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Join UsThe latest addition to the beloved Aranmanai franchise, Baak, is now showing in cinemas. Directed and starring Sundar. C as the lead, with Tamannaah Bhatia and Raashii Khanna in pivotal roles, let’s see how this film measures up. We meet Shiva Shankar (Sundar C), a dedicated lawyer whose world is turned upside down when he discovers that his sister Shivani (Tamannaah) has taken her own life. As if that wasn’t enough, Shivani’s husband also meets a mysterious end in the forest. Unable to come to terms with his sister’s death, Shiva Shankar sets out to uncover the truth behind both deaths. The remainder of the movie follows Shiva Shankar on his quest for answers. Baak stands out from previous films in the Aranmanai franchise thanks to its exceptional technical aspects: stunning visuals, haunting background score, and top-notch production values. No expense was spared for this movie, evident in every frame on screen. The horror elements are executed flawlessly and Hip Hop Tamizha’s background score heightens their impact. The pace picks up after the interval with a series of intriguing events that keep us hooked and eager to.
The two parts are full of thrilling scenes. The plot is seamlessly woven in the latter half. Sundar C delivers a strong performance as the lead character. Despite her short appearance, Tamannaah Bhatia leaves a lasting impression. Raashii Khanna plays her part well. In the Aranmanai series, Baak stands out with its technical finesse. The team has paid careful attention to the visuals, background score, and production values. A hefty budget was invested, evident in every frame on screen. The horror effects are impeccably executed and Hip Hop Tamizha’s background score adds to the terrifying moments. The movie gains momentum before the interval with a string of intriguing events that build anticipation for the rest of the story.
Following the big reveal, the film’s predictability is heavily apparent. The attempt to add emotional depth in the second half results in a slow pace and some unnecessary scenes, including a song that could have been omitted. However, Baak showcases its technical prowess with impressive background score by Hip Hop Tamizha, beautiful cinematography by E. Krishnasamy, and grand production values. Despite this, the editing could have been tighter. While Director Sundar. C’s storytelling is engaging at times, it follows a familiar formula and falls short due to excessive comedy scenes that interrupt the flow of the film. These unnecessary comedic moments only serve to annoy viewers rather than enhance the plot. Although there are successful horror elements incorporated in the serious parts of the story, it gets overshadowed by forced humor in other scenes. Thus, Baak ultimately ends up being an average movie like other installments in the Aranmanai franchise. While it has its strengths in technical aspects, it fails to make an impact due to its unoriginal story and ineffective use of comedy. The second half feels lackluster and the ending could have been improved.
Saravanan (Sundar C), a lawyer, lives with his aunt (Kovai Sarala). One day, he receives news of his eloped sister Selvi’s (Tamannaah Bhatia) passing, following the death of her husband. Devastated by the loss, Saravanan travels to Kovur to look after his sister’s children. However, as he delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding Selvi’s death, he realizes that there may be more to the story than initially believed. To uncover the truth about his sister and her husband’s demise, Saravanan seeks assistance from local doctor Maya (Raashii Khanna) and the villagers. After viewing all three parts of ‘Aranmanai’, there isn’t much originality in terms of the plot and structure. The fourth installment introduces us to Baak, a spirit who both consumes flesh and can change forms. The horror-comedy follows the familiar ‘good versus evil’ formula, with two spirits battling for different motives. Unfortunately, the initial half is laborious to endure, as neither the scares nor the humor are effective. Kovai Sarala’s shrill voice only adds to the annoyance. As anticipated, numerous comedians such as Yogi Babu, VTV Ganesh, Motta Rajendran, and late actor Seshu attempt to bring laughter. However, their stale jokes have an adverse effect. It takes ‘Aranmanai 4’ quite a while to get into its storytelling, which is problematic. By the time we become invested in it, we’re already rolling our eyes at the absurdity on screen. In the final act, director Sundar C finally hits his stride with ‘Aranmanai 4’. This is when the comedy genuinely succeeds. We’re treated to a reference from ‘The Avengers’ and a surprise cameo that will delight those who grew up in the 90’s .
