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Chandramukhi, a Tamil-language psychological horror-comedy film, was released on April 14, 2005, during the Tamil New Year. Directed by P. Vasu, the movie is a remake of the Malayalam film “Manichitrathazhu” and features superstar Rajinikanth in the lead role alongside Jyothika, Prabhu, and Nayanthara. With a perfect blend of comedy, suspense, and drama, “Chandramukhi” became a milestone in Tamil cinema. This review explores what makes this film an unforgettable classic.
2. Plot Summary
The story unfolds in a grand ancestral mansion that is believed to be haunted. Senthil (Prabhu) and his wife Ganga (Jyothika) move into the house despite warnings of its dark history. Soon, mysterious events start occurring, hinting at the presence of a supernatural entity. Dr. Saravanan (Rajinikanth), a psychiatrist and friend of the family, steps in to unravel the mystery. As the layers of the plot unfold, the audience is taken on a rollercoaster ride of fear, laughter, and revelations. The movie’s intriguing narrative keeps viewers hooked till the climactic twist.
3. What’s Good?
Rajinikanth’s Star Power:
Rajinikanth’s performance as Dr. Saravanan is a major highlight of the film. His charisma and comic timing add a unique flavor to the narrative, making the character both entertaining and impactful.
Jyothika’s Stellar Performance:
Jyothika delivers one of her career-best performances as Ganga, especially during the emotionally intense scenes. Her portrayal of a woman torn between reality and illusion is both gripping and haunting.
Music and Background Score:
Vidyasagar’s music and the haunting background score elevate the movie’s eerie atmosphere. Songs like “Raa Raa” and “Konja Neram” remain iconic even today.
Cinematography and Art Direction:
Sekhar V. Joseph’s cinematography beautifully captures the grandeur of the mansion and its ominous vibe. The art direction ensures every frame contributes to the mysterious aura of the story.
Engaging Screenplay:
P. Vasu’s direction and screenplay strike a fine balance between horror, comedy, and drama. The movie seamlessly transitions between lighthearted moments and intense sequences.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- The combination of horror and comedy appeals to a wide audience.
- Powerful performances from the lead cast, especially Rajinikanth and Jyothika.
- A well-paced narrative with an unforgettable climax.
- Strong technical aspects, including music and cinematography.
Weaknesses:
- Some comedic sequences, while entertaining, occasionally disrupt the narrative’s suspense.
- The supernatural elements might feel exaggerated to some viewers.
- Minor pacing issues in the second half, with a few scenes feeling repetitive.
5. Target Audience
“Chandramukhi” caters to a broad spectrum of viewers. Families will enjoy its light-hearted comedy and drama, while fans of psychological thrillers and horror will appreciate its intriguing narrative. Rajinikanth’s followers will undoubtedly relish his energetic performance, and Jyothika’s compelling portrayal ensures that it appeals to audiences who enjoy emotionally charged roles.
6. Box Office Details
Budget: “Chandramukhi” was made on a budget of approximately ₹15 crores.
Worldwide Collection: The film was a massive success, grossing over ₹92 crores globally, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of its time.
Day-wise Earnings:
- Day 1: ₹8 crores (India: ₹7 crores, Overseas: ₹1 crore)
- Day 2: ₹7 crores (India: ₹6 crores, Overseas: ₹1 crore)
- Day 3: ₹6.5 crores (India: ₹5.5 crores, Overseas: ₹1 crore)
- Day 4: ₹6 crores (India: ₹5 crores, Overseas: ₹1 crore)
- Day 5: ₹5.5 crores (India: ₹5 crores, Overseas: ₹0.5 crore)
The film’s remarkable performance at the box office reaffirmed Rajinikanth’s enduring appeal and the universal charm of the story.
7. Recommendation
“Chandramukhi” is a masterpiece that effortlessly blends horror, comedy, and drama into a captivating cinematic experience. With outstanding performances, a gripping storyline, and a touch of supernatural intrigue, it’s a film that continues to resonate with audiences. Highly recommended for those seeking an engaging and memorable watch.
Genres:
Comedy, Drama, Horror
Rating:
6.9/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Jyothika | Ganga / Chandramukhi |
| Rajinikanth | Dr. Saravanan / Vettaiyan Raja |
| Prabhu | Senthilnathan |
| Nassar | Kandaswamy |
| Vadivelu | Murugesan |
| Avinash | Ramachandra Acharya |
| Nayanthara | Durga |
| Vineeth Radhakrishnan | Viswanathan / Gunashekaran |
| Vijayakumar | Durga’s Grandfather |
| Sheela | Akilandeswari |
| K R Vijaya | Senthilnathan’s Mother |
| Suvarna Mathew | Swarna |
| Malavika | Priya |
| Vinaya Prasad | Lakshmi Kandaswamy |
| Manobala | Exorcist |
| Sonu Sood | Oomayan |
| Thiyagu | Kumar |
| Mohan Raj | Senthilnathan’s work opponent |
| Madhan Bob | Car Owner |
| T. P. Gajendran | Senthilnathan’s assistant |
| Sujibala | Kandaswamy’s youngest daughter |
| Unnikrishnan Namboothiri | The temple priest |
| Ramkumar Ganesan | Self |
| P. Vasu | Self |
| Pondy Ravi | Engineer |
| Sudha | Ganga’s Mother |
| Periya Karuppu Thevar | |
| Thalapathi Dinesh |
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