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In a surprising turn of events, Aranmanai 4 has defied expectations and entered the prestigious Rs 100-crore club, despite being panned widely. This development comes at a time when Tamil cinema is grappling with a lack of major hits, making the film’s success even more noteworthy.
Aranmanai 4, the latest installment in the popular horror-comedy franchise directed by Sundar C, was anticipated to draw crowds due to its established fan base and star-studded cast, including Tamannaah Bhatia, Raashi Khanna, and Sundar C himself. However, upon release, the movie was met with largely unfavourable reviews, citing a predictable plot, overused comedic tropes, and lackluster special effects.
Kirubhakar Purushothaman of The Indian Express rated the film with one star and wrote, “All such sluggish work (in Aranmanai 4) comes across as a conscious decision as the filmmaker doesn’t want his audience to expend their brain. It is tailormade for Instagram Reels-watching audiences who can simultaneously follow undemanding ‘content’ in their palms and on the big screen.”
Despite the negative reviews, Aranmanai 4 has managed to captivate audiences and achieve impressive box office numbers.
An official poster released by the makers claims that the film has earned Rs 100 crore in 20 days, making it one of the few movies that has managed to reach the feat in Tamil cinema this year. Captain Miller and Ayalaan are the only other films which have managed to mint more than Rs 100 crore, according to reports.
While Telugu and Malayalam film industries are coming up with innovative attempts that yield results, the success of Aranamanai 4, a mindless entertainer, raises several questions about the state of Tamil cinema. Several factors contributed to the film’s success. Firstly, the Aranmanai series has cultivated a loyal following over the years, with audiences appreciating its blend of horror and comedy. Secondly, the genre of horror-comedy continues to have its share of audience in Tamil cinema. Moreover, Sundar C, known for his comedy films, has also pulled in footfalls to theatres.
On top of that, the timing of Aranmanai 4’s release worked in its favour. Tamil cinema has been experiencing a dry spell, with only a few films making a significant impact at the box office. This lack of competition allowed Aranmanai 4 to capture a larger share of the market, drawing in moviegoers eager for new content.
Aranmanai 4’s success despite the reviews highlights an age-old phenomenon in the film industry: box office performance does not always align with critical reception. While reviews shape perceptions, audience preferences, and market dynamics continue to determine a film’s financial fate.
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