Picture this: it’s 2005, and back then, you could fill up your gas tank for just ₹40. Going to the movies was a treat, and a tub of popcorn didn’t break the bank. That’s the year Rajinikanth’s movie, “Chandramukhi,” hit the big screen. While fans of the original Malayalam version, “Manichitrathazhu,” voiced their complaints, Tamil audiences couldn’t get enough of it.
They laughed at Vadivelu’s antics, grooved to ‘Devuda Devuda,’ and chuckled as Rajinikanth casually chewed bubble gum and munched on biscuits. “Enna koduma Saravanan idhu?”—a famous line from the film—became part of everyday conversations. In Chennai’s Shanti Theatre, the movie played for a jaw-dropping 888 days straight!
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A Glimpse into 2023: The Return of Chandramukhi
Now, fast forward to 2023, a year when India had its moonshot moment with Chandrayaan-3. In this futuristic setting, the moon-faced enchantress, Chandramukhi, is making a comeback. Director P Vasu is still steering the ship, but Rajinikanth has passed the torch to Raghava Lawrence. Thankfully, Vasu doesn’t waste any time setting the stage. He plunges us right into the story: a family is dealing with a truckload of problems, and they’re stumped about what to do. They live in a mansion as grand as the one we saw in Vijay’s “Varisu” earlier that year. But despite the luxury, there are issues. A wise man believes it’s because the family hasn’t visited their ancestral temple for ages.
A Palace, A Curse, and a Hero: The Plot Unfolds
So, they decide to go on a trip and stay in a palace nearby—the same one that was a big deal in the first movie. And just like that, the familiar vibes of “Chandramukhi” return. Enter Pandian (Raghava Lawrence), who makes a jaw-dropping entrance by riding his bike straight into a bus and saving two kids held hostage inside without a scratch. Impressive, right?
Pandian’s Enigmatic Connection – Pandian’s connection to the troubled family is a bit fuzzy at first, but he quickly becomes one of them and jumps into action to solve their problems. There are spooky things happening in the mansion, and the temple they plan to visit seems cursed. Can Pandian fix it all?
A Rollercoaster of Emotions – To get the answers, you’ll have to watch the movie. But, just like the 2005 original, this one follows a pattern: creepy scenes followed by happy ones. It’s like a rollercoaster of emotions. Vadivelu, the funnyman, is back and goofier than ever, especially after his serious role in “Maamannan.” There are two scenes where he chats with Pandian, and they’re sure to make you smile if you watched the original in theaters.
Raghava Lawrence: The Dancer and Hero
In “Chandramukhi 2,” Raghava Lawrence proves he can dance like a champ, whether it’s a fast number or a traditional folk dance. But in the first half, he’s a bit low-key, trying to channel his inner Rajinikanth.
There’s also a weird issue with his lip sync, like his words and actions aren’t quite in sync. But don’t worry; he redeems himself in the second half with some incredible moves and acting. Maybe he should do more of this in future films.
Kangana Ranaut: The Limited Yet Shining Star
Kangana Ranaut, on the other hand, doesn’t have much to do except sing a few songs and show off her dance moves. Lakshmi Menon and Radhikaa do their parts well in the story. Director P Vasu, the brains behind the original, doesn’t mess with what worked before.
The music even brings back the catchy ‘RaRa’ tune, and they revisit the famous ‘Enna Koduma saravanan…’ moment. MM Keeravani’s music and sounds transport us to a different time, a welcome change from the usual Anirudh-dominated tunes in Tamil cinema.
A Nostalgic Journey Through Cinema
Despite “Chandramukhi 2” feeling a bit predictable and familiar, there’s still a mix of things to enjoy. You’ve got powerful music, spooky ghostly encounters, and even epic battle scenes from history. But deep down, the story is a modern retelling of Rajinikanth and Jyotika’s blockbuster from 18 years ago—a nostalgia trip through the world of cinema.