Chandramukhi (2005)

Fantastic!

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The important thing which was in this film is the screenplay, when it was compared with its Malayalam "Manichitrathal" this tends to be more technical and costlier. Jyotika has done a very good role which will be her milestone in her career. And for P. Vasu this will be a greatest ever film he made and succeeded with a great hit of this movie. Music was interactive with every scene and Vadivelu comedy is excellent. For Rajinikanth this movie will be the recent benchmark and all his future movies are compared that "Was this film was better than Chandramukhi?" choreography is good in the climax song and the performance of Jyothika is very well supported by Vineeth.

This is a far better movie of Rajinikanth. I think the cast and music is very good compared to other movies of the time. The comment i saw hasn't done any justice to the movie or the cast.I think Jyothia was suitable for this role. Especially the costumes were adorable. Regarding Ranjinikanth's makeup...please he is old, that is the best he can do...but still i think overall he scores credit for that.I can assure that this movie is far better than the Malayam version of the same. Overall this movie is sheer fun and a great family entertainment. But i really don't see any significant role for Nayanthara. They could have gone for a better looking heroine for sure. But i really enjoyed this movie.

This is probably Rajini's worst movie ever.Nothing about this movie is worth writing about.The original version in Malayalam was far better and this one is a real insult on the Malyalam version.Rajni's make-up was awful jyothika was an embarrassment to say the least.Her dancing ,make-up ,expressions were all silly and makes u laugh.The role simply didn't suit her and they shud have chose someone better.Have no clue why they chose her when there are far better heroines .Vadivel's comedy was the only saving grace.Vidyasagar's music was mediocre.One really wonders how this movie became such an hit. Hope Rajini comes up with something better in Sivaji.Very Very disappointing

Rajni fans should be ecstatic. After the debacle of Baba, this film should bring him back to the pinnacle of his profession. Personally, I found it refreshing. Chandramukhi is a good entertaining film, although stolen from a Malayalam movie. ;) Having seen this, I want to now see the Malayalam original, directed by Fazil and starring Mohanlal and Shobana. Jyothika plays Shobana's version in the Tamil film and would she win a national award like Shobana did? Rajni takes the mantle of Dr.Saravanan, a psychiatrist who returns to India from the US. I liked the beginning sequences - the titling apparently done by Soundarya Rajnikanth's "Ochre Animations" grab you right away. There had to be a fight/action Matrix-like sequence even before Rajni meets the other protagonists of the film, but hey, the masses have to be satisfied, right?? Another scene that touched me was the way Rajni paid homage to Chevalier Shivaji - that was a great touch to show that the real superstar may be gone but never forgotten in the field and world that he ruled and commanded.The actual story starts when Senthil(Prabhu) and Ganga (Jyothika) moved into a house haunted by the malicious spirit of Chandramukhi, a danseuse in olden times in the court of the evil King Vettaiyan. Vettaiyan lusted after Chandramukhi who was in love with a fellow dancer (Vineeth). Angered by their public affection, Vettaiyan beheads Vineeth's character and burns Chandramukhi on the spot. The palatial mansion becomes haunted by her vengeful ghost. Saravanan, Senthil's foster brother, is then roped in to help solve the mystery.I have to be frank and admit that I enjoyed the film even with its sometimes masala, illogical moments. I enjoy any ghost film without the gore and this was a new film for Rajni. To me however, the person who stood out was Jyothika. Her transition from a bubbly, happy Ganga to a malevolent, angry Chandramukhi leaves you speechless, and makes the hairs stand. As for Rajni, I was astounded when he became the evil king Vettaiyan. This was the old Rajni from KB's school - the villain who sends chills with a sneer, a smile and a glance. I loved, just loved the last 30 minutes of the film.Prabhu was peripheral. Vadivelu was annoying, the comedy was a waste of time. Nasser was also wasted. I hate to see good actors like Nasser do unnecessary roles - anyone could have done it. Nayantara was another peripheral. I did not understand what Sheela was doing there. Vijayakumar did not make any impact at all. I was happy to see K.R. Vijaya again and she really should have been given a meatier role.Music wise, it is all right. Not as good as Muthu and not as fantastic as Annamalai.I think Chandramukhi is worth watching a few times just for the last part. But honestly, Rajni should follow Amitabh's footsteps and take Grand Old Man roles in a dignified manner. Cavorting with 20 year olds are becoming ridiculous.