Starring: Raghava Lawrence, Kangana Ranaut, Vadivelu, Mahima Nambiar, Radhika Sarathkumar, Lakshmi Menon, Rao Ramesh, and others
Director: P. Vasu
Producer: Subhaskaran
Music Director: M.M. Keeravani
Chandramukhi is renowned as one of the best-ever horror genre films, and P. Vasu has returned with its sequel, Chandramukhi 2. This sequel stars Raghava Lawrence and Kangana Ranaut in pivotal roles and has garnered substantial pre-release buzz. Now, it has hit the big screens. Let’s delve into how it fares.
Story:
A wealthy family, led by Radhika Sarathkumar, grappling with numerous issues seeks advice from Rao Ramesh to perform prayers to their family deity. The temple for these prayers is located near Vettaiya’s palace, which is leased to Radhika’s family by Basavaiah (Vadivelu). Unbeknownst to them, the palace harbors the malevolent spirit of Chandramukhi. What challenges does Radhika’s family face? How is Madhan (Lawrence) connected to their plight? What are Chandramukhi’s intentions? Chandramukhi 2 holds the answers to these intriguing questions.
Plus Points:
National Award-winning actress Kangana Ranaut delivers a standout performance as Chandramukhi. She effortlessly embodies the character and delivers a stunning portrayal. Her captivating screen presence and remarkable dance sequences add to the film’s allure.
The movie’s strengths include the polished backstory of Chandramukhi. With Kangana stepping into the titular role, the filmmakers have made some creative adjustments to the original story. The drama in the second half is engaging, and Lawrence impressively portrays the Vettaiyan role with conviction.
The climactic action sequence between Kangana and Lawrence is expertly choreographed, showcasing both actors’ intensity. Several emotional scenes also resonate with the audience, and Lakshmi Menon’s surprising role is well-executed.
Minus Points:
Chandramukhi 2’s primary shortcoming is its lack of thrilling moments. The fundamental elements of horror, such as a spooky atmosphere and genuine scares, are conspicuously absent. These essential elements are noticeably missing in this sequel.
The film leans heavily on drama at the expense of thrills, which may disappoint fans of the franchise seeking a more intense horror experience. The first half feels disjointed, featuring random scenes that fail to contribute to the overall narrative.
Vadivelu’s character relies on clichés and employs outdated, over-the-top comedy that can be grating for the audience. Additionally, the poorly developed love track adds to the film’s drawbacks. Retaining the original ‘Vaarai’ track might have been a better choice, as the new version lacks impact.
Apart from minor tweaks in the backstory, the screenplay closely follows the format of the original film. While the first installment built tension effectively, this sequel lacks urgency and often feels flat. Trimming some sections in the first half could have improved the pacing.
Verdict:
On the whole, Chandramukhi 2 offers a mixed experience, with the second half performing better than the first. The altered backstory adds a fresh twist, and Kangana Ranaut’s remarkable performance steals the spotlight. Raghava Lawrence also makes his presence felt in the king’s role. However, the film falls short of delivering the expected thrills in a horror flick. The excessive and sometimes nonsensical comedy, along with a disjointed first half, are notable drawbacks. Chandramukhi 2 is not a bad film, but it lacks the memorability of its predecessor, making it a passable watch.