Rajni fans should be ecstatic. After the debacle of Baba, this film should bring him back to the pinnacle of his profession. Personally, I found it refreshing. Chandramukhi is a good entertaining film, although stolen from a Malayalam movie. ;) Having seen this, I want to now see the Malayalam original, directed by Fazil and starring Mohanlal and Shobana. Jyothika plays Shobana's version in the Tamil film and would she win a national award like Shobana did?
Rajni takes the mantle of Dr.Saravanan, a psychiatrist who returns to India from the US. I liked the beginning sequences - the titling apparently done by Soundarya Rajnikanth's "Ochre Animations" grab you right away. There had to be a fight/action Matrix-like sequence even before Rajni meets the other protagonists of the film, but hey, the masses have to be satisfied, right?? Another scene that touched me was the way Rajni paid homage to Chevalier Shivaji - that was a great touch to show that the real superstar may be gone but never forgotten in the field and world that he ruled and commanded.
The actual story starts when Senthil(Prabhu) and Ganga (Jyothika) moved into a house haunted by the malicious spirit of Chandramukhi, a danseuse in olden times in the court of the evil King Vettaiyan. Vettaiyan lusted after Chandramukhi who was in love with a fellow dancer (Vineeth). Angered by their public affection, Vettaiyan beheads Vineeth's character and burns Chandramukhi on the spot. The palatial mansion becomes haunted by her vengeful ghost. Saravanan, Senthil's foster brother, is then roped in to help solve the mystery.
I have to be frank and admit that I enjoyed the film even with its sometimes masala, illogical moments. I enjoy any ghost film without the gore and this was a new film for Rajni. To me however, the person who stood out was Jyothika. Her transition from a bubbly, happy Ganga to a malevolent, angry Chandramukhi leaves you speechless, and makes the hairs stand. As for Rajni, I was astounded when he became the evil king Vettaiyan. This was the old Rajni from KB's school - the villain who sends chills with a sneer, a smile and a glance. I loved, just loved the last 30 minutes of the film.
Prabhu was peripheral. Vadivelu was annoying, the comedy was a waste of time. Nasser was also wasted. I hate to see good actors like Nasser do unnecessary roles - anyone could have done it. Nayantara was another peripheral. I did not understand what Sheela was doing there. Vijayakumar did not make any impact at all. I was happy to see K.R. Vijaya again and she really should have been given a meatier role.
Music wise, it is all right. Not as good as Muthu and not as fantastic as Annamalai.
I think Chandramukhi is worth watching a few times just for the last part. But honestly, Rajni should follow Amitabh's footsteps and take Grand Old Man roles in a dignified manner. Cavorting with 20 year olds are becoming ridiculous.
Rajni takes the mantle of Dr.Saravanan, a psychiatrist who returns to India from the US. I liked the beginning sequences - the titling apparently done by Soundarya Rajnikanth's "Ochre Animations" grab you right away. There had to be a fight/action Matrix-like sequence even before Rajni meets the other protagonists of the film, but hey, the masses have to be satisfied, right?? Another scene that touched me was the way Rajni paid homage to Chevalier Shivaji - that was a great touch to show that the real superstar may be gone but never forgotten in the field and world that he ruled and commanded.
The actual story starts when Senthil(Prabhu) and Ganga (Jyothika) moved into a house haunted by the malicious spirit of Chandramukhi, a danseuse in olden times in the court of the evil King Vettaiyan. Vettaiyan lusted after Chandramukhi who was in love with a fellow dancer (Vineeth). Angered by their public affection, Vettaiyan beheads Vineeth's character and burns Chandramukhi on the spot. The palatial mansion becomes haunted by her vengeful ghost. Saravanan, Senthil's foster brother, is then roped in to help solve the mystery.
I have to be frank and admit that I enjoyed the film even with its sometimes masala, illogical moments. I enjoy any ghost film without the gore and this was a new film for Rajni. To me however, the person who stood out was Jyothika. Her transition from a bubbly, happy Ganga to a malevolent, angry Chandramukhi leaves you speechless, and makes the hairs stand. As for Rajni, I was astounded when he became the evil king Vettaiyan. This was the old Rajni from KB's school - the villain who sends chills with a sneer, a smile and a glance. I loved, just loved the last 30 minutes of the film.
Prabhu was peripheral. Vadivelu was annoying, the comedy was a waste of time. Nasser was also wasted. I hate to see good actors like Nasser do unnecessary roles - anyone could have done it. Nayantara was another peripheral. I did not understand what Sheela was doing there. Vijayakumar did not make any impact at all. I was happy to see K.R. Vijaya again and she really should have been given a meatier role.
Music wise, it is all right. Not as good as Muthu and not as fantastic as Annamalai.
I think Chandramukhi is worth watching a few times just for the last part. But honestly, Rajni should follow Amitabh's footsteps and take Grand Old Man roles in a dignified manner. Cavorting with 20 year olds are becoming ridiculous.