. Overall, Baak (Aranmanai 4) boasts high production values and succeeds in delivering an entertaining cinematic experience.
Altogether, Baak (Aranmanai 4), under the direction of Sundar C, traverses a path well-worn in the realm of horror-comedy, adhering closely to a familiar narrative blueprint. While the film does offer a blend of emotional depth in portraying the bond between a mother and her children, alongside moments of uproarious comedy and visually stunning VFX, it ultimately falls short of delivering a truly groundbreaking experience.
Despite its adherence to a formulaic approach, Baak (Aranmanai 4) manages to engage viewers with its mix of sentimentality, humor, and visual spectacle. The emotional scenes, particularly those highlighting the relationship between mother and children, resonate with audiences, adding a layer of depth to the narrative. The comedic elements, interspersed throughout the film, provide much-needed relief, eliciting laughter and lightening the mood.
Additionally, the film's visual effects enhance the overall viewing experience, bringing to life the supernatural elements depicted in the story. The seamless integration of VFX adds a sense of realism to the fantastical elements, captivating audiences and drawing them further into the world of the film.
In light of these factors, Cinejosh's rating of 2.5 for Baak (Aranmanai 4) seems apt, reflecting the film's ability to entertain while falling short of delivering a truly innovative or groundbreaking cinematic experience.