Aranmanai 4 box office collection Day 1: Did mixed reviews for Sundar C’s horror drama affect its opening?

Sundar C's directorial horror drama Aranmanai 4, which was released on May 3, has been receiving good responses from audiences despite mixed reviews from critics. The film, starring Tamannaah Bhatia and Raashii Khanna, has managed to get impressive numbers on its opening day, fulfilling Tamil Nadu’s dire need for a commercial movie in theatres. Amid Kollywood’s dull theatrical releases, with non-Tamil films dominating the box office, Sundar C’s horror drama is being seen as rescuing Kollywood. Here's how much the horror drama collected on Day 1 of its release:

Aranmanai 4 box office: Movie makes Rs 3 crore on Day 1

According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the fourth installment of the popular horror series impressed with its numbers on the first day. Aranmanai 4 earned approximately Rs 3.6 crore on its opening day across all states in India. Reports reveal that the film had an average Tamil and Telugu occupancy of 36.04%. Initially scheduled to be released alongside Vishal’s Rathnam in April, the release of Aranmanai 4 was postponed, which seems to be a good move as it is making the most of being a solo commercial release. 

Also read: Aranmanai 4 Movie Review: Sundar C retells the same story for the fourth time!

Going by the average reception for Tovino Thomas’ Malayalam film Nadikar in Tamil Nadu, Aranmanai 4 has benefited from not competing directly with a Malayalam film, unlike earlier Tamil releases in 2024. Sivakarthikeyan-backed children’s film Kurangu Pedal was released alongside Aranmanai 4, but Sundar C's horror film is expected to be the box office winner due to its commercial elements, which Kollywood cinephiles have been craving. 

Sundar C on making Aranmanai 5

Recently, director Sundar C opened up about the possibility of continuing the horror drama film series with a fifth installment. The director feels that Aranmanai 5 depends on the success of Aranmanai 4. “The destiny of Aranmanai 5 lies solely on the success of Aranmanai 4. All of the films in the franchise are standalone movies, not continuations of the previous parts. Only the title remains the same; the stories are all different. So, let's see how Aranmanai 4 does,” the director revealed. 

Headlined by Tamannaah Bhatia, Aranmanai 4 revolves around a family that moves into a haunted bungalow. The horror drama centres around Sundar C’s character, who is a lawyer from Chennai. His sister is played by actor Tamannaah, who, along with her family, shifts to an eerie bungalow. However, after her husband dies under mysterious circumstances, she dies by suicide, and it is up to Sundar C's character to unravel the mystery surrounding their deaths.