Movie Review: Chandramukhi- 2

Pakka Telugu Rating : 2.5/5

Cast : Raghava Lawrence, Kangana Ranaut, Vadivelu, Lakshmi Menon, Mahima Nambiar, Radhika Sarath Kumar, Vignesh, Ravi Maria, Shristhi Dange, Shubhiksha, YG Mahendran, Rao Ramesh, Sai Ayyappan, Suresh Menon , Shatru, T.M. Karthik

Director : P. Vasu

Music Director : MM Keeravani

Release Date : 28/09/2023

Pakka Telugu Rating : 2.5/5

Cast : Raghava Lawrence, Kangana Ranaut, Vadivelu, Lakshmi Menon, Mahima Nambiar, Radhika Sarath Kumar, Vignesh, Ravi Maria, Shristhi Dange, Shubhiksha, YG Mahendran, Rao Ramesh, Sai Ayyappan, Suresh Menon , Shatru, T.M. Karthik

Director : P. Vasu

Music Director : MM Keeravani

Release Date : 28/09/2023

Superstar Rajinikanth and Jyotika set a benchmark with the film “Chandramukhi.” Now, after seventeen years, director P. Vasu has returned with its sequel. Released on September 28 amid high expectations, let’s explore how this movie has resonated with the audience.

Story:

The family of Ranganayaki (Radhika Sarath Kumar) has been grappling with unforeseen problems for some time. Seeking a solution, Swamiji (Rao Ramesh) advises the family to seek the blessings of their caste deity in a temple. However, there’s a catch: they must also reconcile with the children of their daughter who had previously fallen in love with someone from a different religion.

Madan (Raghava Lawrence), acting as their guardian, accompanies them on this journey. It’s at this point that the real story unfolds. The Chandramukhi Palace, once a prominent structure in the Chandramukhi area, stands near their ancestral temple. However, it no longer has owners, and only Basavayya (Vadivelu) resides there. Ranganayaki’s family moves into this house, but Basavayya imposes certain conditions. He advises against going to the southern part of the house, but as is often the case when warned not to do something, some members of the family venture into the southern section. It’s here that the ghostly presence of Chandramukhi (Kangana Ranaut) makes her entry, taking possession of Radhika’s daughter, Divya (Lakshmi Menon). Chandramukhi’s presence becomes a pivotal element in the story.

Simultaneously, the spirit of Vetaiya, also known as Singotaiya (Raghava Lawrence), takes control of Madan. This sets the stage for a series of consequential events. The narrative also introduces Vettaya Raju, played by another Raghava Lawrence, and delves into the mysterious past between them. The movie raises questions about whether Chandramukhi seeks revenge on Vettaya Raja this time, and if so, what fuels her anger. It leaves open the possibility that any grudges may be concealed, possibly for exploration in a future sequel. To uncover the answers, one must watch the movie.

Story Analysis:

Seventeen years ago, Chandramukhi attempted to seek revenge on Vettaya Raja by opening the doors of her captivity, but her efforts were unsuccessful. Now, after all these years, she has returned with a vengeance. However, a girl who unintentionally invoked Chandramukhi exhibited similar behavior and created chaos. Now, the real Chandramukhi has reemerged in the story. This is the premise set by director P. Vasu. At its core, the storyline revolves around the familiar theme of trying to rid a bungalow of the ghostly presence of Chandramukhi, which may seem straightforward. However, Chandramukhi’s sequel infuses a unique aura into this narrative. The director, P. Vasu, who also helmed the original, brings his distinctive touch to the story.

When viewed as a Chandramukhi sequel, it may not offer as much novelty, as it closely follows the established storyline. However, it’s important to remember that just as you can’t view someone else with Rajinikanth’s eyes, you can’t see Lawrence in the same light as Rajinikanth in that role.

The most significant challenge is that Rajinikanth, who starred in the original, is primarily associated with roles vastly different from the psychological horror genre explored in this film. It’s somewhat unexpected for audiences to envision the iconic Rajinikanth in such a storyline. On the contrary, Lawrence has a history of working on ghost-themed serials like Muni and Kanchana, so this type of plot doesn’t appear entirely new for him.

In terms of the screenplay, it may seem somewhat simplistic, especially when compared to the fresh and innovative approach of the original Malayalam version of Chandramukhi. It’s like entering a dusty old building in some ways. Additionally, Chandramukhi’s character doesn’t evoke the same level of fear this time and lacks the charming smile seen in the previous installment. Moreover, the film’s Tamil nativity could potentially hinder its appeal to a wider audience. The climax, while not disappointing, might not leave a strong impact.

Cast performance:

Lawrence appears to be somewhat over-the-top at times, but there are moments when he manages to deliver effectively. Kangana’s portrayal in the horror scenes is remarkable and truly captivating. A few words of note for Radhika, who delivers a notable performance. However, Lakshmi Menon, Mahima Nambiar, and Rao Ramesh’s roles don’t seem to offer them much to work with, and their performances reflect this limitation.

In the technical category:

As a director, P. Vasu attempts to recreate the magic of the past with a blend of horror and comedy, often revisiting scenes reminiscent of that era. However, it seems that the comedy element hasn’t evolved to keep up with the times, and the film relies on dated comedic tropes.

In terms of cinematography, the film excels particularly in capturing the essence of horror scenes, and the graphics are fairly decent. The background music, composed by MM Keeravani, is a strong point of the movie, adding positively to its overall impact. On the downside, the editing could have been more concise, as certain portions of the film could benefit from trimming. In the first half, Subhaskaran’s production values are notably good, contributing to the film’s overall quality.

Plus Points: