Title: Chandramukhi 2
Starring: Raghava Lawrence, Kangana Ranaut, Vadivelu, Radhika Sarath Kumar, Mahima Nambiar, Lakshmi Menon etc.
Production Company: Lyca Productions
Producer: Subashkaran
Director: P. Vasu
Music: Keeravani
Cinematography: RD Rajasekhar
Release Date: September 28, 2023
It is known that Superstar Rajinikanth’s Chandramukhi (2005) was a blockbuster at that time. Jyothika’s performance as Chandramukhi scared many. Chandramukhi is still the best horror film for many people. A sequel to such a hit movie usually raises expectations. Ever since the announcement of the movie, Chandramukhi 2 has created hype. In addition to that, Rajinikanth’s disciple Raghava Lawrence is playing the role of a teacher. Bollywood’s queen Kangana as Chandramukhi has increased expectations on ‘Chandramukhi 2’. The film hit the screens on Thursday (September 28) amid huge expectations. And how is it? Let’s see how much Kangana scared as Chandramukhi in the review.
The story is..
Ranganayaki’s (Radhika Sarathkumar) family faces unexpected dangers. So she meets Swamiji (Rao Ramesh). He says that if all the family members perform pooja together in the Kuladaivam temple, all the sins will be removed. With this, she goes to Vetayapuram with her brothers and their children. Even the children of Prema’s daughter married for love have to be brought for pooja. Madan (Raghava Lawrence) who is the guardian of the children goes to that village. They all get down at Chandramukhi Palace.
The owner of that house, Basavayya (Vadivelu), shows the entire building and warns him not to go south. But some go south along with Ranganayaka’s niece Gayatri. What happened after that? What is the real background of Chandramukhi (Kangana Ranaut)? How did Sengotayya (Lawrence) become Vetaiyaraja? What is the grudge between Vetaiyaraj and Chandramukhi? Who among Ranganayaki’s family members did Chandramukhi adopt? What was the sacrifice made by Madan along with Swamiji to remove Chandramukhi from her? How did Chandramukhi’s soul finally leave this world? That is the rest of the story.
How is it..
After listening to the story, Chandramukhi’s movie turned in front of your eyes! That is true. While watching the movie, the image of Chandramukhi is visible. Only the roles change. From the introduction of the hero to the climax, everything is like Chandramukhi. The hero’s entry with a fight scene.. and then coming to the palace.. facing insults there.. the hero liking a poor girl next to the palace.. same to same first half goes like Chandramukhi. But if there is anything new..it is bringing in the spirit of the hunter.
The director starts the movie by telling about the mistake of Ranganayaki’s family. After that he introduced the hero with a fight scene. The story goes on interestingly till the entire Ranganayaki family reaches Chandramukhi Palace. After entering the palace, every scene feels like ‘Chandramukhi’. Moreover, it moves slowly and is boring. Vadivelu comedy has not worked out. In many places, his scenes seem stretched. As in the first part, Manobala makes an entry as the thief Baba. But that scene in Part-1 is very funny. But if you look here.. not only you don’t laugh but you get bored. The scene showing who is possessed by Chandramukhi is a bit scary. This is how the first half goes as a routine.
After the interval, the whole story goes into flash back. The pace of the story picks up after the entry of Vetiya Raju’s character. Sengotaya’s twist is good. Chandramukhi’s lover coming to Gunasekhar’s palace.. it is seen by Vetaiya Raju.. all this goes on in part 1. The fight scene between Lawrence and Kangana in the climax is impressive. It is strange that the climax is also like ‘Chandramukhi’. At the end, they gave a small lead that there will be part 3 and concluded.
Who did it?
When we say Chandramukhi, the characters of Rajinikanth and Jyothika revolve before our eyes. Andala lived in their roles. Even if Lawrence and Kangana were not pleased at that level, they tried to do justice. Lawrence is not new to a role like Madan, but this is the first time he is acting in a character like Vetaiyaraju. However, he impressed with his performance.
And Kangana became moon-faced. But Kangana could not scare Jyothika. This is the director’s fault. In the action scene coming in Kymax, she acted in competition with Lawrence. Radhika Sarathkumar as Ranganayak seems to be fine. As Basavayya, the owner of Chandramukhi Palace, he tried to smile. But it didn’t work out. Rao Ramesh as Swamiji, Chandramukhi played the role of a young woman and the rest of the actors acted within the scope of their roles.
As far as technical matters are concerned, it is unbelievable that Oscar award winner Keeravani has provided the music for this film. Along with the songs, the BGM is also very poor. Not a single song is memorable. Cinematography and visual effects are okay. The editor needs to give his scissors more work. It feels stretched in many places especially on the first stop. They should be cut more crispy. The production value of Lyca company is below the level of the film.
