Chandramukhi was a big hit at the box office and now the sequel, Chandramukhi 2 has come out. Read our review here to know if the film lives up to the hype or not.
Story: Ranganayaki, portrayed by Radhika Sarath Kumar, leads a prominent joint family facing a series of unfortunate events. Seeking a solution, they consult a guru named Rao Ramesh, who advises them to perform a special puja to ward off evil forces. The family selects a nearby temple, situated near the Chandramukhi palace, now owned by Basavayya, played by Vadivelu. They lease the palace, but eerie occurrences soon plague them. As events unfold, they discover that the vengeful spirit of Chandramukhi still resides there, and in comes Madhan(Lawrence) to solve the issue.
Performances: Director P Vasu has managed to handle the pressure on Kangana Ranaut to live up to the legacy of Jyothika, and she delivers a stellar performance. Kangana excels as the malevolent spirit, adding a fresh dimension to the film while looking regal in her costumes. Another highlight is Kangana’s dancing, which is executed superbly. Lawrence’s performance is commendable, particularly in his dual roles, with his royal appearance displaying a hint of Rajinikanth’s charisma.
Technicalities: MM Keeravani’s music and background score are commendable, though some viewers might wish for even more elevated spooky scenes. The cinematography is well done, and the costume design is exceptional. While the screenplay has its standout moments, it doesn’t quite match the excellence of the first installment. The action sequence at the film’s climax between Kangana and Lawrence is executed with finesse, adding depth to the storyline.
Analysis: In Chandramukhi 2, the story has been skillfully adapted to incorporate Kangana Ranaut, capturing the audience’s attention right from the opening scene. The film benefits from the impressive production values of Lyca Productions, evident in every frame. Emotions central to such movies remain intact, contributing to an engaging second half.
The casting choices in Chandramukhi 2 stand out as a remarkable aspect. However, Chandramukhi 2 has some shortcomings. It lacks the same level of thrill that made the original Chandramukhi a hit. Although the film sets up a good atmosphere, director P Vasu doesn’t fully capitalize on spooky elements.
The initial half of the movie feels sluggish and uneventful, only picking up when Kangana’s character is introduced. Yet another major drawback is the comedy by Vadivelu which is old school and quite boring. He eats up most of the screen time and things can get boring when he is on screen.
With the exception of minor alterations to the backstory, the screenplay structure closely mirrors that of the original. While the initial installment effectively constructs tension, this sequel appears to lack any sense of urgency, progressing on a rather monotonous note and giving nothing new to the audience in terms of novelty.
Verdict: Overall, Chandramukhi 2 is nowhere near the first part. Though it has solid performances from Kangana and Lawrence, the film is low on thrills and has issues with the screenplay. The ones who are eager to see what P Vasu has in store in the second part can give this film a shot but there is nothing new that is being showcased here.
Rating: 1.5/5
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