Review: ‘Baak’ Offers Routine Horror with Technical Flair
Cast:
Starring: Sundar. C, Tamannaah Bhatia, Raashii Khanna, Kovai Sarala, Vennela Kishore, Sreenivas Reddy
Director: Sundar. C
Producer: Khushbu Sundar
Music Director: Hip Hop Tamizha
Cinematographers: E. Krishnasamy
Editor: Fenny Oliver
Synopsis:
The latest installment in the Aranmanai series, ‘Baak’, helmed by Sundar. C, hits the screens, featuring Sundar. C in the lead role alongside Tamannaah Bhatia and Raashii Khanna. The narrative follows Shiva Shankar, a lawyer, who delves into the mysterious deaths of his sister and her husband, uncovering unsettling truths along the way.
Highlights:
‘Baak’ distinguishes itself within the Aranmanai series through its technical prowess. With meticulous attention to visuals, sound design, and production quality, the film delivers a visually captivating experience. The horror elements are skillfully executed, bolstered by Hip Hop Tamizha’s haunting background score, which amplifies the suspenseful moments.
The storyline gains momentum, particularly in the pre-interval sequences, as a series of compelling events unfold, heightening anticipation. Sundar C’s portrayal as the protagonist is compelling, complemented by impactful performances from Tamannaah Bhatia and Raashii Khanna.
Critiques:
Despite its technical achievements, ‘Baak’ falls prey to the pitfalls of formulaic horror comedies. The inclusion of gratuitous comedy tracks, primarily featuring Vennela Kishore and Sreenivas Reddy, detracts from the film’s overall impact, disrupting the narrative flow. The adherence to a familiar template offers little in terms of innovation, leading to a sense of predictability post the climax reveal.
The film’s attempt to infuse emotional depth results in pacing issues, particularly in the second half, where the narrative loses momentum. Additionally, the concluding song feels unnecessary, prolonging the runtime unnecessarily. While the technical aspects shine, the editing could have been tighter to alleviate pacing concerns.
Director Sundar. C’s narrative oscillates between engaging horror and jarring comedy, hindering the film’s cohesion. A more judicious approach to balancing these elements could have enhanced the viewing experience and mitigated the impact of the routine storyline.
Verdict:
Despite its technical polish, ‘Baak’ succumbs to the trappings of its genre, offering a formulaic narrative peppered with uneven comedic interludes. While horror enthusiasts may appreciate its visual splendor, the film’s reliance on clichés and superfluous scenes diminishes its overall appeal. ‘Baak’ ultimately emerges as a middling addition to the Aranmanai franchise, failing to leave a lasting impression amidst its technical flourishes.