Chandramukhi 2 Online Movie Review: The Chandramukhi sequel retains all the beloved elements of the 2005 Rajinikanth-Jyotika blockbuster directed by P Vasu, but unfortunately, it feels predictable and superficial.
Back in 2005, when petrol prices were affordable, and popcorn was still a treat at cinemas, Rajinikanth’s Chandramukhi was released. Tamil audiences adored Vadivelu’s comedic acting, danced to the catchy tune of ‘Devuda Devuda,’ and watched Rajinikanth amuse them by flicking bubble gum and biscuits. The film was a success, screening for 888 consecutive days at Chennai’s Shanti Theatre.
Fast forward to 2023, and the moon-faced girl (Chandramukhi) returns after India’s successful conquest of the moon via Chandrayaan-3. P Vasu directs again, but this time, Raghava Lawrence replaces Rajinikanth. The film follows a family with multiple problems who decide to visit their ancestral temple. Pandian (Raghava Lawrence) has a vague connection to the family and joins them on their trip.
The movie follows a similar template to the 2005 original, with scenes of both happiness and spookiness. Vadivelu’s comedic character provides a smile to the audience’s face. Raghava Lawrence showcases his dance skills in fast and slow folk numbers, but his performance is lacking in the first half. Kangana Ranaut’s role is limited to singing and dancing, while Lakshmi Menon and Radhika play their expected roles.
Despite the predictability and superficiality of the film, some aspects are still entertaining. The music and sounds transport the audience back to a different time, which is refreshing in today’s Tamil cinema soundscape dominated by Anirudh. However, the story is merely a modern retelling of Rajinikanth and Jyotika’s blockbuster from 18 years ago. The Chandramukhi sequel encompasses all the elements associated with the 2005 Rajinikanth-Jyotika blockbuster directed by P Vasu, but the film’s superficiality and predictability are evident throughout.
In 2005, when petrol prices were still affordable at cinema halls, Rajinikanth’s Chandramukhi hit the screens. While fans of the Malayalam original, Manichitrathazhu, were disappointed, Tamil audiences loved it. They enjoyed Vadivelu’s comedic acting, danced to ‘Devuda Devuda,’ and watched Rajinikanth’s flick bubble gum and biscuits. “Enna koduma Saravanan idhu?” a dialogue from the film, became a part of everyday conversations. The movie screened for 888 days straight at Chennai’s Shanti Theatre.
In 2023, a year when India conquered the moon through Chandrayaan-3, the moon-faced girl (Chandramukhi) made a comeback. Director P Vasu is still at the helm, but Rajinikanth is replaced with Raghava Lawrence. The film follows a family with multiple problems who decide to visit their ancestral temple. Their lavish house has issues, and a learned man suggests they visit their kuladeivam.
They stay nearby at a palace featured in the first installment, and the familiar beats of Chandramukhi return. Pandian (Raghava Lawrence) gets an incredulous opening sequence, where he rescues two children from a bus without a scratch. Pandian has a vague connection to the family but soon becomes a part of them and helps solve their problems. The temple they want to visit has a curse, and the movie follows a template of scenes alternating between happiness and spookiness. Vadivelu’s comedic acting brings a smile to the audience’s faces.
Raghava Lawrence is a talented dancer who showcases his skills in both fast-paced and slow folk numbers. However, in the first half of the film, he lacks presence and only tries out some Rajinikanth mannerisms. Additionally, there is a lip sync issue where a delay occurs between his dialogues and performance. Fortunately, he redeems himself in the second half with his body mannerisms and overall performance. Perhaps he should focus on this aspect more in future films.
Kangana Ranaut’s role in the film is limited to singing a few songs and participating in a couple of dance sequences. Lakshmi Menon and Radhika fulfill their expected roles. Director P Vasu sticks closely to the original template that worked in the first film. The music includes a recreation of the popular ‘RaRa’ song and even features the windows where the now-famous ‘Enna Koduma saravanan…’ dialogue was delivered.
Chandramukhi 2 Online Movie Review
Despite the predictability and superficiality of Chandramukhi 2, audiences can still enjoy thunderous music, entertaining ghosts, and historical war sequences. However, the story is simply a modern take on Rajinikanth and Jyotika’s blockbuster from 18 years ago. More Online Reviews
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